Cefprozil
About
Cefprozil belongs to a class of medications called ‘Antibiotics’ used to treat bacterial infections. It is used in the treatment of various bacterial infections such as pharyngitis (sore throat), tonsillitis (swollen tonsils), otitis media (middle ear infection), sinusitis (sinus infection), bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi or lower respiratory tract infection) and skin infections. Bacterial infections are caused due to the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Cefprozil does not work against infections caused by the virus, including cold and flu.
Cefprozil contains ‘Cefprozil’, which is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It has bactericidal action (kills bacteria). It works by preventing the formation of the cell wall (the outer protective layer of bacteria, which is essential for its survival) by preventing protein synthesis. Thus, it helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections.
It would be best if you took Cefprozil as prescribed by your doctor. The common side-effects of Cefprozil are nausea, diarrhoea, and vaginal itching or discharge. It may also cause abnormal liver function tests and decreased blood cell (WBC) count. These side effects usually don't require medical attention. Inform your doctor immediately if any of these side effects persist or get worse.
It is not recommended to take Cefprozil if you are allergic to any antibiotics, including penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics. Before taking Cefprozil, inform your doctor if you have intestinal problems such as colitis (inflammation of the intestine) and kidney diseases. Do not take Cefprozil on your own, as self-medication may lead to antibiotic resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections. Cefprozil is probably safe when used in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Cefprozil should be used with caution in children and the elderly as dosage adjustments are necessary. Cefprozil may not interact with alcohol. Cefprozil may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Uses of Cefprozil
Medicinal Benefits
Cefprozil contains ‘Cefprozil’, which is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It acts by disrupting the formation of the cell wall (outer layer), which is essential for bacteria's survival, thereby killing the bacteria. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and acts against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It can effectively treat bacterial infections such as pharyngitis (sore throat), tonsillitis (swollen tonsils), otitis media (middle ear infection), sinusitis (sinus infection), bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi or lower respiratory tract infection), and skin infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cefprozil
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Vaginal itching or discharge
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Low white blood cell (WBC) count
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Cefprozil should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Do not take Cefprozil on your own, as self-medication may lead to antibiotic resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections. You may experience ‘Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea (CDAD)’ after using Cefprozil. So, please undergo an examination to rule out CDAD's chances if you experience diarrhoea following the use of Cefprozil. Do not use it for prolonged periods than recommended by your doctor. Long-term use can lead to superinfection (additional infection caused by other microbes).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cefprozil may interact with other cephalosporin antibiotics, aminoglycoside antibiotics (amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, and streptomycin), and medicine used to treat gout or high uric acid levels (probenecid).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Cefprozil should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases and intestinal problems such as colitis (colon inflammation).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consuming alcohol along with Cefprozil to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant before taking Cefprozil. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing this medicine.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedCefprozil is probably safe when used in breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing.
Driving
cautionCefprozil may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy after taking this medicine.
Liver
safe if prescribedCefprozil is probably safe when used in patients with liver diseases. However, please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Kidney
cautionCefprozil should be used with caution if you have kidney problems. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Children
cautionUse Cefprozil in children in prescribed doses. The dose will be determined by your doctor based on your child's condition, age and body weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Probiotics should be taken after taking the full course of Cefprozil to restore some healthy bacteria in the intestines that may have been killed. Taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Certain fermented foods like yoghurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchi can help restore the intestine's good bacteria.
- Include more fibre-enriched food in your diet, as it can be easily digested by gut bacteria, which helps stimulate their growth. Thus, fibre-rich foods may help restore healthy gut bacteria after a course of antibiotics. Whole grains like whole-grain bread and brown rice should be included in your diet.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages with Cefprozil as they can make you dehydrated and may affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to aid the Cefprozil in fighting off infections.
Special Advise
Cefprozil may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) ineffective. Do not have any immunization/vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply and infect the body. It can target any organ of the body and multiply very quickly. Many give off chemicals called toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses (like sore throat and ear infections) to severe brain infections (like meningitis and encephalitis). When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms like fever, chills and fatigue. A few harmful bacteria commonly cause infections, including Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and E. coli. Anyone can get a bacterial infection, but people with a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicines like steroids are more prone to infections.
FAQs
Cefprozil contains ‘Cefprozil’, that is used to treat bacterial infections. It reduces the infection by inhibiting bacterial growth. It disrupts the formation of the cell wall (outer layer), which is essential for bacteria's survival.
Cefprozil may disrupt the natural flora present in the gut leading to ‘Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea'. Drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration if you experience diarrhoea. Take probiotics to restore the gut bacteria after completing the course of antibiotics. Consult a doctor if you have watery or bloody stools.
People allergic to penicillin should not take Cefprozil as they may develop cross-sensitivity (sensitivity to drugs with similar structures). Cefprozil contains cefprozil, which has a similar structure to that of penicillin.
Cefprozil does not treat a viral infection like the flu or a common cold. So if you feel under the weather, it is best to consult the doctor to know if you need Cefprozil for your condition.
The common side-effects of Cefprozil are nausea, diarrhoea, and vaginal itching or discharge. It may also cause abnormal liver function tests and decreased white blood cell (WBC) count. These side effects usually don't require medical attention. However, inform your doctor immediately if any of these side effects persist or get worse.
Use of Cefprozil for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.
