Abaclor

Indications

Abaclor is indicated for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including:

• Respiratory tract infections: Pneumonia, bronchitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pyogenes.
• Otitis media: Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes.
• Pharyngitis & Tonsillitis: Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.
• Urinary tract infections: Including pyelonephritis and cystitis caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella spp., and coagulase-negative Staphylococci.
• Skin and soft tissue infections: Caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Always follow the prescription and guidelines provided by your healthcare provider.

Pharmacology

Abaclor (Cefaclor) is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity. It is stable against beta-lactamase inactivation and is effective against several organisms, including:

• Streptococci (alpha and beta-hemolytic)
• Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Haemophilus influenzae
• Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella spp.

It effectively eradicates Streptococcus from the nasopharynx and is used for various bacterial infections.

Dosage & Administration

• Adults: Typically 250 mg every 8 hours. For severe infections, the dose may be increased to 500 mg every 8 hours (maximum 4 g/day). For β-hemolytic Streptococcal infections, a 10-day course is recommended.
• Pediatric (over 1 month): Standard dosage is 20 mg/kg/day in divided doses. For serious infections, the dose may increase to 40 mg/kg/day.

Powder for Suspension & Pediatric Drops:

• <1 year (9 kg): ½ tsp (suspension) or 0.625 ml (drops) three times a day.
• 1-5 years: 1 tsp (suspension) or 1.25 ml (drops) three times a day.
• >5 years: 2 tsp (suspension) three times a day.

For renal impairment and patients on hemodialysis, specific dosing adjustments are required.

Interaction

• Anticoagulants: Co-administration with Warfarin may enhance its anticoagulant effects, necessitating regular monitoring of prothrombin time.
• False Positive Glucose: Abaclor may cause false-positive results in glucose urine tests (using Benedict’s or Fehling’s solution).

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity: Contraindicated in patients with known allergies to cephalosporin antibiotics or penicillin.

Side Effects

• Common: Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
• Less common: Liver dysfunction (elevated enzymes), superinfection, renal issues, and, rarely, allergic reactions like rash and fever.
• Severe: Rare reports of toxic nephropathy, pancytopenia, and cholestatic jaundice.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy: Category B. Cefaclor has shown no harm to the fetus in animal studies, but should be used in pregnancy only when clearly needed.
• Lactation: Cefaclor is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Exercise caution when used by nursing mothers.

Precautions & Warnings

• Superinfection: Prolonged use may lead to the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms.
• Allergies: Caution is advised when administering to patients with a history of drug allergies, particularly to penicillin.
• Gastrointestinal Disease: Use with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal issues such as colitis.

Overdose Effects

• Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In such cases, symptomatic treatment is recommended.

Storage

• Store Abaclor at room temperature, away from light and heat. Once reconstituted, the suspension is stable for 7 days at room temperature and 14 days in the refrigerator (2-8°C).