Medoclor (Ceclor)

Cefaclor belongs to the group of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Therapeutic actions:
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) which in return inhibits the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell walls, thus inhibiting cell wall biosynthesis. Bacteria eventually lyse due to ongoing activity of cell wall autolytic enzymes (autolysins and murein hydrolases) while cell wall assembly is arrested.

What is it used for?:
Ceclor, a cephalosporin antibiotic, is used in the treatment of ear, nose, throat, respiratory tract, urinary tract, and skin infections caused by specific bacteria, including staph, strep, and E. coli. Uses include treatment of sore or strep throat, pneumonia, and tonsillitis. Ceclor CD, an extended release form of the drug, is also used for flare-ups of chronic bronchitis.

Contraindications and cautions:
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefaclor or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:
cefadroxil (Duricef); cefdinir (Omnicef); cefditoren (Spectracef); cefixime (Suprax); cefprozil (Cefzil); ceftazidime (Fortaz); cefuroxime (Ceftin); cephalexin (Keflex); and others.
Do not take Ceclor if you have a history of gastrointestinal problems, particularly bowel inflammation (colitis).

Side effects:
• mild nausea, stomach pain, constipation, loss of appetite;
• anxiety, drowsiness;
• increased night-time urination;
• headache;
• runny nose, sore throat, cough; or
• vaginal itching or discharge.

Interactions:
Ceclor may interact with the following medicines:
• Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, including Gelusil, Maalox, and Mylanta (interact with Ceclor CD only);
• Certain antibiotics such as Amikin;
• Certain potent diuretics such as Edecrin and Lasix;
• Probenecid (Benemid);
• Warfarin (Coumadin).