GENERAL PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

General. Prescribing cefaclor extended-release tablets USP in the absence of proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.Superinfection (overgrowth by non-susceptible organisms) should always be considered possibility in patient being treated with broad spectrum antimicrobial. Careful observation of the patient is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.

TERATOGENIC EFFECTS SECTION.

Teratogenic Effect. Reproduction studies using cefaclor have been performed in mice, rats and ferrets at doses up to to times the maximum human dose (1500 mg/day) based on mg/m2. These studies have revealed no harm to the fetus due to cefaclor. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, cefaclor extended-release tablets should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.

ADVERSE REACTIONS. Clinical Trials. There were 3272 patients treated with multiple doses of cefaclor extended-release tablets in controlled clinical trials and an additional 211 subjects in pharmacology studies. There were no deaths in these trials thought to be related to toxicity from cefaclor extended-release tablets. Treatment was discontinued in 1.7% of patients due to adverse events thought to be possibly or probably drug-related.The following adverse clinical and laboratory events were reported during the cefaclor extended-release tablets clinical trials conducted in North America at doses of 375 mg or 500 mg BID; however, relatedness of the adverse events to the drug was not assigned by clinical investigators during the trials (see TABLES and 5).Table 4: ADVERSE CLINICAL EVENTS CEFACLOR EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS MULTIPLE DOSE DOSING REGIMENS CLINICAL TRIALS NORTH AMERICA (n 1400)Incidence Equal to or Greater Than 1%EventIncidenceHeadache4.9%Rhinitis3.9%Diarrhea3.8%Nausea3.4%Vaginitisn 934 for these events (subset of female participants). 2.4%Vaginal Moniliasis 2.2%Abdominal Pain1.6%Cough Increased1.5%Pharyngitis1.4%Pruritus1.4%Back Pain1.0%Adverse reactions occurring during the clinical trials with cefaclor extended-release tablets with an incidence of less than 1% but greater than 0.1% included the following (listed alphabetically):Accidental injury, anorexia, anxiety, arthralgia, asthma, bronchitis, chest pain, chills, congestive heart failure, conjunctivitis, constipation, dizziness, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, dysuria, ear pain, edema, fever, flatulence, flu syndrome, gastritis, infection, insomnia, leukorrhea, lung disorder, maculopapular rash, malaise, menstrual disorder, myalgia, nausea and vomiting, neck pain, nervousness, nocturia, otitis media, pain, palpitation, peripheral edema, rash, respiratory disorder, sinusitis, somnolence, surgical procedure, sweating, tremor, urticaria, vomiting.NOTE: One case of serum-sickness-like reaction was reported among the 3272 adult patients treated with cefaclor extended-release tablets during the controlled clinical trials. These reactions have also been reported with the use of cefaclor in other oral formulations and are seen more frequently in pediatric patients than in adults. These reactions are characterized by findings of erythema multiforme, rash, and other skin manifestations accompanied by arthritis/arthralgia, with or without fever, and differ from classic serum sickness in that there is infrequently associated lymphadenopathy and proteinuria, no circulating immune complexes and no evidence to date of sequelae of the reaction. While further investigation is ongoing, serum-sickness-like reactions appear to be due to hypersensitivity and more often occur during or following second (or subsequent) course of therapy with cefaclor. Such reactions have been reported with overall occurrence ranging from in 200 (0.5%) in one focused trial; to in 8346 (0.024%) in overall clinical trials (with an incidence in pediatric patients in clinical trials of 0.055%); to in 38,000 (0.003%) in spontaneous event reports. Signs and symptoms usually occur few days after initiation of therapy and subside within few days after cessation of therapy. Occasionally these reactions have resulted in hospitalization, usually of short duration (median hospitalization 2 to days, based on postmarketing surveillance studies). In those patients requiring hospitalization, the symptoms have ranged from mild to severe at the time of admission with more of the severe reactions occurring in pediatric patients.Table 5: ADVERSE CLINICAL LABORATORY EVENTS CEFACLOR EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS MULTIPLE DOSE DOSING REGIMENS CLINICAL TRIALS NORTH AMERICAEventIncidenceIncidence Less Than 1%, but Greater Than 0.1%Albumin decreased0.3%Alkaline phosphatase increased0.3%ALT/SGPT increased0.3%Bilirubin total increased0.3%Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increased0.2%Calcium decreased0.7%Creatine phosphokinase increased0.7%Creatinine increased0.5%Eosinophils increased0.3%Erythrocyte count decreased0.3%GGT increased0.2%Hemoglobin decreased0.2%Lymphocytes decreased0.3%Mean Cell Volume (MCV) increased0.7%Neutrophils segmented decreased0.3%Phosphorous increased0.7%Platelet count decreased0.3%Potassium increased0.4%Sodium decreased0.3%Sodium increased0.4%. In Postmarketing Experience. In addition to the events reported during clinical trials with cefaclor extended-release tablets, the following adverse experiences are among those that have been reported during worldwide postmarketing surveillance: allergic reaction, anaphylactoid reaction, angioedema, face edema, hypotension, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, syncope, paresthesia, vasodilatation and vertigo.. Other Adverse Reactions Associated With Other Formulations of Cefaclor. In addition to the above, the following other adverse reactions and altered laboratory tests have been associated with cefaclor in other oral formulations:. Clinical. Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and anaphylaxis, have been reported rarely. Anaphylactoid events may be manifested by solitary symptoms, including angioedema, edema (including face and limbs), paresthesias, syncope, or vasodilatation. Anaphylaxis may be more common in patients with history of penicillin allergy. Rarely, hypersensitivity symptoms may persist for several months.Symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis may appear either during or after antibiotic treatment. (See WARNINGS.). Laboratory. Abnormal urinalysis, eosinophilia, leukopenia, neutropenia, transient elevations in AST, and transient thrombocytopenia have been reported.. Cephalosporin-Class Reactions. In addition to the adverse reactions listed above, the following adverse reactions and altered laboratory tests have been reported for cephalosporin-class antibiotics:. Clinical. Confusion, erythema multiforme, genital pruritus, hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis, hemolytic anemia, reversible hyperactivity, hypertonia, and reversible interstitial nephritis.. Laboratory. Positive direct Coombs test.

