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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