Keflor CD (Cefaclor Monohydrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Keflor CD Used For?
Keflor CD contains cefaclor, which belongs to a group of medicines called cephalosporins. This antibiotic works by killing the bacteria that are causing your infection.
Primary Uses
Keflor CD treats bacterial infections in different parts of the body, including: 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
This medicine works by killing the bacteria that are causing your infection. It belongs to the cephalosporin family of antibiotics.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Keflor CD is addictive.
How to Take Keflor CD
Your doctor will tell you exactly how much Keflor CD you need to take, which depends on the type of infection you have. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Dosage Instructions
Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not cut, crush or chew the tablet. Take your medicine at about the same time each day with food. If you need to take an antacid, take it at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after you take Keflor CD. 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 is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and 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. This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.
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
- rash, itching or hives on skin with swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts
- 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 CD. Make sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Keflor CD
Do not take if you are allergic to cefaclor, 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 12 years of age. Do not take after the expiry date or if packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, severe bowel conditions, liver disease, or allergies to 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 Keflor CD and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
- antacids (medicines used to neutralise 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 with activities that require alertness until you know how Keflor CD affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Keflor CD 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.
Storage
Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them. Store in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, on window sills, or in the car. Keep where children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else may have taken too much Keflor CD, 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 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, take your medicine at about the same time each day with food. Taking it with food and at the same time each day will have the best effect and help you remember when to take it.
No, there is no evidence that Keflor CD is 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, meaning your infection may not clear completely and 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 you’re meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
If you need to take an antacid, take it at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after you take Keflor CD, as antacids may interfere with how Keflor CD works.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice severe abdominal cramps, watery and/or severe diarrhoea which may be bloody, especially if it occurs several weeks after stopping treatment. Do not take any diarrhoea medicine without first checking with your doctor as you may have a serious bowel condition requiring urgent medical attention.
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.