Pharmacological action of Cefaclor

Cefaclor is a cephalosporin antibiotic of the II generation for oral administration. It has a bactericidal effect.

Has a wide range of antimicrobial action. Highly active against gram-negative microorganisms (Escherichia coli and Haemophilus influenzae, Salmonella, Shigella, Enterobacteriaceae, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella, Gonococcus). It is also active against gram-positive microorganisms (staphylococci, streptococci).

Resistant to beta-lactamase action. Anaerobic microorganisms are sensitive to the drug: bacteroids, peptococci, peptostreptococci. Inactive against various types of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, most strains of enterococci, many strains of Enterobacter cloacae, methicillin-resistant staphylococci and Listeria monocytogenes.

Pharmacokinetics

The drug is excreted by the kidneys practically unchanged.

Indications of Cefaclor

Infectious and inflammatory diseases caused by microorganisms sensitive to the drug, including diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin and soft tissues, otitis media, osteomyelitis, endometritis, gonorrhea.

Application

The dose is set individually, taking into account the severity of the course and localization of the infection, the sensitivity of the pathogen. Inside, adults are prescribed an average single dose of 250 mg, the frequency of administration is 3 r / day. If necessary, the dose of the drug can be increased to 4 g / day.

For children, the drug is prescribed in a daily dose of 20 mg / kg; frequency rate - 3 r / day. The maximum daily dose is 40 mg / kg.

Preschool children are recommended to prescribe the drug in the form of a suspension. The duration of the course of treatment is 7-10 days.

Pregnancy and lactation

The use of cefaclor during pregnancy and lactation is justified only in cases where the intended benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus or child.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins and other beta-lactam antibiotics.

Overdose

Symptoms.

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Treatment.

Protecting the patient's respiratory tract, ensuring the necessary ventilation and perfusion, monitoring and maintaining blood gases and serum electrolytes at the required level.

The degree of absorption of the drug from the gastrointestinal tract can be reduced by the administration of activated carbon. The clinical efficacy of forced diuresis, peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis and hemosorption has not been shown in case of cefaclor overdose.

Interaction with other drugs

Aminoglycosides enhance the effect of cefaclor, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, erythromycin, sulfonamides - reduce.

There are few reports of an increase in the anticoagulant effect of indirect anticoagulants in cases of their simultaneous administration with cefaclor. The absorption of the drug from the gastrointestinal tract is reduced if antacids containing magnesium or aluminum hydroxide were taken within an hour after taking it. Probenicid slows down the excretion of the drug by the kidneys.

Side Effects

Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching of the skin, itching in the genital area, urticaria, eosinophilia, arthralgia, shortness of breath, angioedema, conjunctivitis, fainting, malignant exudative erythema (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), non-toxic syndrome , anaphylaxis. From the nervous system: agitation, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, paresthesia, motor agitation, confusion, hallucinations, asthenia. From the genitourinary system: vaginitis.

From the urinary system: impaired renal function, interstitial nephritis, dysuria, nocturia.

From the digestive system: decreased appetite, constipation, dyspepsia (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting), pseudomembranous enterocolitis, abdominal pain, hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice.

From the side of hematopoietic organs: hypoplastic anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, bleeding.

Laboratory indicators: hyperazotemia, increased urea concentration, hypercreatininemia, increased activity of "hepatic" transaminases, hyperbilirubinemia.

Others: candidiasis, superinfection, increased sweating.

Overdose. Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Treatment: activated charcoal to reduce the degree of absorption of the drug from the gastrointestinal tract, ensure the necessary ventilation and perfusion, control and maintain at the required level of blood gases, serum electrolytes.