Cefaclor

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Generic Name of Cefaclor - Learn More

Cefaclor

Cefaclor Precaution - What You Need to Know

- Special Populations: Cefaclor is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic primarily used to treat bacterial infections. It is categorized as a Pregnancy Category B drug, which indicates that animal studies have shown no harm to the fetus, but there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, it should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits justify the potential risks. Cefaclor is excreted in breast milk in small amounts, so it should be used with caution in breastfeeding women, considering the potential for effects on the infant.
- Renal and Hepatic Impairment: Cefaclor is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, so in patients with renal impairment, the dose should be reduced or the dosing interval extended to prevent accumulation. In patients with hepatic impairment, no specific dose adjustment is required, but caution is still advised.
- Monitoring Parameters: Patients taking Cefaclor should be monitored for signs of an allergic reaction, as cephalosporins can sometimes cause hypersensitivity reactions. Renal function should also be monitored, particularly in those with existing renal dysfunction, as the drug is excreted via the kidneys. Periodic assessment of liver function may also be warranted, especially in long-term therapy.
- Misuse or Dependency: Cefaclor does not typically present a risk for misuse or dependency, but inappropriate or overuse of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant organisms. It is crucial for patients to complete the full prescribed course of treatment to prevent resistance and avoid unnecessary use to preserve the efficacy of the drug.

Cefaclor Indication - Uses and Benefits

- Primary Indications: Cefaclor is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible organisms, including respiratory tract infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis), urinary tract infections (e.g., cystitis, pyelonephritis), skin and soft tissue infections, and ear infections (e.g., otitis media). It is effective against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- Evidence-Based Context: Cefaclor has been shown to be effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and certain strains of Escherichia coli, among other pathogens. It is typically used for infections where other first-line antibiotics are either inappropriate or unavailable. Clinical guidelines support its use for uncomplicated infections but suggest reserving it for more serious cases in areas with high rates of antibiotic resistance.
- Off-label Uses: While not FDA-approved for these indications, Cefaclor has been used off-label for conditions such as Lyme disease, acute prostatitis, and some atypical infections. However, its use for off-label purposes should be guided by local resistance patterns and expert clinical judgment.

Cefaclor Contraindications - Important Warnings

- Exclusion Criteria: Cefaclor should be avoided in patients with a known hypersensitivity to cephalosporins or penicillins due to the potential for cross-reactivity between these classes of antibiotics. It is also contraindicated in patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to any beta-lactam antibiotics.
- Rationale: The contraindications are primarily based on the risk of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be severe and life-threatening. Cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins is well-documented, so individuals with a history of severe reactions to penicillin should generally avoid cephalosporins like Cefaclor.
- Age Restrictions: While generally considered safe for use in children, Cefaclor should be used with caution in neonates due to their immature renal function. In elderly patients, dose adjustments may be necessary depending on renal function, as they are at a higher risk for drug accumulation.

Cefaclor Side Effects - What to Expect

- Common Side Effects: The most common side effects of Cefaclor include gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. Some patients may also experience a mild rash or pruritus (itching).
- Serious Side Effects: Although rare, more serious side effects can occur, such as severe allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis), liver dysfunction (e.g., jaundice), and blood dyscrasias (e.g., thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia). Cefaclor can also cause Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, which can lead to severe colitis in some cases.
- Mitigation and Monitoring: If a rash or signs of an allergic reaction occur, the drug should be discontinued, and emergency medical help should be sought if symptoms of anaphylaxis (such as difficulty breathing or swelling) are present. To minimize gastrointestinal side effects, patients are advised to take Cefaclor with food, and maintaining hydration can help prevent dehydration from diarrhea. Patients should also be monitored for signs of C. difficile-associated diarrhea, especially if they experience watery diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramping.

