Manufacturer:
Sandoz Canada Inc.

Generic Name:
cefprozil

Route:
oral

Why is it prescribed?

Sandoz Cefprozil® suspension contains cefprozil.

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

Side Effects

Sandoz Cefprozil® suspension contains cefprozil.

Along with its needed effects, cefprozil may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, cefprozil 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

• stomach ache
• itching in genital and vaginal area
• allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, difficulty breathing)

• headache
• nervousness
• hyperactivity
• dizziness

Precautions and Warnings for Sandoz Cefprozil® suspension

Sandoz Cefprozil® suspension contains cefprozil

False positive direct Coombs' tests (test used in detecting a type of blood disorder) may be caused by cefprozil.
Cefprozil may cause 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 cefprozil may need to be stopped and another antibiotic prescribed to treat the new infection.
Diarrhea often develops while taking cefprozil. 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 evidence to show that people who are allergic to penicillin may also be allergic to cefprozil 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. Interactions have been known to occur between cefprozil and probenecid (e.g. Benemid®). Use is not recommended in the following situations:
allergy to cephalosporins (e.g. cephalexin)
Caution is recommended in the following situations:

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

Patient Information

Use exactly as prescribed.
Sandoz Cefprozil® suspension can be taken with food to decrease possible stomach upset.
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.
Sandoz Cefprozil® suspension must be shaken well before each use. It should be stored in the refrigerator and never frozen. The suspension expires after 14 days. 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 Sandoz Cefprozil® suspension at even intervals around the clock as prescribed (e.g. every 12 hours translates to twice 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 10 to 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.
Sandoz Cefprozil® suspension 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 500 mg every 24 hours or 250mg to 500mg every 12 hours.
Dosing for children is dependent on their weight, the infection being treated and the severity of the infection. The dose for treating respiratory tract infections in children can range from 7.5 mg to 15 mg per kg of body weight every 12 hours.

Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug

• middle ear infections
• pharyngitis
• respiratory tract infections
• sinusitis
• sore throat
• tonsilitis
• upper respiratory tract infections

Need More Information?

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