CARCINOGENESIS & MUTAGENESIS & IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY SECTION.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility. Studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic or mutagenic potential for cefaclor. Reproduction studies have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. Pharmacokinetics. The cefaclor extended-release tablet formulation of cefaclor is pharmacokinetically different from the cefaclor immediate-release capsule formulation of cefaclor. (See TABLE 1.) No direct comparisons with the suspension formulation of cefaclor have been conducted; therefore, there are no data with which to compare the pharmacokinetic properties of the extended-release tablet formulation and the suspension formulation. Until further data are available, the pharmacokinetic equivalence of the extended-release tablet and the suspension formulations should NOT be assumed.. Absorption and Metabolism. The extent of absorption (AUC) and the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of cefaclor from cefaclor extended-release tablets are greater when the extended-release tablet is taken with food.[NOTE: The extent of absorption (AUC) of cefaclor from cefaclor immediate-release capsules is unaffected by food intake; however, when cefaclor immediate-release capsules are taken with food, the Cmax is decreased.]There is no evidence of metabolism of cefaclor in humans.. Comparative Serum Pharmacokinetics. Serum pharmacokinetic parameters for cefaclor extended-release tablets and cefaclor immediate-release capsules are shown in the table below.Table 1: COMPARATIVE PHARMACOKINETICS OF CEFACLOR IMMEDIATE-RELEASE CAPSULES VS. CEFACLOR EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS IN FASTING AND FED STATESParameterCefaclor Extended-Release TabletsCefaclor Extended-Release TabletsCefaclor Immediate-Release Capsules375 mg500 mg2 250 mgfedfastfedfastfedfastn 10n 16n 16n 15n 16Cmax 3.7 (1.1)NA8.2 (4.2)5.4 (1.6)9.3 (2.7)16.8 (4.7)Tmax 2.7 (1.0)NA2.5 (0.8)1.5 (0.7)1.5 (0.6)0.9 (0.4)AUC9.9 (2.2)NA18.1 (4.2)14.8 (4.0)20.5 (2.8)19.2 (5.0)(+- standard deviation)NA data not availableNo drug accumulation was noted when cefaclor extended-release tablets were given twice daily.The plasma half-life in healthy subjects is independent of dosage form and averages approximately hour.. Food Effect on Pharmacokinetics. When cefaclor extended-release tablets are taken with food, the AUC is 10% lower while the Cmax is 12% lower and occurs hour later compared to cefaclor immediate-release capsules. In contrast, when cefaclor extended-release tablets are taken without food, the AUC is 23% lower while the Cmax is 67% lower and occurs 0.6 hours later, using an equivalent milligram dose of cefaclor immediate-release capsules as reference. Therefore, cefaclor extended-release tablets should be taken with food. Special Populations. Renal Insufficiency. In patients with reduced renal function, the serum half-life of cefaclor is slightly prolonged. In those with complete absence of renal function, the plasma half-life of the intact molecule is 2.3 to 2.8 hours. Excretion pathways in patients with markedly impaired renal function have not been determined. Hemodialysis shortens the half-life by 25% to 30%.. Geriatric Patients. Healthy geriatric volunteers (>= 65 years old) who received single 750 mg dose of cefaclor extended-release tablets had 40%-50% higher AUC and 20% lower renal clearance values when compared to healthy adult volunteers less than 45 years of age. These differences are considered to be primarily result of age-related decreases in renal function.In elderly subjects (over age 65) with normal serum creatinine values, higher peak plasma concentrations and AUCs have been observed. This is considered to be primarily result of an age-related decrement in renal function and has no apparent clinical significance. Therefore, dosage adjustment is not necessary in elderly subjects with normal serum creatinine values.. Microbiology. Mechanism of ActionAs with other cephalosporins, the bactericidal action of cefaclor results from inhibition of cell-wall synthesis. Mechanism of ResistanceResistance to cefaclor is primarily through hydrolysis of ss-lactamases alteration of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and decreased permeability. Pseudomonas spp., Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and most isolates of Enterococci (Enterococcus faecalis, group streptococci), Enterobacter spp., indole-positive Proteus, Morganella morganii (formerly Proteus morganii), Providencia rettgeri (formerly Proteus rettgeri) and Serratia spp. are resistant to cefaclor. Cefaclor is inactive against methicillin-resistant staphylococci, ss-lactamase-negative, ampicillin-resistant isolates of H. influenzae should be considered resistant to cefaclor despite apparent in vitro susceptibility to this agent. List of MicroorganismsCefaclor has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following microorganisms both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section.Gram-positive BacteriaStaphylococcus aureus (methicillin susceptible only)Streptococcus pneumoniae Streptococcus pyogenes Gram-negative BacteriaHaemophilus influenzae (excluding -lactamase-negative, ampicillin-resistant isolates) Moraxella catarrhalisThe following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown. At least 90 percent of the following bacteria exhibit in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) less than or equal to the susceptible breakpoint for cefaclor against isolates of similar genus or organism group. However, the efficacy of cefaclor in treating clinical infections caused by these bacteria has not been established in adequate and well-controlled trials.Gram-positive BacteriaStaphylococcus epidermidis (methicillin susceptible only)Gram-negative BacteriaHaemophilus parainfluenzae Klebsiella pneumoniae Anaerobic BacteriaPeptococcus niger Peptostreptococci Propionibacterium acnes Susceptibility Testing. For specific information regarding susceptibility test interpretive criteria and associated test methods and quality control standards recognized by FDA for this drug, please see: https://www.fda.gov/STIC.

