Drug reference

Cefaclor

Cephalosporin · Antibiotic

Also known as Cefaclor monohydrate

CephalosporinAntibiotic

CDSCO approved

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

—

none in our sources

PREGNANCY

FDA category + note

Mechanism

Cefaclor, a cephalosporin, exerts its bactericidal action by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It achieves this by binding to and inactivating penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are critical enzymes involved in the cross-linking of peptidoglycan. This disruption leads to a defective cell wall, resulting in increased osmotic pressure and subsequent bacterial cell lysis and death.

Indications

Susceptible infections due to sensitive Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteriaSevere susceptible infections due to sensitive Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteriaLower urinary-tract infectionsRespiratory-tract infectionsOtitis mediaSkin and soft-tissue infectionsAsymptomatic carriage of Haemophilus influenzae or mild exacerbations in cystic fibrosisUpper respiratory tract infections (sinusitis, otitis media)H. influenzae, E. coli, Pr. mirabilis and some anaerobes (more active than first generation compounds)

Dosing

Adult: Immediate-release: 250 mg 3 times a day for susceptible infections; 500 mg 3 times a day for severe susceptible infections. Modified-release: 375 mg every 12 hours with food for susceptible or lower urinary-tract infections; 750 mg every 12 hours with food for severe susceptible infections.
Pediatric: Immediate-release for susceptible infections: 1-11 months: 20 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses, or 62.5 mg 3 times a day; 1-4 years: 20 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses, or 125 mg 3 times a day; 5-11 years: 20 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses, or 250 mg 3 times a day; 12-17 years: 250 mg 3 times a day.…
Max dose: Adult and Child 12-17 years: 4 g per day. Child 1-11 months, 1-4 years, 5-11 years (for specific severe infections): 1 g daily. Child 5-11 years (for susceptible infections): 1 g daily.

Pharmacokinetics

Excretion

Principally renal (for cephalosporins in general)

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins
History of immediate hypersensitivity to penicillin

Side effects

Common

HypersensitivityGastrointestinal side effects (e.g., diarrhea)

Serious

Hypersensitivity reactions (rash to anaphylaxis)
Serum sickness
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Nephropathy
Hematologic reactions (neutropenia, prolonged use)
Neurotoxicity (seizure, high doses, renal impairment)

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

Drug interactions

Live Typhoid Vaccine (ty21a)

Moderate

Database

Reduced effectiveness of the live typhoid vaccine, leading to inadequate immunization.

Administer the live typhoid vaccine at least 24 hours after the last dose of cefaclor, or ideally, avoid concurrent use. If cefaclor is required, consider delaying vaccination or using an injectable typhoid vaccine.

Probenecid

Moderate

Database

Increased and prolonged plasma concentrations of cefaclor, potentially enhancing its therapeutic effect but also increasing the risk of dose-dependent adverse effects.

Co-administration is sometimes used therapeutically to increase cefaclor levels. If not intended, monitor for increased cefaclor side effects. A reduction in cefaclor dose may be considered if high concentrations are undesirable or if adverse effects occur.

Source: DDInter

Warfarin

Moderate

Database

Increased anticoagulant effect of warfarin, leading to an elevated risk of bleeding (e.g., increased INR, bruising, epistaxis, hematuria).

Monitor INR closely when cefaclor is initiated or discontinued in patients on warfarin. Adjust warfarin dose as needed. Educate patients about signs of bleeding and advise them to seek immediate medical attention if they occur.

Source: DDInter

9 additional low-confidence interactions hidden — those rows lack a documented mechanism or management plan in our sources.