Cefoxitin is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cefaclor is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, such as bladder infection, ear infection, skin infection, or infection of the respiratory tract.

Cefaclor may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cefoxitin or to similar antibiotics, such as cefdinir (Omnicef), cefprozil (Cefzil), cefuroxime (Ceftin), cephalexin (Keflex), and others.

Cefaclor comes as a capsule, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. The capsule and liquid are usually taken with or without food every 8 or 12 hours . The long-acting tablet is usually taken within 1 hour of eating a meal every 12 hours (twice a day) for 7 to 10 days . Take cefaclor at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cefaclor exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

Swallow the long-acting tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with cefaclor. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.

Take cefaclor until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking cefaclor too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Cefaclor works best if you take it with a meal or within 30 minutes of a meal.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

This medicine can cause unusual results with certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefaclor.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Cefaclor will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator, do not freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefaclor or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefadroxil (Duricef);

• cefazolin (Ancef);

• cefdinir (Omnicef);

• cefditoren (Spectracef);

• cefpodoxime (Vantin);

• cefprozil (Cefzil);

• ceftibuten (Cedax);

• cefuroxime (Ceftin);

• cephalexin (Keflex); or

• cephradine (Velosef); and others.

To make sure cefoxitin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• an allergy to penicillin;

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis;

cefaclor is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Cefaclor may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The liquid form of cefaclor may contain sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefaclor if you have diabetes.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the capsules and tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). The tablets should also be stored away from light. Keep liquid medicine in the refrigerator, tightly closed, and dispose of any unused medication after 14 days.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, numbness or tingling; weakness, feeling light-headed; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cefaclor may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• fever, swollen glands, rash or itching, joint pain, or general ill feeling;

• easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

• seizure (convulsions);

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects of cefaclor may include:

• diarrhea; or

• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may interact with cefaclor, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to cefaclor.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking cefaclor.

If you are diabetic and test your urine for sugar, use Clinistix or TesTape (not Clinitest) to test your urine while taking this medication.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.