Common use

Cefaclor is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It treats some infections caused by bacteria. It will not work for colds, the flu, or other viruses.

Dosage and direction

Take this drug by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take all of this drug unless your health care provider tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.

Precautions

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
If you are diabetic you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your doctor or health care provider before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Contraindications

Tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions: bleeding problems; diarrhea; kidney disease; stomach or intestine problems (especially colitis); an unusual or allergic reaction to cefaclor, other cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillin, penicillamine, other foods, dyes or preservatives; pregnant or trying to get pregnant; breast-feeding.

Possible side effect

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; breathing problems; dizziness; fever or chills; redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth; seizures; severe or watery diarrhea; stomach pain or cramps; sore throat; swollen joints; trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusually weak or tired.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): gas or heartburn; headache; nausea, vomiting.

Drug interaction

Cefaclor may interact with this medication: other antibiotics; probenecid.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Overdose

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused drug after the expiration date.