Cefaclor Flashcards

Cefaclor Overview

• Cefaclor is classified as a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.

Pregnancy Safety

• Falls under Pregnancy Category B, indicating no proven risk to the fetus.

Therapeutic Uses

• Effective against ear infections and ampicillin-resistant strains.
• Targets specific gram-negative organisms: E. coli, Proteus, H. influenza.
• Treats gram-positive strains: Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, S. aureus.
• Used for respiratory, urinary, and skin infections alongside cefazolin.

Mechanism of Action

• Functions by inhibiting cell wall synthesis which leads to bacterial cell death; exhibits a bactericidal effect.

Common Side Effects

• Possible side effects include pruritus, headaches, vertigo, and weakness.
• Gastrointestinal reactions may occur: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and rash more commonly with cefazolin and cefaclor.

Adverse Reactions

• Risks of superinfections, particularly urticaria, can arise during treatment.

Contraindications

• Should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.
• Use with caution in individuals with penicillin hypersensitivity, renal disease, or during lactation.

Drug Interactions

• Probenecid may enhance the effects of cefazolin and cefaclor.
• Concurrent use with loop diuretics, aminoglycosides, colistin, or vancomycin can increase toxicity.
• Efficacy may be diminished when taken with tetracyclines or erythromycin.

Laboratory Interactions

• May elevate lab values including BUN, serum creatinine, AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, and bilirubin levels.

Pharmacokinetics

• Well absorbed when taken orally.
• Approximately 25% protein-bound.
• Metabolized within 0.5 to 1 hour.
• Excretion: 60-80% is eliminated unchanged through urine.

Pharmacodynamics

• Oral administration results in a rapid onset, peak effects occurring within 0.5 to 1 hour; duration of action remains unspecified.