Cefaclor: What It Is, How to Use It, and What to Watch For

Cefaclor is a type of antibiotic called a cephalosporin. It fights bacteria that cause infections like ear infections, bronchitis, skin abscesses, and urinary‑tract infections. Doctors prescribe it when they think the bug is sensitive to this drug, and it usually works faster than many other antibiotics.

When to Take Cefaclor and How Much

Typical adult dosing is 250 mg to 1 g every 6 hours, but the exact amount depends on the infection and your kidney function. For kids, the dose is based on weight—usually 20‑40 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, split into three or four doses. Always follow the prescription label; don’t guess a dose because you feel better or worse.

Take cefaclor with food or a glass of milk if it upsets your stomach. The medicine works best when the blood level stays steady, so try to keep the time between doses the same. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it’s almost time for the next one. In that case, skip the missed one; don’t double up.

Side Effects and Things to Watch

Most people tolerate cefaclor well. Common side effects are mild stomach upset, nausea, or a watery diarrhea. If you notice a rash, itching, or swelling—especially around the face—stop the drug and call a doctor right away. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.

Rare but serious reactions include severe diarrhea that looks like “food‑poison” (Clostridioides difficile infection) and liver problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease, liver disease, or if you’re on other medicines that can affect the kidneys.

Do not mix cefaclor with alcohol in a binge‑drinking pattern; a few drinks won’t usually cause trouble, but heavy drinking can increase stomach irritation. Also, avoid taking it with certain blood thinners like warfarin unless your doctor adjusts the dose, because cefaclor can affect how those drugs work.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, let your doctor know. Cefaclor is generally considered safe, but the doctor will weigh the benefits against any tiny risks.

Finish the full course even if you feel fine. Stopping early can let the bacteria survive and become resistant, which makes future infections harder to treat.

Need to get cefaclor online? Look for a licensed pharmacy that asks for a valid prescription, verifies the pharmacy’s credentials, and offers secure payment. Compare prices, read the pharmacy’s return policy, and never share personal info on sketchy sites.

Keeping these tips in mind helps you use cefaclor safely and get the most out of the treatment.

Interactions: Cefaclor can lower the effectiveness of some oral contraceptives, so use a backup method while you’re on the antibiotic. It also interacts with certain diuretics and antacids containing aluminum or magnesium—take them at least two hours apart.

Storage: Store tablets in a dry place at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. If you have a liquid form, keep it in the refrigerator and discard any leftover after 10 days.

Quick FAQ:

• Can I take cefaclor for a sore throat? Only if a doctor confirms it’s a bacterial infection; most sore throats are viral and won’t respond.
• What if I miss a dose? Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is near, then skip the missed one.
• Is cefaclor suitable for kids? Yes, but the dose is weight‑based and must be prescribed by a pediatrician.

Remember, antibiotics are powerful tools, but they work best when you follow the prescription exactly. When in doubt, contact your healthcare provider.