USES: Cephalosporins
are antibiotics used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, such as respiratory
tract infections, middle ear infections, skin infections and urinary tract infections.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: Antibiotics
work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by
taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.
This medication works best when taken on an empty stomach. However, if
stomach upset occurs, it may be taken with food.
Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is
finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early
may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: This
medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. If
these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor immediately if an allergic reaction occurs while
taking this medication. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, skin rash, hives, itching.
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in
a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection)
PRECAUTIONS: Before
taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillins,
cephalosporins or any other drug. Also mention if you have kidney disease.
Cefaclor may cause false positive results in tests for sugar in the
urine. Diabetics should use TesTape rather than Clinitest tablets to test for sugar while
taking cefaclor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug.
This drug is excreted into breast milk. Though no problems have been
noted, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell
your doctor what medications you take, especially medication for gout, such as probenecid.
This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills.
Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor.
NOTES: This medication
has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another
infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary.
MISSED DOSE: If you
should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next
dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual
dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.
STORAGE: Store at room
temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
Pulmonary
- Critical Care Associates
