Drug Groups

approved

Description

Semisynthetic, broad-spectrum antibiotic derivative of cephalexin. [PubChem]

Indication

For the treatment of certain infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia and ear, lung, skin, throat, and urinary tract infections.

Pharmacology

Cefaclor is a second generation cephalosporin antibiotic with a spectrum resembling first-generation cephalosporins. In vitro tests demonstrate that the bactericidal action of the cephalosporins results from inhibition of cell-wall synthesis. Cefaclor has been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections: Gram positive aerobes - Staphylococci (including coagulase-positive, coagulase-negative, and penicillinase-producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pyogenes (group A ß-hemolytic streptococci). Gram-negative aerobes - Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae (including ß-lactamase-producing ampicillin-resistant strains), Klebsiella sp, and Proteus mirabilis.

Toxicity

Symptoms of overdose include diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, and vomiting.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

No appreciable biotransformation in liver (approximately 60% to 85% of the drug is excreted unchanged in the urine within 8 hours).

Absorption

Well absorbed after oral administration, independent of food intake.

Half Life

0.6-0.9 hour

Protein Binding

23.5%

Elimination

Approximately 60% to 85% of the drug is excreted unchanged in the urine within 8 hours, the greater portion being excreted within the first 2 hours.

References

External Links