The Power of Cefaclor - Conquering Bacterial Infections

Introduction

Cefaclor is a second-generation antibiotic that belongs to the group of cephalosporins. It acts against different bacterial strains by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cefaclor acts actively against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Escherichia coli. According to the research, various bacterial infections such as infection of the upper respiratory tract, urinary tract infections (UTI), otitis media (middle ear infections), and skin and soft tissue infections can be managed by the drug Cefaclor effectively. Cefaclor was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of bacterial infection on November 12, 1979. Read the article further to understand the mechanism of action, uses, side effects, and pharmacology of the drug Cefaclor.

How Does the Drug Cefaclor Work?

The drug Cefaclor works as an antibacterial agent by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). The Cefaclor is efficient against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Uses:

The drug Cefaclor is used in the management of a wide variety of bacterial infections, such as:

• Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

• Urinary tract infections.

• Middle ear infections (otitis media).

• Skin infections like skin allergies or rashes.

• Soft tissue infections.

Doses:

Cefaclor is available in different doses and forms.

• Oral Form: Cefaclor is available in oral capsule form in the dosage of 250 and 500 milligrams. It is also available in an oral-coated tablet and extended-release tablet form.

• Suspension Form: Cefaclor is available in oral suspension forms of 125 mg, 250 mg, and 375 mg per 5 mL (milliliters).

For Patients

What Are Bacterial Infections?

Bacterial infections may occur due to contaminated soil, water, or air contact. Bacterial infections can be mild to severe, depending on the type of microbes. Bacterial infections can affect the skin, lungs, urinary tract, ear, and other organs resulting in a wide variety of infections. Cefaclor acts as an antibacterial agent against these infections.

Learn More About Cefaclor

When and Why to Take Cefaclor Medication?

Cefaclor is usually prescribed by the doctor for the management of bacterial infections after a thorough examination of the signs and symptoms presented by the patients. Cefaclor is prescribed by the doctor in different doses and forms depending on the type and severity of the bacterial infections.

How Effective Is Cefaclor Medication Against Bacterial Infections?

According to the studies, Cefaclor is quite effective in the management of a wide variety of bacterial infections associated with the skin, ears, upper respiratory tract, and urinary tract. Cefaclor was approved by the FDA for the management of bacterial infections in both the adult and child populations.

Things to Inform the Doctor Before They Prescribe Cefaclor:

• Inform the doctor in case of an allergic reaction to the drug that develops soon after starting the medications.

• Update the doctor about any underlying systemic conditions if present, like diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, respiratory diseases, etc.

• Inform the doctor of any allergy to any drugs or their composition.

• Tell the doctor if pregnant and/or planning pregnancy.

• Breastfeeding mothers should inform the doctor about their health status before starting medications.

• Inform the doctor if under any medications for any specific condition, as Cefaclor can result in adverse drug reactions when given in combination with other drugs.

Starting Cefaclor Drug

How to Take Cefaclor?

For Oral Capsules and Tablets:

• Cefaclor tablets and capsules should be consumed orally with water in the prescribed doses and specific schedule as the doctor suggests.

• It is advised not to crush, chew, or break the tablets (extended-release tablets). Tablets and capsules should be taken as a whole with water.

For Oral Suspension:

• The suspension form of Cefaclor can be consumed with a clean spoon in exact doses as suggested by the doctor. To avoid an overdose of the Cefaclor suspension, a syringe with measurements can be used to measure and dispense the drug while consuming.

Things to Do After Starting Cefaclor:

• Inform the doctor in case of worsening of the symptoms after starting the drug.

• Improvement in the health conditions and symptoms should be updated with the doctor during the follow-up visit.

• Check for any adverse events if present after starting the drug and inform the doctor immediately about the same.

Look Out for the Side Effects:

• Abdominal pain.

• Stomach upset.

• Skin reactions may occur like rashes, itching, or scratching of the skin due to skin allergies.

• Dry mouth.

• Fever.

• Diarrhea.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Itching or irritation in the genital areas.

• Loss of appetite.

• Heartburn.

Severe Side Effects:

• Oral thrush or candidiasis may occur.

• Yeast infection in the genital areas.

• Shortness of breath.

• Swelling of the face, tongue, and throat.

• Yellowish discoloration of the skin and the mucous membranes (jaundice).

• Increase the risk of easy bleeding.

• Seizures.

• Pain in the bones and joints.

Cefaclor has many different side effects. In case any of the above side effects are observed, it is recommended to report to the doctor immediately.

Dietary Alterations:

Cefaclor does not react with any food products. It can be consumed with or without food.

What Should Be Done If the Dose Is Missed?

• In case the dose of the drug is missed, it is advised to consume it as soon as it is remembered.

• It is advised not to consume a double dose, in case, if forgotten to consume the drug in a suggested schedule by the doctor.

• Try to avoid skipping any dose as it can result in bacteria becoming resistant to the drug, leading to a further risk of infections.

What Should Be Done in Case of Overdose?

In case of an overdose of the drug, inform the doctor immediately. In case of drug toxicity, call the helpline number immediately.

Storage of Cefaclor:

• Cefaclor should be stored at normal temperature, away from moisture and heat.

• The oral suspension form of Cefaclor should be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator and should not be used after 14 days (on opening).

• The reconstituted drug should be discarded after two weeks.

• It is advised to store the tablets and capsules away from the light.

Avoid Self-Prescription:

The drug Cefaclor should be consumed only if advised by the doctor after a proper clinical examination of the symptoms and diagnosis. It should be consumed in the specific dose and schedule as the doctor prescribes.

