Cefaclor

About cefaclor

Cefaclor is one of a group of antibiotics known as cephalosporins.

Cefaclor is a broad spectrum antibiotic which means it is active against a wide variety of bacteria.

It treats infections by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria that cause them.

Cefaclor is available in capsule and oral liquid form. It is also available as a modified release tablet, which means that cefaclor is released slowly over the day.

It is also sometimes known as: Bacticlor MR; Distaclor; Distaclor MR; Keftid. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking cefaclor

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney or liver problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine, penicillin antibiotics or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take cefaclor

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Swallow the cefaclor modified release tablets whole (not crushed or chewed) with a glass of water, with or immediately after food.
• Take this medicine at regular intervals and complete the prescribed course. It is important to take the full course, even if you feel your infection has cleared up, to prevent the infection coming back.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of cefaclor contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• Cefaclor is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside cefaclor.
• Some people develop thrush after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Important: Oral contraceptives can be less effective when taken with cefaclor. To prevent an unwanted pregnancy you should use a barrier method of contraception such as a condom while you are taking cefaclor and for at least 7 days after the course of treatment has ended. If the week following the antibiotic course runs into your pill free week, the next pack of oral contraceptives should be started immediately, without a break. If you are taking the form of contraceptive pill which is taken every day or need further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you have any medical tests while you are taking this medicine tell the person doing the test that you are taking cefaclor.

Can cefaclor cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Diarrhoea, tummy pains, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, problems sleeping, confusion, muscle tightness or dizziness.

Important: If you experience any of the following symptoms stop taking cefaclor and contact your doctor immediately. Skin rash, itching, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), fever (high temperature), joint pains or swelling of the tongue, throat or face.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store cefaclor

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

Any more questions?

If you have any more questions about this or any other medicine your pharmacist will be able to answer them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2006   Updated: 27/01/2006