CLINICAL STUDIES SECTION.

CLINICAL STUDIES. ACUTE BACTERIAL EXACERBATIONS OF CHRONIC BRONCHITIS. In adequate and well-controlled clinical trials of cefaclor extended-release tablets in the treatment of acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (ABECB), only evaluable patients with ABECB had infections caused by ss-lactamase-producing H. influenzae. Four patients do not provide adequate data upon which to judge clinical efficacy of cefaclor extended-release tablets against ss-lactamase-producing H. influenzae.. UNCOMPLICATED SKIN AND SKIN STRUCTURE INFECTIONS. Cefaclor extended-release tablets (375 mg Q12H) (n 115) were compared to cefaclor immediate-release capsules (250 mg TID) (n 106) for the treatment of patients with uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, including cellulitis, pyoderma, abscess and impetigo. Patients were treated for to 10 days and were evaluated for clinical resolution and bacterial eradication approximately one week after completing therapy. To be evaluable, all patients had to have recognized pathogen isolated from the skin infection just prior to the initiation of therapy. The results of this randomized, double-blinded, U.S. trial demonstrated:overall clinical cure rates were 72% (83 of 115 patients) and 75% (80 of 106 patients), respectively, for cefaclor extended-release tablets and cefaclor immediate-release capsules [95% CI around the 3% difference -16% to +9%],overall bacteriologic eradication rates against Staphylococcus aureus were comparable (see TABLE 6).Table 6: CLINICAL RESPONSECure plus improvement IN PATIENTS WITH SKIN AND SKIN STRUCTURE INFECTIONSOutcome by PathogenCEFACLOR EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETSCEFACLOR IMMEDIATE-RELEASE CAPSULESStaphylococcus aureus67/95(71%)58/81(71%)Streptococcus pyogenes10/16(63%)8/9(89%)Other streptococci7/11(64%)5/6(83%)Total84/122(69%)71/96(74%)All brand names listed are the registered trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of Teva Pharmaceuticals USA.Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.North Wales, PA 19454 Rev. 7/2019. overall clinical cure rates were 72% (83 of 115 patients) and 75% (80 of 106 patients), respectively, for cefaclor extended-release tablets and cefaclor immediate-release capsules [95% CI around the 3% difference -16% to +9%],. overall bacteriologic eradication rates against Staphylococcus aureus were comparable (see TABLE 6).

CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION.

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

DESCRIPTION SECTION.

DESCRIPTION. Cefaclor, USP, the active ingredient in cefaclor extended-release tablets USP, is semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration. Cefaclor, USP, is chemically designated as 3-chloro-7-D-(2-phenylglycinamido)-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid monohydrate. The cefaclor extended-release tablets formulation of cefaclor differs pharmacokinetically from the immediate-release formulation of cefaclor.C15H14ClN3O4S H2O M.W. 385.82Each cefaclor extended-release tablet contains cefaclor monohydrate equivalent to 500 mg (1.36 mmol) anhydrous cefaclor. In addition, each extended-release tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: FD&C Blue - indigo carmine lake, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, polyethylene glycol, povidone and titanium dioxide.. cefaclor structural formula.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. 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 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):Type of Infection (as qualified in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section of this labeling)Total Daily DoseDose and FrequencyDurationAcute Bacterial Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis due to H. influenzae (non-ss-lactamase-producing strains only). Moraxella catarrhalis (including ss-lactamase-producing strains), or Streptococcus pneumoniae (See INDICATIONS AND USAGE.)1000 mg500 mg 12 hours7 daysPharyngitis and/or tonsillitis due to S. pyogenes 750 mg375 mg 12 hours10 daysUncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections due to S. aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains) (See INDICATIONS AND USAGE.)750 mg375 mg 12 hours7 to 10 daysElderly patients with normal renal function do not require dosage adjustments.

DRUG & OR LABORATORY TEST INTERACTIONS SECTION.

Laboratory Test Interactions. Administration of cefaclor extended-release tablets may result in false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine. This phenomenon has been seen in patients taking cephalosporin antibiotics when the test is performed using Benedicts and Fehlings solutions and also with Clinitest(R) tablets.

DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION.

Drug Interactions. Antacids. The extent of absorption of cefaclor extended-release tablets is diminished if magnesium or aluminum hydroxide-containing antacids are taken within hour of administration; H2 blockers do not alter either the rate or the extent of absorption of cefaclor extended-release tablets.. Probenecid. The renal excretion of cefaclor is inhibited by probenecid.. Warfarin. There have been rare reports of increased prothrombin time with or without clinical bleeding in patients receiving cefaclor and warfarin concomitantly. No specific studies have been performed to rule in or rule out this potential drug/drug interaction.

GERIATRIC USE SECTION.

Geriatric Use. Of the 3272 patients in clinical studies of cefaclor extended-release tablets, 608 (18.2%) were 65 and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these and younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY), and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

HOW SUPPLIED SECTION.

HOW SUPPLIED. Cefaclor Extended-release Tablets USP, 500 mg (based on the anhydrous), are available as film-coated, oval-shaped, unscored, dark blue tablets, debossed with 93 on one side and 1087 on the other side. They are available in bottles of 100. (NDC 0093-1087-01)Store at 20 to 25C (68 to 77F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].Dispense in tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP, with child-resistant closure (as required).

INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE. 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 isolates), Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae.NOTE: In view of the insufficient numbers of isolates of ss-lactamase-producing isolates of Haemophilus influenzae that were obtained from clinical trials with cefaclor extended-release tablets for patients with acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic 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.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.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION.

Information for Patients. Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including cefaclor extended-release tablets USP should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When cefaclor extended-release tablets USP are prescribed to treat bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by cefaclor extended-release tablets USP or other antibacterial drugs in the future.Diarrhea is common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.

LABOR & DELIVERY SECTION.

Labor and Delivery. Cefaclor extended-release tablets have not been studied for use during labor and delivery. Treatment should be given only if clearly needed.

NURSING MOTHERS SECTION.

Nursing Mothers. No studies in lactating women have been performed with cefaclor extended-release tablets. Small amounts of cefaclor (<= 0.21 mcg/mL) have been detected in human milk following administration of single 500 mg doses of cefaclor extended-release tablets. The effect on nursing infants is not known. Caution should be exercised when cefaclor extended-release tablets are administered to nursing woman.

OVERDOSAGE SECTION.

OVERDOSAGE. The toxic symptoms following an overdose of cefaclor may include nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, and diarrhea. The severity of the epigastric distress and the diarrhea are dose-related.Absorption of drugs from the gastrointestinal tract may be decreased by giving activated charcoal, which, in many cases, is more effective than emesis or lavage. Consider charcoal instead of or in addition to gastric emptying. Repeated doses of charcoal over time may hasten elimination of some drugs that have been absorbed.Although cefaclor is considered dialyzable, neither forced diuresis, peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, nor charcoal hemoperfusion have been demonstrated to be beneficial in an overdose of cefaclor.

