
GENERIC NAME: cefprozil
BRAND NAME: Cefzil
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cefprozil is a semi-synthetic
oral antibiotic of the cephalosporin family. The cephalosporin
family includes
cephalexin (Keflex), cefaclor (Ceclor), cefuroxime (Zinacef),
cefpodoxime
(Vantin), cefixime (Suprax), and many injectable antibiotics.
Cefprozil is
active against a very wide spectrum of bacteria, including:
Staphylococcus. aureus, Streptococcus. pneumoniae,
Streptococcus pyogenes
(the cause of strep throat), Hemophilus influenzae, Moraxella
catarrhalis,
E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella, Shigella,
Clostridium
perfringens and difficile, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Therapeutic uses of
cefprozil include otitis media, soft-tissue infections, and
respiratory
tract infections.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: Tablets (ovoid-shaped): 250mg (orange);
500mg
(white); Suspension: 125 mg/teaspoon; 250 mg/teaspoon.
STORAGE: Tablets should be kept at 15° to
30°C (59° to 86°F). The suspension should be refrigerated and
discarded after
14 days.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Cefprozil is effective against
susceptible
bacteria causing infections of the middle ear, tonsillitis,
throat
infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and skin and
soft tissue
infections.
DOSING: Cefprozil is taken once or twice daily,
depending on the
nature and severity of the infection. The tablets can be taken
with or
without food. The suspension has not been studied with food,
and should
therefore be taken one hour before meals. Patients with
advanced renal
diseases may need lower doses.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: There are no known clinically
important drug
interactions with cefprozil.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of
azithromycin in
pregnant women. However, studies in animals suggest no
important effects
on the fetus. Cefprozil therefore can be used in pregnancy if
the
physician feels that it is clearly indicated.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not
known if cefprozil is secreted in breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: Cefprozil is generally well tolerated.
The most
common side effects are diarrhea or loose stools, nausea,
abdominal pain,
and vomiting, each of which may occur in fewer than one in
thirty persons
who receive azithromycin. Rarer side effects include abnormal
liver tests
and allergic reactions. Persons with phenylketonuria should are
advised
that the suspension contains phenylalanine 28mL per teaspoonful.
Physicians should be reminded of this fact. Cefprozil may cause
false test
results with some urine sugar tests.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- cefdinir, Omnicef - Explains the medication cefdinir (Omnicef), a drug used against susceptible bacteria causing infections of the middle ear (otitis media), tonsils (tonsillitis), throat, larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis, lungs (pneumonia), and skin and soft tissue. Source:MedicineNet
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