Manufacturer:
Apotex Inc.

Generic Name:
cefaclor

Route:
oral

Why is it prescribed?

Apo-Cefaclor® suspension contains cefaclor.

Cefaclor is used to treat infections caused by various bacteria. This material will be limited to the treatment of respiratory tract infections (e.g. pneumonia, bronchitis) and infections of the middle ear.

Side Effects

Apo-Cefaclor® suspension contains cefaclor.

Along with its needed effects, cefaclor may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, cefaclor is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects is dependant on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible unwanted effects include:

• diarrhea

• nausea
• vomiting
• allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, difficulty breathing)

• pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the colon caused by the overgrowth and toxin production of a certain bacteria causing diarrhea)
• serum sickness-like reaction: rash; painful and swollen joints; fever.

Precautions and Warnings for Apo-Cefaclor® suspension

Apo-Cefaclor® suspension contains cefaclor

False positive direct Coombs' tests (test used in detecting a type of blood disorder) may be caused by cefaclor.
Cefaclor may give false urine test results for glucose.
Taking the antibiotic repeatedly or for prolonged periods may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth which can lead to a second infection. When this occurs, the cefaclor may need to be stopped and another antibiotic prescribed to treat the new infection.
Diarrhea often develops while taking cefaclor. This is sometimes caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut that are not killed by the antibiotic. In severe cases, this may be life threatening and would require treatment with other antibiotics. In mild cases, symptoms disappear shortly after the drug is discontinued.
There is some evidence to show that people who are allergic to penicillin may also be allergic to cefaclor and vice versa. Be sure to inform your doctor and pharmacist of any antibiotic allergy or suspected allergy that you may have had in the past.
Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. In some cases, the dose of one or both drugs may need to be altered or another drug may be prescribed. The following drugs have been known to interact with cefaclor:

• warfarin (e.g. Coumadin®),
• probenecid (e.g. Benemid®)

• allergy to cephalosporins (e.g. cephalexin)

• kidney disease
• allergy to penicillin
• stomach or intestinal disease (e.g. colitis)
• prolonged, repeated therapy
• liver disease

Patient Information

Use exactly as prescribed.
Apo-Cefaclor® suspension must be shaken well before each use. It should be stored in the refrigerator and never frozen. It is unacceptable to dilute the medication in large volumes of liquid that will not be consumed immediately (e.g. baby's bottle). If you are having difficulty giving a child the medication, ask your pharmacist for suggestions.
The suspension expires after 14 days in the refrigerator. Unused portions should be discarded.
To measure the prescribed dose, it is important that you have an appropriate measuring device. If you do not already have one, ask your pharmacist to help you select one.
Take Apo-Cefaclor® at even intervals around the clock as prescribed (e.g. every 8 hours translates to three times a day) until finished. Failure to take the complete course can result in incomplete elimination of the bacteria which can lead to a relapse of the infection. The prescribed course generally lasts a few days longer than symptoms of the infection (e.g. fever). Treatment usually lasts 5 to 14 days. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take 2 doses at once (unless you have been instructed to do so). Contact your pharmacist if you are not sure what to do.
Apo-Cefaclor® may produce an allergic reaction which can range in severity from a mild rash or itching to a life-threatening reaction. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience rash, itching, fever, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or anything else that alarms you.
If diarrhea occurs (severe or persistent), contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Directions for Use

The usual adult dose is 250 mg to 500 mg every 8 hours. In children, the recommended daily dose is 20 mg to 40 mg for each kilogram of body weight in equally divided doses every 8 hours depending on the infection being treated.

Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug

• bronchitis
• middle ear infections
• pharyngitis
• pneumonia
• respiratory tract infections
• sore throat
• tonsilitis

Need More Information?

For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.