Cefaclor — What You Need to Know Right Now

Cefaclor is an oral cephalosporin antibiotic many doctors use for common bacterial infections. If you’ve been prescribed cefaclor, this page gives straight answers: when it helps, how people usually take it, what side effects to expect, and simple safety tips so you don’t overthink it.

How cefaclor is used

Clinically, cefaclor treats things like ear infections (otitis media), sinusitis, some throat and lung infections, and uncomplicated skin infections. It’s a second‑generation cephalosporin, which means it fights more gram‑negative bugs than first‑generation options like cephalexin. Doctors pick it when they want an oral drug with decent coverage for typical community infections.

Dosing varies by age and infection. Adults often take 250–500 mg every 8 hours, and some infections may call for 500 mg every 12 hours. Children’s doses are weight‑based; the prescriber calculates the correct amount. Never change the dose or stop early unless your doctor tells you to—stopping too soon can let the infection return.

Practical tips & safety

Common side effects are mild stomach upset, diarrhea, and sometimes a skin rash. If you get watery or bloody diarrhea, call your doctor right away — that could be C. difficile, a more serious reaction to antibiotics. Allergic reactions happen rarely; if you have trouble breathing, facial swelling, or a widespread rash, seek emergency care.

If you’ve had a severe reaction to penicillin in the past, tell your prescriber. Many people with penicillin allergy tolerate cephalosporins, but cross‑reactivity can occur in some cases. Your clinician will weigh risks and may choose a different antibiotic if they’re concerned.

Drug interactions are limited. If you develop heavy vomiting or diarrhea while on cefaclor, use a backup method for contraception until you check with your provider—severe GI upset can make hormonal birth control less reliable. Store cefaclor at room temperature, keep the bottle closed, and keep it out of reach of children.

How does cefaclor compare to other options? For simple skin infections many doctors prefer cephalexin; for severe infections they may choose ceftriaxone (injectable) or switch to amoxicillin/clavulanate if beta‑lactamase producing bacteria are suspected. Choice depends on the bug, patient allergies, and local resistance patterns.

Buying antibiotics online? Only use verified pharmacies that require a prescription. Check credentials, read shipping rules, and avoid sites that sell antibiotics without asking for a prescription. Our site has more on safe online pharmacies and price checks if you want to save money without risking fake meds.

If you’re unsure whether cefaclor is right for your illness, bring a clear symptom list to your provider: fever, duration, prior antibiotics, allergies, and any recent travel. That info helps them pick the best treatment fast.