Cefaclor is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the ears, throat, lungs, skin, or bladder.
Take Cefaclor exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different preparations of Cefaclor may be taken differently.
This medicine is available as a conventional capsule, extended-release or modified-release tablet, and oral suspension.
If you are taking the extended-release type of tablet, swallow it whole with a full glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Take Cefaclor at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Cefaclor or any similar antibiotics such as cefalexin, cefuroxime, cefixime, or any other cephalosporin antibiotics.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of allergic reaction to penicillin antibiotics such as amoxicillin
- history of bowel disease e.g. colitis (inflammation of the lining of the colon or large intestine)
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. tests for urine glucose), inform your doctor that you are taking Cefaclor.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. kidney function) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Cefaclor may cause any of the following side effects: headache, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, or throat
- severe diarrhoea possibly with blood, severe stomach cramps
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- probenecid (medicine for gout or high uric acid level in the blood)
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Cefaclor.
The extended-release or modified-release type of tablet should not be taken with aluminium or magnesium-containing antacids as antacids could reduce the absorption of this medicine. If you must take antacids, take it between meals at least 1 hour after you have taken Cefaclor.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Refrigerate the oral suspension (between 2-8°C) once you have mixed the powder with water. Do not freeze it otherwise, it will become less effective. Throw away unused portion after 14 days.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