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL.

Package/Label Display Panel. NDC 0093-1087-01CefaclorExtended-ReleaseTablets USP500 mgRx only100 TABLETSTEVA. 1.

PEDIATRIC USE SECTION.

Pediatric Use. Safety and effectiveness of cefaclor extended-release tablets in pediatric patients less than 16 years of age have not been established.

PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

PRECAUTIONS. General. Prescribing cefaclor extended-release tablets USP in the absence of proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.Superinfection (overgrowth by non-susceptible organisms) should always be considered possibility in patient being treated with broad spectrum antimicrobial. Careful observation of the patient is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.. Information for Patients. Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including cefaclor extended-release tablets USP should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When cefaclor extended-release tablets USP are prescribed to treat bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by cefaclor extended-release tablets USP or other antibacterial drugs in the future.Diarrhea is common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.. Drug Interactions. Antacids. The extent of absorption of cefaclor extended-release tablets is diminished if magnesium or aluminum hydroxide-containing antacids are taken within hour of administration; H2 blockers do not alter either the rate or the extent of absorption of cefaclor extended-release tablets.. Probenecid. The renal excretion of cefaclor is inhibited by probenecid.. Warfarin. There have been rare reports of increased prothrombin time with or without clinical bleeding in patients receiving cefaclor and warfarin concomitantly. No specific studies have been performed to rule in or rule out this potential drug/drug interaction.. Laboratory Test Interactions. Administration of cefaclor extended-release tablets may result in false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine. This phenomenon has been seen in patients taking cephalosporin antibiotics when the test is performed using Benedicts and Fehlings solutions and also with Clinitest(R) tablets.. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility. Studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic or mutagenic potential for cefaclor. Reproduction studies have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility.. Usage in Pregnancy. Teratogenic Effect. Reproduction studies using cefaclor have been performed in mice, rats and ferrets at doses up to to times the maximum human dose (1500 mg/day) based on mg/m2. These studies have revealed no harm to the fetus due to cefaclor. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, cefaclor extended-release tablets should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Labor and Delivery. Cefaclor extended-release tablets have not been studied for use during labor and delivery. Treatment should be given only if clearly needed.. Nursing Mothers. No studies in lactating women have been performed with cefaclor extended-release tablets. Small amounts of cefaclor (<= 0.21 mcg/mL) have been detected in human milk following administration of single 500 mg doses of cefaclor extended-release tablets. The effect on nursing infants is not known. Caution should be exercised when cefaclor extended-release tablets are administered to nursing woman.. Pediatric Use. Safety and effectiveness of cefaclor extended-release tablets in pediatric patients less than 16 years of age have not been established.. Geriatric Use. Of the 3272 patients in clinical studies of cefaclor extended-release tablets, 608 (18.2%) were 65 and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these and younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY), and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

PREGNANCY SECTION.

Usage in Pregnancy. Teratogenic Effect. Reproduction studies using cefaclor have been performed in mice, rats and ferrets at doses up to to times the maximum human dose (1500 mg/day) based on mg/m2. These studies have revealed no harm to the fetus due to cefaclor. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, cefaclor extended-release tablets should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION.

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 bacteria.

WARNINGS SECTION.

WARNINGS. BEFORE THERAPY WITH CEFACLOR EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS IS INSTITUTED, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS HAD PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO CEFACLOR, CEPHALOSPORINS, PENICILLINS, OR OTHER DRUGS. IF THIS PRODUCT IS TO BE GIVEN TO PENICILLIN-SENSITIVE PATIENTS, CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED BECAUSE CROSS-SENSITIVITY AMONG BETA-LACTAM ANTIBIOTICS HAS BEEN CLEARLY DOCUMENTED AND MAY OCCUR IN UP TO 10% OF PATIENTS WITH HISTORY OF PENICILLIN ALLERGY. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO CEFACLOR EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS OCCURS, DISCONTINUE THE DRUG. SERIOUS ACUTE HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS MAY REQUIRE TREATMENT WITH EPINEPHRINE AND OTHER EMERGENCY MEASURES, INCLUDING OXYGEN, INTRAVENOUS FLUIDS, INTRAVENOUS ANTIHISTAMINES, CORTICOSTEROIDS, PRESSOR AMINES, AND AIRWAY MANAGEMENT, AS CLINICALLY INDICATED. Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including cefaclor and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.C. difficile produces toxins and which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.