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cefaclor
Ceclor, Distaclor§, Distaclor MR§

Pregnancy Risk Category B

How supplied
Capsules
: 250 mg, 500 mg
Tablets (extended-release):
375 mg, 500 mg
Oral suspension:
125 mg/5 ml, 187 mg/
5 ml, 250 mg/5 ml, 375 mg/5 ml

Action
A second-generation cephalosporin that inhibits cell-wall synthesis, promoting osmotic instability; usually bactericidal.

Indications & dosage
Respiratory or urinary tract, skin, and soft-tissue infections and otitis media due to
Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella species, and staphylococci-
Adults:
250 to 500 mg P.O. q 8 hours. For pharyngitis or otitis media, daily dose may be given in two equally divided doses q 12 hours. For extended-release forms, 500 mg P.O. q 12 hours for 7 days for bronchitis; for pharyngitis or skin and skin-structure infections, 375 mg P.O. q 12 hours for 10 days and 7 to 10 days, respectively.
Children:
20 mg/kg daily P.O. in divided doses q 8 hours. For pharyngitis or otitis media, daily dose may be given in two equally divided doses q 12 hours. In more serious infections, 40 mg/kg daily are recommended, not to exceed 1 g daily.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
dizziness, headache, somnolence, malaise.
GI:
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, dyspepsia, abdominal cramps, pseudomembranous colitis, oral candidiasis.
GU:
vaginal candidiasis, vaginitis.
Hematologic:
transient leukopenia, anemia, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, lymphocytosis.
Hepatic:
transient increases in liver enzymes.
Skin:
maculopapular rash, dermatitis, pruritus.
Other
: hypersensitivity reactions (serum sickness, anaphylaxis), fever.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
Antacids: absorption of extended-release cefaclor is decreased if taken within 1 hour. Separate administration by 1 hour.
Chloramphenicol:
antagonistic effect. Don't use together.
Probenecid:
may inhibit excretion and increase blood levels of cefaclor. Monitor patient.

Effects on diagnostic tests
Cefaclor may cause false-positive Coombs' test results and false-positive results in urine glucose tests using cupric sulfate (Benedict's reagent or Clinitest); use glucose oxidase tests (Diastix or Chemstrip uG) instead. Drug also causes false elevations in serum or urine creatinine levels in tests using Jaffé's reaction.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug or other cephalosporins.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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