What is the most important information I should know about Ceclor (cefaclor)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefaclor, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Duricef, Fortaz, Keflex, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, and others.Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin).Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefaclor will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

How should I take Ceclor (cefaclor)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Cefaclor works best if you take it with a meal or within 30 minutes of a meal.The cefaclor chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefaclor.Take cefaclor for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefaclor will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.

Ceclor (cefaclor) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• fever, sore throat, and joint pain with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
• numbness or tingly feeling
• warmth, redness, or tingling under your skin
• swelling in your hands or feet
• fast or pounding heartbeats
• chest pain, shortness of breath.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, stomach pain, constipation, loss of appetite
• anxiety, drowsiness
• increased night-time urination
• headache
• runny nose, sore throat, cough or
• vaginal itching or discharge

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.