Cefprozil

Why this is used

Cefprozil is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as bronchitis and infections of the ears, throat, sinuses, and skin. Cefprozil is in a class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How to take it

Cefprozil comes as a tablet and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 24 hours (once a day) or every 12 hours (twice a day) for 10 days. To help you remember to take cefprozil, take it around the same time 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 cefprozil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. The tablets should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water. Take cefprozil until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. Stopping cefprozil too soon may cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.

Side effects

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Cefprozil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
stomach pain</li>
<li>
dizziness</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
severe skin rash</li>
<li>
itching</li>
<li>
hives</li>
<li>
difficulty breathing or swallowing</li>
<li>
wheezing</li>
<li>
yellowing of the skin and eyes</li>
<li>
painful sores in the mouth or throat</li>
<li>
vaginal discharge and itching</li>
<li>
diaper rash</li></ul>Cefprozil may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Precautions

Before taking cefprozil, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cefprozil, penicillin, cefaclor (Ceclor), cefadroxil (Duricef), cefamandole (Mandol), cefazolin (Ancef, Kefzol), cefdinir (Omnicef), cefditoren (Spectracef), cefepime (Maxipime), cefixime (Suprax), cefmetazole (Zefazone), cefonicid (Monocid), cefoperazone (Cefobid), cefotaxime (Claforan), cefoxitin (Mefoxin), cefpodoxime (Vantin), ceftazidime (Ceptaz, Fortaz, Tazicef), ceftibuten (Cedax), ceftizoxime (Cefizox), ceftriaxone (Rocephin), cefuroxime (Ceftin, Kefurox, Zinacef), cephalexin (Keflex), cephapirin (Cefadyl), cephradine (Velosef), loracarbef (Lorabid), or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), diuretics ('water pills'), other antibiotics, and probenecid (Benemid). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, phenylketonuria, colitis, or stomach problems.

Overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Educational reference only — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber about Cefprozil.