Details

Cefaclor is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body. Cefaclor is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria. Before taking cefaclor, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis) or a history of intestinal problems, such as colitis.

Typical Uses

Cefaclor is a cephalosporin-type antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections (e.g., middle ear, skin, urine and respiratory tract infections). It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Side Effects

Get immediate medical assistance if you encounter symptoms such as diarrhoea that is watery or bloody easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness unusual bleeding seizure (convulsions) pale or yellowed skin, dark coloured urine, fever, confusion or weakness jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, swollen glands, rash or itching, joint pain, or general ill feeling fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash or increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, urinating less than usual or not at all.

Drug Interactions

• Cefaclor+aluminium hydroxide- Using cefaclor together with aluminium hydroxide may decrease the effects of cefaclor. Aluminium hydroxide should not be administered within one hour of cefaclor.

• Cefaclor+balsalazide- Talk to your doctor before using balsalazide together with cefaclor. Antibiotics like cefaclor may reduce the effectiveness of balsalazide when taken orally.

• Cefaclor+ethinyl estradiol- Antibiotics such as cefaclor may reduce the effects of ethinyl estradiol in some women. If you are using ethinyl estradiol for birth control, you may be at increased risk for pregnancy or breakthrough bleeding.

• Cefaclor+furosemide- Cephalosporin antibiotics like cefaclor can occasionally cause kidney problems, and using it with furosemide may increase that risk. The interaction is more likely to occur when the cephalosporin is given at high dosages by injection into the vein or when it is given to the elderly or individuals with pre-existing kidney function impairment.

Mechanism of action

Cefaclor belongs to a group of medicines called cephalosporin antibiotics. It kills the bacteria by interrupting the bacterial cell wall (outer coating of bacteria) formation. As a result, the bacterial cell wall is weakened and ruptures, thereby killing the bacteria.

Pregnancy Category : B