Cefaclor


Cefaclor, sold under the trade name Ceclor among others, is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections such as pneumonia and infections of the ear, lung, skin, throat, and urinary tract. It is also available from other manufacturers as a generic.
It was patented in 1973 and approved for medical use in 1979.

Medical uses

Cefaclor belongs to the family of antibiotics known as the cephalosporins. The cephalosporins are broad-spectrum antibiotics that are used for the treatment of septicaemia, pneumonia, meningitis, biliary tract infections, peritonitis, and urinary tract infections. The pharmacology of the cephalosporins is similar to that of the penicillins, excretion being principally renal. Cephalosporins penetrate the cerebrospinal fluid poorly unless the meninges are inflamed; cefotaxime is a more suitable cephalosporin than cefaclor for infections of the central nervous system, e.g. meningitis. Cefaclor is active against many bacteria, including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms.

Spectrum of activity

Cefaclor is frequently used against bacteria responsible for causing skin infections, otitis media, urinary tract infections, and others.
Cefaclor has been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections: Gram positive aerobes - Staphylococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pyogenes.
The following represents MIC susceptibility data for a few medically significant microorganisms.
Cautions include known sensitivity to beta-lactam antibacterials, such as penicillins ; renal impairment ; pregnancy and breast-feeding ; false positive urinary glucose and false positive Coombs test. Cefaclor has also been reported to cause a serum sickness-like reaction in children.
Cefaclor is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.

Side effects

The principal side effect of the cephalosporins is hypersensitivity. Penicillin-sensitive patients will also be allergic to the cephalosporins, depending on the cephalosporin generation. The previous percentage of 10% cross reactivity rates are often overestimated. Allergic reactions may present as, for example, rashes, pruritus, urticaria, serum sickness-like reactions with rashes, fever and arthralgia, and anaphylaxis. The frequency and severity of serum sickness-like reactions in children has led researchers to question its role in pediatric illness. Other side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, and Stevens–Johnson syndrome. Rare side effects include eosinophilia and blood disorders ; reversible interstitial nephritis; hyperactivity, nervousness, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, confusion, hypertonia, and dizziness. Toxic epidermal necrolysis has been reported. In the UK, The Committee on the Safety of Medicines has warned that the risk of diarrhea and rarely antibiotic-associated colitis are more likely with higher doses.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Cefaclor is passed into the breast milk in small quantities, but is generally accepted to be safe to take during breastfeeding. Cefaclor is not known to be harmful in pregnancy.

Interactions

Coumarins

possibly enhance the anticoagulant effect of coumarins - change in patient's clinical condition, particularly associated with liver disease, intercurrent illness, or drug administration, necessitates more frequent testing of INR, and dose adjustment as necessary.

Probenecid

Excretion of cephalosporins is reduced by probenecid.

Antacids

Absorption of cefaclor is reduced by antacids. Therefore antacids should not be taken right before or at the same time as cefaclor.