Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information Leaflet (ePIL).
The text only version may be available in large print, Braille or audio CD.
For further information call emc accessibility on
0800 198 5000.
The product code(s) for this leaflet is: PL 13621/0008.
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.
Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
What is in this leaflet:
1. What Cefaclor capsules are and what they are used for 2. What you need to know before you take Cefaclor capsules 3. How to take Cefaclor capsules 4. Possible side effects 5. How to store Cefaclor capsules 6. Contents of the pack and other information
1. What Cefaclor capsules are and what they are used for
Cefaclor capsules contain the active ingredient cefaclor, which is an antibiotic.
Cefaclor capsules are used to treat the following infections caused by bacteria that can be killed by cefaclor:
Bronchitis
Infection of lung tissue (pneumonia)
Bladder (cystitis) and kidney infections
Throat infections including tonsillitis and pharyngitis
Middle ear infections (otitis media)
Skin and soft tissue (e.g. muscle) infections
Infection of the sinuses (sinusitis).
2. What you need to know before you take Cefaclor capsules
Do not take Cefaclor capsules:
If you are allergic to cefaclor, any cephalosporin (other similar antibiotics) or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). An allergic reaction may include rash, itching, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Cefaclor capsules
If you have had an allergic reaction to penicillins or other drugs in the past
If you have a history of gastrointestinal disease, especially inflammation of the colon (colitis)
If you have severe kidney problems
Tell your doctor if you are having blood or urine tests. Cefaclor capsules may interfere with these tests.
Other medicines and Cefaclor capsules
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. This is especially important of the following, as they may interact with your Cefaclor capsules:
warfarin (a blood thinner)
probenecid (a treatment for gout).
It may still be all right for you to be given Cefaclor capsules and your doctor will be able to decide what is suitable for you.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Driving and using machines
Cefaclor capsules should not affect your ability to drive or use machines.
3. How to take Cefaclor capsules
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Dosage
Adults and the elderly
The usual dose is one capsule taken orally three times a day. Your doctor will tell you if you need a different dose.
Patients with a severe kidney disorder or patients receiving dialysis may need a reduced dose.
Use in Children
Cefaclor capsules are not recommended for children.
If you take more Cefaclor capsules than you should
Go to the nearest accident and emergency department or tell your doctor straight away.
If you forget to take Cefaclor capsule
If you miss a dose, take one as soon as you can. If you have missed several doses, tell your doctor. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Cefaclor capsules can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. All medicines can cause allergic reactions, although serious allergic reactions are very rare.
Tell your doctor straight away if you get any sudden wheeziness, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching (especially affecting your whole body).
Serious side effects
The following side effects are serious. You should stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor immediately if you experience them:
serious peeling or blistering of the skin
severe diarrhoea, possibly with blood or mucus.
The following side effects have been reported
diarrhoea
feeling sick (nausea)
vomiting
measle-like rash, (alone)
itching
red wheals on the skin (urticaria) (alone)
rash with wide spread joint pain and / or stiffness, swollen lymph glands, fever and, possibly, cloudy urine
swollen arms or legs
breathlessness
changes in blood counts, which may show up as bruising or a very tired feeling. You will need a blood test to confirm this.
damage to your liver or kidneys which can only be detected by a blood and / or urine test
jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
weakness
pins and needles in the hands or feet
fainting
abnormally excitable behaviour
agitation
nervousness
sleeplessness
confusion
tight muscles
dizziness
seeing or hearing things (hallucinations)
Encephalopathy (non-inflammatory brain disease)
Convulsions
Myoclonus (muscle-twitching)
itching of the vagina caused by thrush (candidiasis).
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Cefaclor capsules
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not store above 25°C.
Store in the original packaging in order to protect from light.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Cefaclor capsules contain
The active substance is cefaclor
The other ingredients are:
magnesium stearate, dimeticone, starch flowable, erythrosine, patent blue V, black iron oxide, titanium dioxide and gelatin.
What Cefaclor capsules look like and contents of the pack
Cefaclor capsules are purple and grey capsules.
Cefaclor capsules come in plastic bottles with screw caps containing 20, 50 and 100 capsules or foil blister packs containing 14 or 21 capsules.