Ceclor (Cefaclor Monohydrate)

Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information

Prescription Required

Quick Facts

Generic Name
cefaclor monohydrate
Drug Class
cephalosporin antibiotic
Used For
bacterial infections of ears, nose, throat, chest, lungs, bladder, kidneys, and skin
How Taken
oral suspension, shaken well before each dose

What Is Ceclor Used For?

Ceclor contains cefaclor monohydrate and belongs to a group of antibiotics called cephalosporins. It works by killing bacteria that cause infections in different parts of your body.

Primary Uses

Ceclor treats bacterial infections in the ears, nose, throat and tonsils (upper respiratory tract), chest and lungs (lower respiratory tract), bladder and kidneys (lower urinary tract), and skin.

How It Works

Ceclor works by killing the bacteria that are causing your infection. It belongs to the cephalosporin family of antibiotics.

Good to know: This medicine is not addictive.

How to Take Ceclor

Your doctor will determine how much Ceclor you need based on the type of infection you have. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Dosage Instructions

Shake the bottle well and accurately measure the dose with a medicine measure. You can take this medicine with or without food. Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. Complete the full course to ensure the infection clears completely.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss your dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you’re unsure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

Available Tablet Strengths

125 mg/5 mL
125 mg/5 mL Tablet Red, Suspension • 100 mL bottle
250 mg/5 mL
250 mg/5 mL Tablet Red, Suspension • 75 mL bottle

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

  • diarrhea
  • itchy rash
  • oral thrush (white, furry, sore tongue or mouth)
  • vaginal thrush (sore and itchy vagina and/or abnormal discharge)

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • drowsiness
  • headache
  • hyperactivity, nervousness, insomnia, confusion, dizziness, hallucinations
  • severe muscle stiffness
  • swelling of the joints with or without fever
  • severe abdominal cramps or stomach cramps
  • watery and/or severe diarrhea which may also be bloody
  • fever in combination with severe diarrhea or cramps
  • sudden signs of allergy (rash, itching, hives, swelling of face, lips, tongue)
  • seizures
  • confusion, memory loss, personality changes, trouble thinking clearly
  • involuntary muscle movements such as jerks, tremors or eye movements

Important Warnings

There are important safety considerations before taking Ceclor. Make sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor.

Who Should Not Take Ceclor

Do not take Ceclor if you are allergic to cefaclor monohydrate, other cephalosporins, or any ingredients in the medicine. Do not take if you have had a serious allergic reaction to penicillin. Do not give to children under one month of age.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, severe bowel conditions, or liver disease. Also inform them if you are allergic to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or intend to breastfeed. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits with you. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Ceclor and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.

  • antacids (medicines used to neutralize stomach acid to relieve heartburn, indigestion or upset stomach)
  • probenecid (medicine used to treat gout and promote excretion of uric acid)

Alcohol & Driving

Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how Ceclor affects you.

Driving and Operating Machinery

This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people. If you experience these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous. Children should be careful when riding bicycles or climbing trees.

Storage

Keep Ceclor suspension in your refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C where young children cannot reach it. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed. The suspension should be shaken well before use and discarded after 14 days.

Overdose Information

If you think you or anyone else has used too much Ceclor, urgent medical attention may be needed. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Symptoms of overdose may include feeling sick, vomiting, upset stomach or diarrhea.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should tell your doctor if the symptoms of your infection do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse. It’s important to complete the full course even if you feel better after a few days.

Yes, it does not matter if you take this medicine with or without food.

No, this medicine is not addictive.

Do not stop taking your medicine or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor. If you don’t complete the full course, the bacteria causing your infection may continue to grow and multiply so your infection may not clear completely or your symptoms may return.

If you miss your dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Keep Ceclor suspension in your refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C where children cannot reach it. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed and shake well before use. Discard after 14 days.

No, do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you. Do not take Ceclor to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.

Important Disclaimer

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.