cefaclor monohydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic
Available forms
Immediate-release capsules, granules made into an oral suspension, and prolonged-release tablets
Food
Immediate-release forms may be taken with or without food; prolonged-release tablets should be taken with meals
Important allergy check
Do not use with a known cefaclor or cephalosporin allergy; previous penicillin reactions require careful assessment
What is cefaclor monohydrate used for?
Selected products are licensed for infections caused by cefaclor-susceptible organisms. The precise indication depends on the formulation.
Respiratory infections, including bronchitis, exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and pneumonia
Throat infections, including pharyngitis and tonsillitis
Sinusitis as part of its management
Middle-ear infection, represented by immediate-release products
Skin and soft-tissue or skin-structure infections
Urinary infections, including cystitis; immediate-release products also include pyelonephritis
How does cefaclor monohydrate work?
Cefaclor binds bacterial penicillin-binding proteins and disrupts cell-wall formation, killing susceptible bacteria. Resistance can result from beta-lactamases, altered targets or reduced entry.
cefaclor monohydrate preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 500 mg
Oral suspension
Route: Oral
Strengths: 125 mg/5 mL, 250 mg/5 mL
How to take cefaclor monohydrate
Take the prescribed formulation exactly as directed. Immediate-release capsules and suspension may be taken with or without food. Take prolonged-release tablets with a meal and swallow them intact; do not cut, crush or chew them.
The oral suspension is prepared from granules before supply.
Keep reconstituted suspension refrigerated and discard it after 14 days.
Check the pack leaflet or ask a pharmacist if instructions are unclear.
cefaclor monohydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Indigestion
- Rash, itching or hives
- Vaginal thrush or inflammation
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or angioedema
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reactions
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea, particularly with blood or mucus
- Serum sickness-like reaction with rash, fever and joint symptoms
- Jaundice or significant liver dysfunction
- Blood-cell disorders
- Kidney inflammation
- Encephalopathy, seizures or muscle jerking
cefaclor monohydrate in pregnancy
Most pregnancy studies of cephalosporins have not shown harm to the baby. Cefaclor-specific controlled data are limited, so use should follow a prescriber's benefit–risk assessment. Exposure alone does not usually require extra fetal monitoring beyond routine antenatal care.
cefaclor monohydrate while breastfeeding
Small amounts of cefaclor enter breast milk, but effects on a breastfed infant are uncertain. A prescriber should consider the need for treatment and the infant's health and age. Seek specialist advice for a premature or unwell infant and report altered feeding or gastrointestinal symptoms.
cefaclor monohydrate interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about prescription, non-prescription and herbal products. Documented interactions include:
Warfarin
Cefaclor has rarely increased prothrombin time, with or without bleeding; closer anticoagulation monitoring may be required.
Probenecid
It inhibits renal cefaclor excretion and can increase or prolong cefaclor exposure.
Magnesium- or aluminium-containing antacids
Taking these close to a prolonged-release tablet can reduce cefaclor absorption; ask a pharmacist about suitable separation.
Common questions about cefaclor monohydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is cefaclor monohydrate a penicillin?
No. It is a cephalosporin beta-lactam antibiotic. Cross-allergy can occur, so discuss any previous serious penicillin reaction before use.
Does cefaclor monohydrate treat colds or flu?
No. It acts against susceptible bacteria, not viral infections such as colds or flu.
Can cefaclor monohydrate be taken with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.