Cefaclor is an antibiotic that belongs to the group of first generation cephalosporins and acts in a manner similar to penicillins along with antimicrobial properties comparable to that of Cephalexin (other first generation cephalosporin). Like other cephalosporins, the Cefaclor inhibits the bacterial growth by interfering with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. The cephalosporins bind to the transpeptidase enzymes that are used to create links between the chains of peptidoglycan (the polymer essential for the formation of the bacterial cell wall). The inhibition of the transpeptidase activity compromises the bacterial cell wall stability, resulting in the death of growing bacterial cells.
What is Cefaclor?
The Cefaclor is used in the treatment of mild or moderate infections caused by susceptible bacteria to cephalosporins, in particular involving the respiratory, auditory, integumentary and genitourinary systems. Compared to Cephalexin, it has a greater activity towards Gram-negative bacteria and in particular towards the Haemophilus influenza, and therefore it is often classified as second generation cephalosporin (despite having physico-chemical and pharmacokinetic properties superimposable to first generation cephalosporins).
How should Cefaclor be taken?
The ability of this drug to resist the acidic environments such as gastric cancer and the excellent degree of intestinal absorption guarantee the possibility of administering the Cefaclor orally. It is administered in the form of oral suspension or capsule.
Side effects associated with Cefaclor
In general, Cefaclor appears to be well tolerated and with no particular side effects; however, in the case of prolonged treatment or higher doses and especially in patients susceptible or sensitive to its ingredients it may trigger:
- Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain;
- Neurological disorders: headache, dizziness;
- Hematologic abnormalities: agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, anemia;
- Abnormalities in the liver function: elevated serum transaminases (SGOT, SGPT); increased bilirubin;
- Abnormalities in kidney function: ipercreatinemia;
- Allergic reactions: itching, hives, anaphylactic reactions, hypotension, bronchospasm, laryngospasm
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Cefaclor
Cefaclor is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the components or other closely related substances from a chemical point of view, especially to penicillins, cephalosporins, and beta-lactams antibiotics.
Given the lack of studies able to test the safety of this drug on fetal health, taking Cefaclor during pregnancy should only be prescribed under close medical supervision and only in cases of real need. Same precautions are to be observed during the period of breast-feeding, because the active ingredient tends to accumulate in breast milk. Moreover, particular attention should be paid to the administration of the drug in elderly patients or patients with renal dysfunction.
