Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: cefaclor
BRAND NAME: Raniclor
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cefaclor is a semi-synthetic (partially man-made)
oral antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin
family includes cephalexin (Keflex), cefuroxime (Zinacef), cefpodoxime (Vantin),
cefixime (Suprax), cefprozil (Cefzil) as well as many injectable antibiotics.
Like other cephalosporins, cefaclor stops bacteria from multiplying by
preventing bacteria from forming the walls that surround them. The walls are
necessary to protect bacteria from their environment and to keep the contents of
the bacterial cell together. Bacteria cannot survive without a cell wall.
Cefaclor is effective against many different bacterial organisms such as
Staphylococcus aureus,
Streptococcus pneumoniae,
Haemophilus influenzae,
E.
coli, and many others.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets (chewable): 125, 187, 250, and 375 mg. Capsules: 250
and 500 mg. Oral Suspension: 125, 187, 250, and 375 mg/5ml.
STORAGE: Capsules should be stored at room temperature, 59-86 F (15-30 C) in
a tightly closed container. The oral suspension should be stored in the
refrigerator in a tightly closed container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Cefaclor is effective against susceptible bacteria that cause
infections of the middle ear, tonsillitis, throat infections, laryngitis,
bronchitis, and pneumonia. It also is used in treating
urinary tract infections,
and skin infections.
DOSING: The usual adult dose of cefaclor is 250-500 mg every 8 hours or
375-500 mg every 12 hours.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Aluminum or magnesium containing antacids reduce the
absorption of cefaclor from the intestine. Separating the administration of
cefaclor and such antacids by one hour prevents this interaction.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of cefaclor in
pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: Small amounts of cefaclor are secreted in
breast milk. The
effects of this small amount on the infant is unknown.
SIDE EFFECTS: Cefaclor is generally well tolerated, and side effects usually
are transient. Reported side effects include rash, fever, joint pain and
arthritis,
abnormal liver tests, jaundice, vaginitis, itching, nervousness,
insomnia, and hallucinations.
Cefaclor should be avoided by patients with known allergy to cephalosporin
type antibiotics. Since cefaclor is chemically related to penicillin, patients
allergic to penicillin can have an allergic reaction (sometimes even
anaphylaxis) if given cefaclor. Treatment with cefaclor and other antibiotics
can alter the normal bacteria flora of the colon and permit overgrowth of
C.
difficile, a bacteria responsible for pseudomembranous colitis. Patients who
develop pseudomembranous colitis as a result of antibiotics treatment can
experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes even shock.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 6/22/2009
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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