cefprozil (Cefzil)

Cefprozil is effective against susceptible bacteria causing infections of:

• the middle ear,
• tonsils (tonsillitis),
• throat (pharyngitis),
• larynx (laryngitis),
• bronchi (bronchitis),
• skin and soft tissues, and
• lungs (pneumonia).

What brand names are available for cefprozil?

Cefzil

Is cefprozil available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for cefprozil?

Yes

Cefprozil is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are:

• diarrhea or loose stools,
• nausea,
• abdominal pain,
• vomiting,
• rash, and
• headache.

Rare side effects include abnormal liver tests and allergic reactions. Like most antibiotics cefprozil may cause a condition called pseudomembranous colitis, a potentially serious bacterial infection of the colon. Persons with phenylketonuria should be advised that the suspension contains phenylalanine.

Cefprozil is taken once or twice daily, depending on the nature and severity of the infection. The recommended adult dose is 250-500 mg twice daily for 10 days. Pharyngitis and tonsillitis are treated with 500 mg once daily.

The maximum dose for ear infections and sinusitis in children 6 months to 12 year old is 30 mg /kg/day in 2 divided doses given every 12 hours (not to exceed 1000 mg/day).

ppharyngitisand tonsillitis, in children (2 -12 years old) are treated with 15 /kg/day in two divided doses every 12 hours while skin infections are treated with 20 mg/kg/day (not to exceed 1000 mg/day).

Probenecid (Benemid) may increase the blood concentration of cefprozil by decreasing excretion of cefprozil by the kidney. This interaction is sometimes used to enhance the effect of cephalosporins.

Combining cefprozil with aminoglycosides (for example, tobramycin) produces additive bacterial killing effects but also may increase the risk of harmful effects to the kidney.

Exenatide (Byetta) may delay or reduce the absorption of cephalosporins. Cephalosporins should be administered one hour before exenatide.

CCefprozil may cause false test results with some tests for sugar in the urine.

There are no adequate studies of cefprozil in pregnant women. However, studies in animals suggest no important effects on the fetus.

Small amounts of cefprozil are secreted in breast milk, but the effect on the infant is unknown.

What preparations of cefprozil are available?

Tablets: 250 and 500 mg; Powder for suspension: 125 and 250 mg/5 ml.

How should I keep cefprozil stored?

Tablets should be kept at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F). The unmixed powder should be kept at room temperature, 15 to 25 C (59 to 77 F), refrigerated after mixing, and discarded after 14 days.