About cefaclor
Second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic
Used for
- Treats certain bacterial ear, throat, skin, and urinary infections.
Usual adult dose
Commonly 250–500 mg every 8 hours; dose depends on infection and formulation.
Usual dose in children
Usually 20–40 mg/kg daily in divided doses every 8 hours; maximum 1 g daily.
Common side effects
- Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- Rash or itching
- Rarely, severe allergic reaction or serious skin reaction
Important warnings
- Not effective for viral infections such as colds or flu.
- Avoid with serious cephalosporin allergy; tell clinicians about penicillin allergy.
- Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, or severe rash.
- Complete the prescribed course; persistent or bloody diarrhea needs medical attention.
Pregnancy
Use when needed after a clinician weighs benefits and risks; human pregnancy data are limited.
Breastfeeding
Generally considered compatible; monitor the infant for diarrhea, rash, or thrush.
Interactions
- Warfarin: may increase bleeding risk; monitoring may be needed.
- Probenecid can increase cefaclor levels.
- Tell clinicians about other antibiotics or medicines that affect clotting.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.