Cefaclor Extended Release Tablets

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of cefaclor extended-release tablets USP and other antibacterial drugs, cefaclor extended-release tablets USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

The safety and effectiveness of cefaclor extended-release tablets in treating some of the indications and pathogens for which other formulations of cefaclor are approved have NOT been established. When administered at the recommended dosages and durations of therapy, cefaclor extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of patients with the following mild to moderate infections when caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL STUDIES sections.)

Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis due to Haemophilus influenzae (excluding ß-lactamase-negative, ampicillin-resistant strains), Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae.

NOTE: In view of the insufficient numbers of isolates of ß-lactamase-producing strains of Haemophilus influenzae that were obtained from clinical trials with cefaclor extended-release tablets for patients with acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis or secondary bacterial infections of acute bronchitis, it was not possible to adequately evaluate the effectiveness of cefaclor extended-release tablets for bronchitis known, suspected, or considered potentially to be caused by ß-lactamase-producing H. influenzae.

Secondary bacterial infections of acute bronchitis due to Haemophilus influenzae (excluding ß-lactamase-negative, ampicillin-resistant strains), Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae. (See above NOTE.)

Pharyngitis and tonsillitis due to Streptococcus pyogenes.

NOTE: Only penicillin by the intramuscular route of administration has been shown to be effective in the prophylaxis of rheumatic fever. Cefaclor extended-release tablets are generally effective in the eradication of S. pyogenes from the oropharynx; however, data establishing the efficacy of cefaclor extended-release tablets for the prophylaxis of subsequent rheumatic fever are not available.

Uncomplicated skin and skin and structure infections due to Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible only).

NOTE: In view of the insufficient numbers of isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes that were obtained from clinical trials with cefaclor extended-release tablets for patients with uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, it was not possible to adequately evaluate the effectiveness of cefaclor extended-release tablets for skin infections known, suspected, or considered potentially to be caused by S. pyogenes.

Cefaclor extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to cefaclor and other cephalosporins.

The absorption of cefaclor extended-release tablets is enhanced when it is administered with food. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY.) Therefore, cefaclor extended-release tablets should be administered with meals (i.e., at least within one hour of eating). The extended-release tablets should not be cut, crushed, or chewed.

See INDICATIONS AND USAGE for information about patients for whom cefaclor extended-release tablets are indicated.

NOTE: 500 mg BID of cefaclor extended-release tablets is clinically equivalent to 250 mg TID of cefaclor immediate-release as a capsule in those indications listed in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section of this label. 500 mg BID of cefaclor extended-release tablets is NOT equivalent to 500 mg TID of other cefaclor formulations.

Adults (age 16 years and older):

Elderly patients with normal renal function do not require dosage adjustments.

• If you have an allergy to cefaclor or any other part of this medicine (cefaclor extended-release tablets).
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (cefaclor extended-release tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have your blood work checked if you are on this medicine for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), do not use Clinitest®. Use some other urine glucose testing like Clinistix® or Tes-Tape®.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take this medicine (cefaclor extended-release tablets).
• Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (cefaclor extended-release tablets) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.