Cefprozil

Cefprozil 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.

Cefprozil is prescribed for infections caused by cefprozil-sensitive bacteria, including:

• Throat infections: streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis
• Acute middle-ear infection (otitis media), particularly in children
• Acute sinusitis
• Acute bacterial flare-ups of chronic bronchitis and secondary bacterial infection of acute bronchitis
• Uncomplicated skin and soft-tissue infections such as impetigo, infected wounds and cellulitis

Your doctor will judge whether Cefprozil fits your infection and local resistance patterns. It should never be used for viral illnesses — colds, flu, dengue or most sore throats — where antibiotics bring no benefit and feed resistance.

Take Cefprozil exactly as prescribed. Usual doses of Cefprozil:

• Adults — throat and sinus infections: 250–500 mg every 12 hours, or 500 mg once daily, usually for 10 days
• Adults — bronchitis: 500 mg every 12 hours
• Adults — skin infections: 250–500 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg once daily
• Children: 15–30 mg/kg per day in two divided doses, always calculated by a doctor

Cefprozil may be taken with or without food; food can ease any stomach upset. Shake the suspension well before each dose and use a proper measuring spoon or syringe. In kidney disease the dose may need halving. Complete the full prescribed course.

Cefprozil is usually well tolerated. Possible side effects include:

• Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain — the most frequent complaints
• Skin rash or itching; nappy (diaper) rash in infants
• Dizziness or headache
• Oral or vaginal thrush after longer use
• Temporary rise in liver enzymes seen on blood tests

Get urgent medical help for swelling of the face or throat, breathing difficulty, widespread hives, severe blistering rash, persistent watery or bloody diarrhoea, unusual bleeding or yellow eyes. These serious reactions are rare. For mild diarrhoea, maintain fluids and avoid anti-diarrhoeal medicines unless your doctor specifically advises them.

Cefprozil is a prescription-only antibiotic. Bangladesh's antibiotic-resistance crisis is being driven by self-medication and half-finished courses. Use Cefprozil only when a doctor prescribes it and complete every day of the course, even after symptoms settle — bacteria that survive a short course come back stronger and resistant.

• Tell your doctor about any allergy to penicillins or cephalosporins before the first dose
• Mention kidney disease — dose adjustment may be required
• Report any past colitis, or severe diarrhoea during or after treatment
• If anyone in the family has phenylketonuria, check the suspension's label — some brands contain aspartame, a source of phenylalanine

Cefprozil has few major drug interactions, but tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you take. Be aware of:

• Probenecid: reduces kidney excretion of cefprozil and doubles its blood level
• Aminoglycoside antibiotics and strong diuretics: combined use can stress the kidneys and needs monitoring
• Warfarin and other anticoagulants: antibiotics occasionally enhance their effect — INR may need a check during the course
• Live oral typhoid vaccine: keep an interval, as antibiotics inactivate it

Cefprozil can cause false-positive results in some urine glucose tests (copper-reduction type), which matters for people with diabetes who self-monitor with such strips.

Do not take Cefprozil if you:

• Are allergic to cefprozil or any other cephalosporin antibiotic
• Have previously had a severe, immediate reaction to penicillin — such as anaphylaxis, throat swelling, collapse or widespread hives — because of possible cross-reaction
• Have had a severe skin reaction (Stevens–Johnson syndrome or similar) to any beta-lactam antibiotic

Extra caution and medical supervision are needed in significant kidney impairment and in people with a history of antibiotic-associated colitis. Before starting Cefprozil, give your doctor a complete list of allergies and previous medicine reactions — including reactions in childhood — so the safest option can be chosen.

Pregnancy: Animal studies with Cefprozil have shown no harm to the foetus, though well-controlled human studies are limited. Cephalosporins as a family are widely regarded as among the safer antibiotics in pregnancy. Even so, take Cefprozil during pregnancy only when a doctor who knows you are pregnant decides it is genuinely needed.

Breastfeeding: Less than 0.3% of the dose of Cefprozil passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding can usually continue during treatment. Watch the baby for loose stools, rash or oral thrush and tell your doctor if these occur. Always confirm with your doctor before starting Cefprozil while nursing.

Store Cefprozil tablets below 30°C in a dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. In Bangladesh's monsoon climate, avoid bathroom cabinets and kitchen shelves; choose a cool, dry cupboard instead. Keep the medicine in its original packaging, tightly closed, and always out of the reach and sight of children.

• After mixing, the Cefprozil suspension must be kept in the refrigerator (2–8°C, never frozen), shaken well before every dose, and discarded after 14 days
• Do not use beyond the expiry date printed on the pack
• Return unused antibiotics to a pharmacy instead of discarding them into drains or household waste