Cefaclor: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Safety Information

Cefaclor is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It’s used for bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and ear infections, and is active against a range of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. It is not appropriate for every infection antibiotic selection depends on the suspected or confirmed bacterial cause and your doctor’s clinical assessment.

At a Glance

Common Indications of Cefaclor

• Respiratory tract infections (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia)
• Skin infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Otitis media (middle ear infection)

Cefaclor is used for infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Antibiotic selection depends on the suspected or confirmed organism and your doctor’s clinical assessment not every case of bronchitis, pneumonia, UTI, or ear infection requires cefaclor specifically.

Antibiotic Stewardship

Cefaclor treats bacterial infections — it does not work against viral infections such as the common cold or flu. It should be used only when prescribed for an appropriate bacterial infection. Take cefaclor exactly as prescribed and follow your healthcare professional’s instructions about the duration of treatment. Do not stop, extend, or restart treatment on your own. Unnecessary or inappropriate antibiotic use contributes to antimicrobial resistance, making infections harder to treat in the future.

Dosage and Administration

Cefaclor dosing depends on the infection being treated, its severity, the patient’s age, formulation, kidney function, and the prescribing information for that product. There is no single universal cefaclor dose for every situation.

Adults: A commonly used regimen is 250 mg every 8 hours, while more severe infections may require a higher dose (up to 500 mg every 8 hours), depending on the specific indication and prescribing information.

Children: Pediatric dosing is weight-based and indication-specific. Some regimens use 20 mg/kg/day divided into three doses, while more serious infections may require higher weight-based dosing, subject to the applicable maximum daily dose.

The exact dose, frequency, and duration should follow the prescribing instructions provided by the healthcare professional this information is for general understanding only and should not be used to calculate or adjust a dose at home.

Cefaclor is available in oral capsules/tablets and suspension forms.

Important: Serum Sickness-Like Reaction (Especially in Children)

Cefaclor is specifically associated with a reaction called a “serum sickness-like reaction,” most often seen in young children (usually under 6). It typically develops about 1–3 weeks after starting cefaclor and is more likely after a second or later course rather than the first time a child takes it.

Symptoms include:

• A rash (often patchy, sometimes with a purple or bruise-like tint)
• Joint pain or swelling a young child may refuse to walk or move a limb
• Fever (present in some, but not all, cases)

This reaction is different from an immediate allergic reaction such as hives or anaphylaxis, but it is still an important reaction to recognize it usually means cefaclor should be avoided in the future. Contact a doctor if these symptoms develop while taking cefaclor or in the weeks after finishing it. Symptoms generally improve after cefaclor is stopped, but medical evaluation is important to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment, rather than assuming it will resolve on its own without being checked.

Drug Interactions

• Warfarin and other anticoagulants: Cefaclor has been associated with increased prothrombin time in some patients taking warfarin, with or without bleeding. If you take warfarin, tell your healthcare professional before starting cefaclor.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.

Adverse Effects of Cefaclor

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash
• Serum sickness-like reaction, especially in young children (see above)
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea

Other reported reactions: Mild liver enzyme elevations have been reported in some patients.

Seek prompt medical attention for:

• Severe or persistent diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea
• Swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing
• A severe rash
• A rash accompanied by joint pain or fever (see the serum sickness-like reaction above)

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity/allergy to cefaclor or cephalosporin antibiotics, according to the relevant product labeling.

Precautions

• Penicillin allergy: If you’ve had a reaction to penicillin in the past, tell your doctor which medicine caused it, what the reaction was, how severe it was, and when it happened. Cross-reactivity between beta-lactam antibiotics (including penicillins and cephalosporins) can occur, but a history of any penicillin allergy does not automatically mean cefaclor cannot be used — your doctor can help assess this based on the specifics of your reaction.
• Kidney impairment: See Kidney Considerations below.
• Warfarin use: See Drug Interactions above.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Liver, and Kidney Considerations

• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, discuss cefaclor with your healthcare professional so they can determine whether it is appropriate for your situation.
• Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding patients should discuss cefaclor treatment with their healthcare professional, particularly when treating a newborn or premature infant.
• Liver: Mild liver enzyme elevations have been reported in some patients, but kidney function is the more central consideration for cefaclor — see below.
• Kidney: Cefaclor should be used with caution in people with significant kidney impairment. Your doctor can determine whether any dosing adjustment or additional monitoring is needed.

Popular Brands of Cefaclor

• India: Distaclor
• US: Ceclor

Brand names, strengths, formulations, and availability vary by country and manufacturer, and other cefaclor brands may also be available.

Approximate Price in India

Cefaclor 250 mg capsules, strip of 10, may cost approximately ₹175–₹235, depending on the brand and pharmacy.

Prices vary by brand, strength, pack size, pharmacy, location, and discounts, so check the current price for your specific prescribed brand with a licensed pharmacy.

How We Can Help

If you have symptoms of a bacterial infection or questions about cefaclor, consult a qualified doctor. A doctor can review your symptoms, medical history, current medicines, and test results to determine whether cefaclor is appropriate. Book a consultation.