Brand/Other Name

Forifek, Forifek Forte, Capabiotic 500, Cloracef 250.

How it works

Cefaclor belongs to a class of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics. This drug works by stopping the growth of bacteria that cause infections. Cefaclor will inhibit the formation of bacterial cell walls so that bacterial cell death occurs.

Indication

Cefaclor is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as:

• Pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract infections (lungs)
• Skin infections 
• Ear infection
• Throat infection
• Urinary tract infections

Contraindications

This medicine should not be given to people with a history of cefaclor allergy and other cephalosporin antibiotics.

Side Effects

• Abdominal pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur.
• Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea or vomiting constantly
  • Yellow eyes or skin
  • Dark-colored urine or changes in the amount of urine
  • Unusual joint pain
  • Signs of infection (such as a sore throat or a fever that does not go away)
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Mental or mood changes (such as confusion)
• This medicine may cause severe intestinal problems because of a bacterium called difficult with symptoms such as:
  • Diarrhea that does not stop
  • Stomach pain/cramps
  • There is blood or mucus in the stool 
• Long-term or repeated use of this medicine may cause a fungal infection of the mouth or vagina.

Preparation

Cefaclor is available in capsule form 500 mg, 500 mg caplet, and syrup 250 mg/5 ml.

Dose

• Adults: 250-500 mg every 8 hours (3 times a day), maximum dose 4 grams per day
• Children >1 month of age: 20-40 mg/kg BW/day in 2 or 3 divided doses, maximum dose 0.75-1.5 g per day

Security

Cefaclor can cause vaccines containing live bacteria (such as typhoid/typhoid vaccines) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are getting treatment with cefaclor before having any immunizations/vaccinations.

During pregnancy, this medication should only be used if absolutely necessary. This medication is also excreted through breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor when you are pregnant or before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

• Cefaclor may increase the nephrotoxic effect if given with aminoglycoside antibiotics. 
• Cefaclor can reduce the effect of BCG vaccine (vaccine to prevent tuberculosis/TB) and typhoid/typhoid vaccine.
• Probenesid (a drug to lower uric acid levels) may inhibit the excretion of cefaclor from the body

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