Cefaclor

It is a semi-synthetic cephalo-sporin, having a broad spectrum anti bacterial activity

Indications

Otitis media. Upper respiratory infections including pharyngitis and tonsillitis. Other ENT infections like acute rhinosinusitis, acute laryngitis, epiglottitis and external otitis. Lower respiratory infections including pneumonia and bronchitis (acute bronchitis or exacerbation of chronic bronchitis). Skin and skin-structure infections including impetigo, pyoderma, cellulitis subcutaneous abscess and post-traumatic or post-operative wound infections. Urinary tract infections including cystiti

Dosage

Adults: 250 mg 8 hrly Max 500 mg 8 hrly. Children: 20 mg/kg/day in divided doses 8 hrly. In serious infections 40 mg/kg/day with Max 1 gm/day

Contra-Indications

Patients with known allergy to cephalosporins.

Special Precautions

In penicillin sensitive patients, chronic renal failure, Pseudomembranous colitis, Infants less than 1 month. Paediatrics: Reduced dose necessary because of increased risk of skin reaction. Pregnancy: No evidence of risk. Lactation: The drug passes into breast milk and may affect the infant.

Side Effects

Hypersensitivity reactions, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, transient hepatitis, eosinophilia, genital pruritus or vaginitis, reversible interstitial nephritis.

Drug Interactions

Enhance nephrotoxicity of gentamycin and tobramycin. Probenecid slows tubular excretion.