Cefaclor : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects
Cefaclor is an second generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It retains significant activity by the oral route. It is more active than the first generation compounds against H. influenzae, E. coli and Pr. mirabilis.
Dose : 0.25-1.0 g 8 hourly
Route : Oral
Onset of action : ?
Plasma Half-life : 0.6-0.9 hours
Duration of action : ?
Bioavailability : Well absorbed
Plasma protein binding : ?
Metabolism : 15-40%
Pregnancy risk category : B
Chemical formula : C15H14ClN3O4S
IUPAC name : (6R,7R)-7-{[(2R)-2-amino-2-phenylacetyl]amino}- 3-chloro-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene- 2-carboxylic acid
Trade name : Keflor, Vercef, Distaclor, Ceclor, Biocef, Medacef, Raniclor
Antibacterial spectrum : Cefaclor has been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms :
- Gram positive Bacteria : Staphylococci (including coagulase-positive, coagulase-negative, and penicillinase-producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pyogenes (group A ß-hemolytic streptococci).
- Gram-negative Bacteria : Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae(excluding β-lactamase-negative, ampicillin-resistant strains), Klebsiella spp., Proteus mirabilis
Therapeutic uses : Cefaclor is indicated in the treatment of the various infections (caused by susceptible organisms) such as :
- Otitis media
- Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis
- Lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis and cystitis
- Skin and skin structure infections
Mechanism of action : Cephalosporins cause inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. i.e. they have the same mechanism of action as penicillin. However, they bind to different proteins than those which bind penicillins.
Side effects : Cephalosporins are generally well tolerated, but are more toxic than penicillin. Cefaclor may cause following side effects :
- Hypersensitivity reactions e.g. rashes, serum-sickness-like reactions,
- GIT disturbances e.g. diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, disturbances in hepatic enzymes, transient hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice),
- Headache,
- Stevens–Johnson syndrome,
- Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD).
Drug Interactions : Cefaclor may interact with following drugs :
- Coumarins/Warfarin : Enhance the anticoagulant effect of coumarins.
- Probenecid : Excretion of cephalosporins is reduced.
- Antacids : Absorption of cefaclor is reduced by H2 blockers .
Contraindications :
- Contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the cephalosporins.
For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