Cefaclor Pregnancy Category ID - Safety Information

2

Cefaclor Mode of Action - How It Works

- Mechanism: Cefaclor works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Specifically, it binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) on the bacterial cell membrane, inhibiting the final step of peptidoglycan synthesis, which is essential for the structural integrity of the bacterial cell wall. Without a functional cell wall, bacteria are unable to maintain their shape and integrity, leading to cell lysis and death.
- Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics: Cefaclor is bactericidal, meaning it kills bacteria rather than merely inhibiting their growth. It is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours. Cefaclor is widely distributed throughout the body, including in the lungs, kidneys, and skin. It is partially metabolized in the liver and excreted unchanged in the urine. The half-life of Cefaclor is approximately 1 hour, necessitating multiple daily doses for effective therapy.
- Distinctive Action: As a second-generation cephalosporin, Cefaclor has a broader spectrum of activity than first-generation cephalosporins, making it effective against both Gram-positive and certain Gram-negative organisms. Its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier in limited amounts also makes it useful in treating certain types of meningitis, though third-generation cephalosporins are preferred for this indication.

Cefaclor Drug Interactions - What to Avoid

- Drug-Drug Interactions: Cefaclor may interact with other medications, particularly other antibiotics or anticoagulants. For example, combining Cefaclor with probenecid (a medication that affects renal function) can increase its levels in the blood by inhibiting renal excretion. Cefaclor may also enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.
- Food and Alcohol Interactions: Unlike some antibiotics, Cefaclor does not have significant interactions with food. However, alcohol consumption should be limited as it can increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, when taking Cefaclor.
- Clinical Recommendations: Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to avoid significant drug interactions. It may be necessary to monitor prothrombin time (PT) in patients on warfarin and adjust the anticoagulant dose accordingly during Cefaclor therapy.

Cefaclor Adult Dose - Recommended Dosage

- Standard Dosage: For adults with mild to moderate infections, the typical dosage of Cefaclor is 250 mg every 8 hours. For more severe infections, the dose may be increased to 500 mg every 8 hours. For urinary tract infections, the dose can be adjusted depending on the severity of the infection, but 500 mg three times daily is a common regimen.
- Administration: Cefaclor is taken orally, typically with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Tablets should be swallowed whole, and the suspension should be shaken well before use. The dosage duration depends on the type and severity of the infection but generally ranges from 7 to 14 days.
- Maximum Dosage: The maximum dose of Cefaclor for most infections is 1,000 mg three times daily, depending on the infection being treated. Dosing adjustments may be needed for patients with renal impairment.

Cefaclor Child Dose - Dosage for Children

- Pediatric Dosing: The usual pediatric dose for Cefaclor depends on the child’s age and the severity of the infection. For children aged 1 month and older, the dose typically ranges from 20 mg/kg/day divided into 2 or 3 doses, with the maximum daily dose being 1,000 mg. For more severe infections, doses may be higher, up to 40 mg/kg/day.
- Safety and Efficacy: Cefaclor is generally well-tolerated in children. However, the safety of high doses in younger children (especially infants) should be carefully considered, as they may be more sensitive to adverse effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances or skin rashes.
- Pediatric Monitoring: Children on Cefaclor should be monitored for any adverse reactions, including allergic responses, gastrointestinal symptoms, or unusual changes in behavior. It is important to ensure proper hydration to avoid complications from diarrhea, which is a common side effect in children.

Cefaclor Renal Dose - Dosage for Kidney Conditions

- Renal Impairment: In patients with renal impairment, the dose of Cefaclor should be adjusted based on the degree of renal dysfunction. For mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 10-50 mL/min), the usual dose can be given, but the dosing interval should be extended (e.g., every 12 hours). In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 10 mL/min), the dose should be further reduced or the interval extended to prevent accumulation.
- Monitoring Recommendations: Renal function should be closely monitored in patients with pre-existing kidney disease, as Cefaclor is primarily excreted by the kidneys. Monitoring of creatinine clearance and serum drug levels may be necessary in patients with severe renal impairment.