Cefaclor

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Kenny Cheuk Yin Cheung, Pharmacist

Last updated on 05/07/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Cefaclor

CHINESE NAME: 頭孢克洛

BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Ceclor

DRUG CLASS: Antibiotics

SUB CLASS: Cephalosporins (Second Generation)

USED FOR: Acute otitis media, urinary tract infections (UTIs), respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, skin and soft tissue infections

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS:
– 375 mg (tablets)
– 250 mg, 500 mg (capsules)
– 125 mg/5ml, 250 mg/5ml (oral suspension)

What is Cefaclor for?

Cefaclor belongs to a class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It kills bacteria by interrupting the integrity of bacterial cell walls. It is used to treat bacterial infections, including pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. Cefaclor does not work for virus or fungus infections.

How to use it?

Cefaclor is available as a tablet, a capsule and an oral suspension to be taken with or without food. If you take an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before use to mix the medication evenly.

Acute otitis media
Adult
250-500 mg every 8-12 hours. Maximum dosage is 4 g daily.
Child
40 mg/kg body weight daily in 3 divided doses. Maximum dosage is 1 g daily.

Skin and soft tissue infections
Adult
250-500 mg every 8 hours.
Child
20-40 mg/kg body weight daily in 3 divided doses. Maximum dosage is 1 g daily.

Lower respiratory tract infection
Adult
250-500 mg every 8 hours.
Child
20-40 mg/kg body weight daily in 3 divided doses. Maximum dosage is 1 g daily.

What are the side effects of Cefaclor?

Common side effects of Cefaclor include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting, and allergic skin reactions.

Who should not take Cefaclor?

– People allergic to Cefaclor or any component of the formulation.
– Anyone who is allergic to cephalosporins.

Pharmacist Tips:

– Report severe diarrhoea and ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking antidiarrheal medicines.
– Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids due to diarrhoea.
– If you experience symptoms like skin rash or enlarged lymph nodes, report to your doctor immediately.

Common dosing schedule:
Cefaclor is usually administered every 8 hours. You can take Cefaclor with or without food.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Cefaclor may interact with:
– Warfarin
– Aminoglycoside antibiotics, e.g. Amikacin, Gentamicin, Tobramycin
– Probenecid

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Cefaclor in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Cefaclor is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Cefaclor in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.