Keflor (Cefaclor Monohydrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Keflor Used For?
Keflor contains the active ingredient cefaclor 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
Keflor treats bacterial infections of the ears, nose, throat and tonsils (upper respiratory tract), chest and lungs (lower respiratory tract), bladder and kidneys (lower urinary tract), and skin infections.
How It Works
Keflor 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 Keflor
Your doctor will determine how much Keflor you need based on the type of infection you have. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and complete the full course of treatment.
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.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.
Available Tablet Strengths
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:
- diarrhoea
- 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 diarrhoea which may also be bloody
- fever in combination with severe diarrhoea or cramps
- sudden signs of allergy such as rash, itching or hives with swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts
- shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing
- seizures
- confusion, memory loss, personality changes, trouble thinking clearly or focusing
- involuntary muscle movements such as jerks, tremors or eye movements
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before taking Keflor. Make sure to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Keflor
Do not take Keflor 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 your doctor if you are allergic to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits with you. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Keflor and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
- probenecid (a medicine used to treat gout and to promote the excretion of uric acid)
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how Keflor affects you, as it may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Keflor affects you. This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people. If you have any of 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 Keflor 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 that you or anyone else may have taken too much Keflor, urgent medical attention may be needed. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Symptoms of an overdose may include feeling sick, vomiting, upset stomach or diarrhoea.
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 begin to 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 do not complete the full course, the bacteria causing your infection may continue to grow and multiply so that your infection may not clear completely or your symptoms may return.
If you miss your dose at the usual time and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking your medicine normally. Do not take a double dose.
Keep Keflor suspension in your refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C where young children cannot reach it. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed and shake well before each 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 Keflor 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.