Staying On Cefaclor:

• Take the prescribed doses of the drug only.

• Inform the doctor immediately in case of an overdose.

• Update the doctor in case of missed doses.

• Inform the doctor in case of any adverse effects noticed.

For Doctors

Indications:

• For upper respiratory tract infections like bronchitis or pneumonia.

• For genitourinary infections.

• In case of bacterial infections associated with the ear.

• In case of skin infections like rashes, hives, eczema, etc.

Pharmacology:

Mechanism of Action:

Cefaclor acts by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins for its antibacterial action. Cefaclor has antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Cefaclor is a beta-lactam antibiotic like other Penicillin drugs.

Chemical Taxonomy:

• Kingdom - Organic compound.

• Superclass - Organic acids and derivatives.

• Class - Carboxylic acid and derivatives.

• Subclass - Amino acids and peptides.

• Direct Parent -N-acyl alpha amino acids.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Cefaclor monohydrate is the only active ingredient present.

• Inactive Ingredient:

  • Mannitol.

  • Polyethylene glycol.

  • Povidone K 30.

  • Titanium dioxide.

  • Hypromellose.

  • Magnesium stearate.

  • Aluminum oxide.

Doses and Forms: The drug Cefaclor is available in different forms:

• Oral Suspension Form: In the dose of 125 mg, 250 mg, and 375 mg per 5 mL (milliliters).

• Oral Capsules and Tablets Form: Oral capsule form in the dosage of 250 and 500 milligrams. It is also available in an oral-coated tablet and extended-release tablet form in 200 and 500 milligrams.

Absorption:

Cefaclor is well observed after oral consumption of the drug. Food does not interfere with the absorption of Cefaclor.

Protein Binding:

Cefaclor binds have a protein binding capacity of around 23.5 percent.

Metabolism:

Around 60 to 80 percent of Cefaclor is excreted unchanged in the urine within 8 hours. Biotransformation of the drug Cefaclor in the liver is not much appreciable.

Excretion:

The drug Cefaclor is excreted unchanged in the urine (around 60 to 80 percent) within 8 hours. The excretion rate is higher during the first few hours.

Half-Life:

The average half-life of the drug is around 0.6 to 0.9 hours.

Toxicity:

Overdose of the drug Cefaclor can result in toxicity. Different symptoms observed due to drug toxicity are:

• Diarrhea.

• Nausea.

• Stomach upset.

• Vomiting.

• Constipation.

Drug Interactions:

• Cefaclor decreases the elimination of Abacavir, Acamprosate, and Acetaminophen, resulting in an increase in the serum concentrations of these drugs.

• Cefaclor, when given in combination with Acetaminophen and Acemetacin, can result in the risk of severe nephrotoxicity (kidney toxicity).

• The drug Cefaclor when combined with Acenocoumarol and Warfarin, increases the risk of severe bleeding.

• The excretion rate of Cefaclor is increased when given in combination with Acetazolamide resulting in decreased serum concentrations of the drug.

• The elimination rate of the drug Cefaclor is decreased when given in combination with Acetylsalicylic acid.

• The excretion rate of Aclidinium decreases when given in combination with the drug Cefaclor resulting in increased serum concentration of the drug.

• Cefaclor, when given in combination with the drug Probenecid can result in abdominal problems.

Interaction with Alcohol:

Consuming alcohol while on the drug Cefaclor can result in delayed recovery from bacterial infections. It is advised to avoid alcohol when under the drug Cefaclor.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Hypersensitivity Reactions: The drug Cefaclor may cause severe allergic reactions with symptoms like swelling of the face, skin rashes or blisters, itching, and scratching of the skin. If any such symptoms are noticed, it is advised to report to the doctor immediately.

• Gastrointestinal Problems: The drug Cefaclor may cause severe intestinal and abdominal problems like colitis (caused by clostridium bacteria), which are sometimes life-threatening. It is advisable to tell the doctor immediately if any symptoms are noticed.

• Drug Resistance: The drug Cefaclor is a beta-lactam antibiotic and should be taken in the exact dose and schedule as prescribed by the doctor. Abruptly stopping the drug before the complete dose schedule is over can result in bacteria becoming resistant to the drug, and infection may not be treated completely.

Contraindications:

• In patients with a history of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to Penicillin drugs.

• Renal dysfunction (should be cautiously used with drug dose adjustments as it carries the risk of kidney toxicity).

• In seizures, the drug should be used very cautiously in patients with a history of antibiotic-induced colitis.

Other Specifications:

• Cefaclor in Pregnant Women: According to research Cefaclor does not cause any harm to the fetus when the drug is consumed by pregnant women. The drug can be used during pregnancy only in specific situations when prescribed by the doctor.

• Cefaclor in Lactating Women: Almost all the Cephalosporin group of drugs are excreted into the breast milk. According to the research, the drug Cefaclor traces are present in breast milk when consumed by lactating mothers. Certain side effects, like loose stools, stomach pain, etc., might occur in the infant after feeding. It is advisable to consult the doctor about the associated risk and benefits matrix before starting the medications.

• Cefaclor in Pediatric Patients: The oral suspension of the drug Cefaclor can be used in infants below one month. The use of capsules and tablets form of the drug is not recommended in infants below one month of age.

• Cefaclor in Geriatric Patients: The drug Cefaclor can be given with dose adjustments in elderly patients with underlying kidney disorders. The drug Cefaclor carries the risk of nephrotoxicity in patients with underlying kidney disorders due to reduced metabolism with age resulting in delayed clearance of the drug. The oral suspension form of Cefaclor contains sucrose and should be avoided in elderly patients with uncontrolled diabetes.