Cefaclor for infection

About cefaclor

What is cefaclor used for?

Cefaclor is a type of antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, skin infections, chest infections, ear infections, and sinusitis.

It is suitable for adults and children, and can be taken during pregnancy. Some people who are allergic to penicillin antibiotics may not be able to take cefaclor, so make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other antibiotic.

Cefaclor treats an infection by killing the bacteria that are causing it.

Side effects of cefaclor

Common side effects of cefaclor are:

• Diarrhoea.

• Feeling sick (nausea).

• Being sick (vomiting).

• Skin rash.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

How to manage cefaclor side effects

Who should not take cefaclor?

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before starting cefaclor it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you have had a bad reaction to a penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic.

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. (Although cefaclor is not known to be harmful to babies, it is still important that you tell your doctor if you are expecting or breastfeeding a baby.)

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take cefaclor

• Before you start taking cefaclor, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack.

• The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about the antibiotic and a full list of side effects which you may experience from taking it.

Dosage

• If you are taking capsules or liquid medicine, the usual dose for an adult is 250-500 mg three times daily. For a child, the usual dose is 62.5-250 mg three times daily, depending upon age.

• Your doctor will tell you what dose is right for you (or your child) and this information will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you.

• Your course of treatment may be for longer or shorter periods of time than mentioned here, so it is important that you take cefaclor exactly as your doctor tells you to.

• If you have been given liquid medicine, read the directions carefully to make sure you measure out the correct amount of medicine. Cefaclor capsules and liquid medicine can be taken either before or after food, although they may start to work sooner if they are taken before food.

• If you are taking cefaclor modified-release tablets (for example, Distaclor MR®), you will be prescribed one or two tablets to take twice daily. Take the tablets with meals and swallow the tablets whole - do not chew or break them.

• Space your doses out evenly throughout the day. Keep taking the antibiotic until the course is finished unless you are told to stop. Taking the full course is important (even if you feel your infection has cleared up) in order to prevent the infection from coming back.

Missed dose

• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. Try to take the correct number of doses each day, but do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Thrush (redness and itching in the mouth or vagina) may occur after taking antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• Avoid antacids 2 hours before or after taking cefaclor, as they can reduce absorption.

• If you take the oral contraceptive pill and have vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours, use extra contraception like condoms and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• Cefaclor may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.

How to store cefaclor

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• If you have been given liquid medicine, store it in a refrigerator. It will have been made up by the pharmacy and lasts for 14 days, so check the expiry date on the bottle and do not use it after this date.

Important information about all medicines

Frequently asked questions

How long does cefaclor take to work?

Cefaclor usually starts to work within a few days of starting treatment. Most people beginning to notice an improvement in their symptoms within 48 to 72 hours.

Can you drink alcohol cefaclor?

You can drink alcohol while taking cefaclor, as there’s no direct interaction between the two. However, alcohol may worsen side effects such as dizziness, nausea, or stomach upset, and can slow recovery from infection. It’s best to limit or avoid alcohol until you feel better and have finished your course of antibiotics.

Is cefaclor a penicillin?

No, cefaclor is not a penicillin. It belongs to a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins, which work in a similar way to penicillins but are chemically different.

Are cephalexin and cefaclor the same?

No, cephalexin and cefaclor are not the same, though both belong to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics. They are used to treat similar types of bacterial infections, but they differ in strength, dosing, and specific indications.