Cefaclor-oral

Cefaclor is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the nose, throat, chest, ears, skin or bladder.

Take Cefaclor exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instruction on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take Cefaclor with or without meals.

This medicine is available as a tablet, capsule and suspension.

If you are taking the tablets or capsules, swallow it whole and do not divide, chew or crush the tablet or capsule.

If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.

This medicine should be taken at regular intervals for it to be effective. Continue to take Cefaclor even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of antibiotic. If you don't, the infection will not clear completely.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have a history of allergic reactions (rash, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes) to similar antibiotics such as cefalexin, cefuroxime, cefixime, ceftibuten or any other cephalosporin antibiotics.

Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Practice good hygiene to reduce the chances of getting infected again.

Cefaclor may cause any of the following side effects: headache, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and stomach discomfort.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

- frequent and persistent sore throat with fever, unusual bleeding or bruising
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever

If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop the medicine and inform your doctor quickly. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking warfarin (blood-thinning medicine) or probenecid (medicine for gout).

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Refrigerate the oral suspension (between 2-8°C) once you have mixed the powder with water. Do not freeze it otherwise it will become less effective. Throw away any unused portion after 14 days.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.