Cefprozil (Cefzil) Drug for Infection: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Cefprozil
(Cefzil, United States and Canada)

Use:

Cefprozil or Cefzil is a cephalosporin antibiotic used in bacterial infections that are susceptible. It has a broad spectrum of activity, and is available both as an injection and as oral tablets.
Cephalosporin antibiotics are classified in "generation" according to their antibacterial activity: first generation - cefadroxil, cefazolin, cephalexin, cephalothin, cephapirin, cephradine; second generation - cefaclor, cefamandole, cefmetazole, cefonicid, ceforanide, cefotetan, cefoxitin, Cefprozil or Cefzil, cefuroxime, loracarbef; third generation - cefixime, cefoperazone, cefotaxime, cefpodoxime, ceftazidime, ceftizoxime, ceftriaxone.

How It Works:

Cefprozil or Cefzil inhibits bacterial cell wall formation and the bacteria dies.

Side Effects:

Cefprozil or Cefzil can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, and fever.

Cautions for People:

Because there is a cross sensitivity with penicillins, people who are allergic to penicillin should use Cefprozil or Cefzil, and all cephalosporins, carefully.

Drug Interactions:

As with all antibiotics and in combination with other antibiotics, Cefprozil or Cefzil has the ability to cause bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Further Reading:

Ped Infect Dis J 1995;14(12):1113
Infection 1995;23Suppl2:S59,S64
Chemotherapy 1995;41(6):427

Added to Virtual Drugstore November 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.