Cefaclor

Cefaclor is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

Cefaclor is prescribed by doctors for infections caused by sensitive bacteria, including:

• Ear infections (otitis media), especially in children
• Throat and tonsil infections
• Sinus and respiratory infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin and soft-tissue infections

Cefaclor does not work against viral illnesses such as colds or flu. Your doctor will decide if it is the right antibiotic for your specific infection.

The dose of Cefaclor depends on the type and severity of infection and your kidney function. The details below are a general guide only.

• Adults: a usual course lasts 7 to 10 days, with doses commonly taken every 8 to 12 hours.
• Children: the dose is calculated by body weight and must be set by a doctor, usually as a suspension.

Cefaclor can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food can ease stomach upset. Swallow with water, keep your doses evenly spaced, and complete the whole course even if symptoms improve.

Cefaclor is usually well tolerated, but side effects can include:

• Common: diarrhoea, nausea, indigestion and mild stomach discomfort
• Less common: skin rash, itching, joint aches and dizziness
• Serious (seek urgent help): severe or bloody diarrhoea, a serum-sickness-like reaction (rash with joint pain and fever, more common in children), or signs of a severe allergic reaction such as facial swelling and breathing difficulty

Report any spreading rash, swelling or severe diarrhoea to your doctor straight away.

Cefaclor is a prescription-only antibiotic. Take it only when prescribed by a registered doctor — never self-medicate, share it, or use leftover medicine for a different illness.

• Complete the full course even if you feel better within a day or two, so the infection is fully cleared.
• Antibiotic resistance is a serious and growing crisis in Bangladesh. Every unnecessary or incomplete antibiotic course makes common infections harder to treat in future.
• Tell your doctor about any penicillin or cephalosporin allergy.
• Mention kidney disease or a history of bowel problems before starting.

Give your doctor a complete list of your medicines and supplements. Cefaclor can interact with:

• Antacids taken at the same time — may reduce absorption of some forms
• Probenecid — increases cefaclor levels in the blood
• Warfarin — bleeding risk may rise
• Other medicines that can affect the kidneys

Cefaclor has relatively few interactions, but always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist before adding any new medicine during your course.

Do not take Cefaclor if you:

• Have a known allergy to cephalosporin antibiotics
• Have had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin — discuss this with your doctor first

Use with caution and medical supervision if you have kidney disease or a history of colitis. Always share your full medical history, including past drug reactions, before starting this medicine.

Cefaclor is generally considered usable during pregnancy when a doctor decides it is needed, as cephalosporins have a long safety record, but it should only be taken on medical advice.

Small amounts pass into breast milk and it is usually viewed as compatible with breastfeeding, with the baby watched for loose motions. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, tell your doctor before taking Cefaclor so the most suitable and safe medicine can be selected.

Store Cefaclor in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from sunlight and moisture.

• Keep capsules or tablets in their original pack.
• Reconstituted suspension usually needs refrigeration — follow the label and discard after the stated period (often 14 days).
• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date; return unused medicine to a pharmacy.