Medoclor

Drug name: Medoclor

Other names used:

• Apo-Cefaclor®
• Ceclor®
• Distaclor®
• Keflor®
• PMS-Cefaclor®
• Raniclor®

Active Ingredients: Cefaclor

Therapeutic actions: Cefaclor is a second generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It kills sensitive bacteria by interfering with formation of the bacteria's cell wall while it is growing. This weakens the cell wall and it ruptures, resulting in the death of the bacteria.

Indications: Cefaclor is indicated in the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms:
Olitis media: caused by S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, staphylococci, and S. pyogenes (group A ß-hemolytic streptococci)
Note: ß-lactamase-negative, ampicillin-resistant (BLNAR) strains of Haemophilus influenzae should be considered resistant to cefaclor despite apparent in vitro susceptibility of some BLNAR strains.
Lower respiratory infections: including pneumonia, caused by S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and S. pyogenes (group A ß-hemolytic streptococci).
Pharyntitis and Tonsillitis: including pharyngitis and tonsillitis, caused by S. pyogenes (group A ß-hemolytic streptococci).
Urinary tract infections: including pyelonephritis and cystitis, caused by E. coli, P. mirabilis, Klebsiella sp, and coagulase-negative staphylococci.
Skin and skin structure infections: caused by Staphylococcus aureus and S. pyogenes (group A ß-hemolytic streptococci).

Contraindications and cautions:

• Cefaclor is effective only against bacteria. It is not effective for treating viral infections (eg, the common cold)
• Long-term or repeated use of Cefaclor may cause a second infection. Your doctor may want to change your medicine to treat the second infection. Contact your doctor if signs of a second infection occur.
• It is important to use Cefaclor for the full course of treatment. Failure to do so may decrease the effectiveness of this treatment and may increase the risk that the bacteria will no longer be sensitive to Cefaclor and it will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antibiotics in the future.
• If severe diarrhea, stomach pain/cramps, or bloody stools occurs, contact your doctor immediately. This could be a symptom of a serious side effect requiring immediate medical attention. Do not treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor.
• It is important to use Cefaclor for the full course of treatment. Failure to do so may decrease the effectiveness of this treatment and may increase the risk that the bacteria will no longer be sensitive to Cefaclor and it will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antibiotics in the future.
• Phenylketonuria patients - Cefaclor contains phenylalanine.
• Diabetes patients - Cefaclor may cause false test results with some urine glucose tests. Check with your doctor before you adjust the dose of your Diabetes medicine or change your diet.
• Use Cefaclor with caution in the ELDERLY since they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING: If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Cefaclor during pregnancy. Cefaclor is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Cefaclor , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Adverse effects: All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Headache;
• mild diarrhea;
• nausea;
• sinus infection;
• tiredness;
• vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; itching); bloody stools; fever; seizures; severe diarrhea; stomach cramps/pain; urge to have a bowel movement; vaginal irritation or discharge.

Interactions: Some medical conditions may interact with Cefaclor . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have diarrhea, a stomach infection, or a blood clotting disorder
• if you have phenylketonuria
• if you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, dizziness) to a penicillin antibiotic (eg, amoxicillin) or other beta-lactam antibiotic (eg, imipenem)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cefaclor . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Probenecid because it may increase the actions and side effects of Cefaclor
• Oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because side effects, including risk of bleeding, may be increased by Cefaclor

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.