Common uses

Ceclor, a cephalosporin antibiotic, is used in the treatment of ear, nose, throat, respiratory tract, urinary tract, and skin infections caused by specific bacteria, including staph, strep, and E. coli. Uses include treatment of sore or strep throat, pneumonia, and tonsillitis. Ceclor CD, an extended release form of the drug, is also used for flare-ups of chronic bronchitis.

Before using

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefaclor or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:
• cefadroxil (Duricef);
• cefdinir (Omnicef);
• cefditoren (Spectracef);
• cefixime (Suprax);
• cefprozil (Cefzil);
• ceftazidime (Fortaz);
• cefuroxime (Ceftin);
• cephalexin (Keflex); and others.
Before taking cefaclor, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, especially penicillins.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cefaclor may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
The cefaclor suspension (liquid) contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefaclor if you have diabetes.

Directions

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Cefaclor works best if you take it with a meal or within 30 minutes of a meal.
The cefaclor chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefaclor.
Take cefaclor for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefaclor will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.

Cautions

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefaclor, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Duricef, Fortaz, Keflex, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, and others.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin).
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefaclor will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Possible side effects

Cefaclor may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if this symptom is severe or does not go away:
• diarrhea
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
• severe skin rash
• itching
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• wheezing
• joint pain
• fever
• painful sores in the mouth or throat
• vaginal itching and discharge
Cefaclor may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you take too much

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• diarrhea

Additional information

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to cefaclor.
If you are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape (not Clinitest) to test your urine for sugar while taking this medication.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the cefaclor, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Drug interactions

There may be other drugs that can affect cefaclor. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start taking a new medication without telling your doctor.