Cefaclor

Oral Antibiotics

Drug class: Second-Generation Cephalosporin Antibiotic, belonging to the Cephalosporin class of antibiotics, specifically the second generation.

Cefaclor（中文：頭孢克洛）

Common Strengths of Cefaclor

Cefaclor are available in the following strengths:

• 250 mg
• 500 mg

Drug Usage

Cefaclor is used to treat a variety of infections, including:

• Respiratory tract infections (e.g. pneumonia)
• Skin infections
• Ear infections (otitis media)
• Urinary tract infections

Mechanism of Action

Cefaclor exerts its antibacterial effect by inhibiting cell wall synthesis. It binds to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) within the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell lysis and death.

Route of Administration

Oral

Dosages

The usual dosages for cefaclor are as follows:

• Normal Adults: 250 mg to 500 mg every 8 hours.
• Children: 20 to 40 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours, with a maximum of 1,500 mg/day.
• Renal Impairment:
  • For patients with an eGFR of 10-30 mL/min, the dose may need to be reduced by half.
  • For eGFR <10 mL/min, reduce the dose by three-quarters.

Side Effects

Frequency	Adverse reactions
Common Side Effects	Diarrhea
	Nausea
	Vomiting
	Rash
	Headache
Serious Side Effects	Allergic reactions (e.g. hives, difficulty breathing)
	Stevens-Johnson syndrome
	Colitis
	Severe skin reactions
	Liver dysfunction

Pharmacokinetics

• Bioavailability: Well absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 30 to 60 minutes.
• Half-life: The elimination half-life of cefaclor ranges from 0.6 to 0.9 hours.
• Excretion: Cefaclor undergoes minimal metabolism, with about 60% to 85% of the drug excreted unchanged in the urine within 8 hours post-administration.

Drug Precautions

Pregnancy

Cefaclor is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it should only be used when necessary.

Breastfeeding

Cefaclor is excreted in breast milk; caution is advised when administering it to breastfeeding mothers.

Children and Elderly

Cefaclor can be prescribed to children, but precautions apply. Elderly patients may require careful monitoring.

Monitoring Requirements

Patients on cefaclor should be monitored for:

• Signs of allergic reactions
• Liver function tests
• Renal function

Drug Interactions

Cefaclor may interact with:

• Probenecid: Increases cefaclor levels by inhibiting renal excretion.
• Warfarin: May enhance anticoagulant effects, necessitating monitoring of prothrombin time.

FAQ

How Should I Take the cefaclor?

Take cefaclor as prescribed, with or without food. Swallow capsules whole with a glass of water.

What Should I Avoid While Taking?

Avoid alcohol if cefaclor causes nausea.

What Happens if I Miss a Dose?

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double up on doses.