Cefamor Suspension

Generic Name(s): Cephalexin

Why it's used

Cefamor Suspension is used to treat respiratory tract infections, inflammatory diseases of the middle ear (otitis media), skin and soft tissue infections, bone infections, infection of reproductive organs and the urinary system (genitourinary tract infections), worsening of long-term inflammation of the bronchi, and community-acquired pneumonia. It is a prescription medicine. This medicine works by killing the bacteria by blocking the bacterial cell-wall formation.

When not to use

Cefamor Suspension should not be used to treat viral infections (common cold).

Cephalosporin Antibacterials

Cefamor belongs to a class of medicines called Cephalosporin Antibacterials. Cephalosporin antibacterials are an antibiotic class of medicines which are used to treat bacterial infections such as kidney and urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and skin infections.

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How to use

Read the medicine guide provided by your pharmacist, your doctor, or the medicine company. If you have any questions related to Cefamor, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use Cefamor Suspension as per the instructions provided by your doctor.

Cefamor is consumed with or without food. There is a slight reduction in absorption of Cefamor when given with food. Cefamor is usually taken every 6/12 hours for 7-14 days, depending on the disease being treated.

Typical Dosage

The typical dose of Cefamor for adults is 250 mg every 6 hours as a usual dose or 1000-4000 mg daily in divided doses for more severe infections. The usual dose for children is 25 mg/kg (11.4 mg/lb) - 50 mg/kg (22.7 mg/lb) in 3 equal doses and in severe infections, daily dose of 50 mg/kg (22.7 mg/lb) to 100 mg/kg (45.4 mg/lb) in uniformly divided doses. The maximum dose for adult patients of Cefamor is 4000 mg per day. This medicine is generally used for a period of 7-14 days for bacterial infections. Cefamor is commonly used at the same time every day.

Cefamor should be used as directed by the doctor even if you feel well, or even if you think that there is no need for you to use your medicine.

Talk to Your Doctor

Discuss with your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens. Discuss with your doctor if watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps, and fever. If you have any kidney disease, the dose of the Cefamor should be reduced in kidney patients. If removing excess of water from the kidneys is required for kidney failure, the daily dose of Cefamor should not be more than 500mg.

Your doctor may prescribe a lower starting dose of this medicine to understand the impact on the body. Please follow your doctor's recommendations.

The effectiveness of this medicine may diminish when used for long periods of time.

Use in Children

If you are giving Cefamor Suspension to a child, be sure to use a product that is for use in children. Use the child's weight or age to find the right dose from the product package or medicine label. You can also read the dosage section of this page to know the correct dose for your child. Else, consult with your doctor and follow their recommendation.

Lab Tests

Your doctor may request that specific lab tests be performed before you start using Cefamor Suspension. Your doctor may ask you to undergo Antibiotic Susceptibility test. This test helps in selecting an antibacterial agent for treatment.

Medicines may be recommended for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. You should not use Cefamor Suspension for conditions or symptoms for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Cefamor Suspension to other people, even if they have the same conditions or symptoms that you have. The use of this medicine without the advice of a doctor may cause harm.

Storage

Follow storage instructions on the product package if available. Store Cefamor Suspension at 15-30ºC (59-86ºF), away from moisture, and away from light. Store this medicine away from children and pets.

Read more: What are the uses of Cefamor?

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How to take Cefamor

Your dose and how often you take Cefamor will depend on the following factors:

age
weight
patient's health
the health of the patient's liver
medicines recommended by the doctor
any other medicines being used
herbal supplements in use

Cefamor Dosage

Dosage for skin and soft tissue infections

Adult

Recommended: 250 mg after every 6 hours or 500 mg after every 12 hours and for severe infections, a large dose up to 4000 mg every day is needed in two to four uniformly divided doses

Dosage for inflammation of the back of the throat

Adult

Recommended: 250 mg after every 6 hours or 500 mg after every 12 hours

Dosage for urinary tract infection

Adult

Recommended: 250 mg after every 6 hours or 500 mg after every 12 hours

Dosage for inflammatory diseases of the middle ear

Children (over 1 year of age)

Recommended: 75 mg/kg (34.1 mg/lb) to 100 mg/kg (45.4 mg/lb) daily in equal divided doses

Dosage for throat and skin infections

Children (over 1 year of age)

Recommended: 25 mg/kg (11.4 mg/lb) - 50 mg/kg (22.7 mg/lb) in equal divided doses for 10 days and in severe infections daily dose of 50 mg/kg (22.7 mg/lb) - 100 mg/kg (45.4 mg/lb) in equally divided doses

Minimum Age

over 1 year of age

Dosage calculation for children

To calculate the dosage for children please use the weight based dose calculator to calculate the appropriate dosage as per the weight of your child.

Forms

Capsule

Strength: 250 mg, 333 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg

Tablet

Strength: 250 mg and 500 mg

Powder, for suspension

Strength: 125 mg, 500 mg, 125 mg/5 ml and 250 mg/5 ml

For suspension

Strength: 125 mg/5 ml and 250 mg/5 ml

Tablet, soluble

Strength: 125 mg and 250 mg

Suspension

Strength: 125 mg, 250 mg, 125 mg/5 ml and 250 mg/5 ml

Special Instructions

Creatinine clearance ≥ 60 mL/min

Patients with creatinine clearance ≥ 60 mL/min need no dose adjustment.

Creatinine clearance 30 to 59 mL/min

Patients with creatinine clearance 30 to 59 mL/min need no dose adjustment or maximum daily dose should not be more than 1000 mg.

Creatinine clearance 15 to 29 mL/min

Patients with creatinine clearance 15 to 29 mL/min should have a dose of 250 mg every 8 hours or 12 hours.

Creatinine clearance 5 to 14 mL/min

Patients with creatinine clearance 5 to 14 mL/min not yet on the process of purification of kidneys should have a dose of 250 mg every 24 hours.

Creatinine clearance 1 to 4 mL/min

Patients with creatinine clearance 1 to 4 mL/min not yet on the process of purification of kidneys should have a dose of 250 mg every 48 hours or 60 hours.

Missed Dose

The missed dose should be taken as soon as you remember it. However, if it is time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be continued. A double dose should not be taken to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

What to do if you overdose on Cefamor?

In the case of an overdose, provide general supportive measures.

Symptoms of an overdose of Cefamor

If you use too much of this medicine, it could lead to dangerous levels of the medicine in your body. In such cases, symptoms of an overdose may include:

diarrhea
nausea
pain in stomach
red or dark brown urine
vomiting

If you think you have overdosed on Cefamor Suspension, call a poison control center immediately. You can look up the poison control center information from the Poison Center Finder at TabletWise.com.

Precautions while using Cefamor

Before you use Cefamor, tell your doctor of your medical and health history including the following:

allergic reaction to Cefamor
colitis
liver disease
penicillin allergy
severe kidney disorder
stomach and intestinal disease

Cross-allergic reaction among beta-lactam antibacterial agents may arise in 10% of patients with a previous history of penicillin allergy. Patients with kidney disorder need a dosage adjustment.

Before you use Cefamor, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information. Discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to cephalosporins, or penicillins.

The use of Cefamor Suspension may change creatinine level. There is an increase in the creatinine level.

The use of this medicine may change blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Blood urea nitrogen level gets increased.

The use of Cefamor Suspension may change blood clotting time. There is a prolongation of blood-clotting (prothrombin) time.

The use of this medicine may change the bilirubin level. Cefamor may elevate the levels of bilirubin.

The use of this medicine may change alkaline phosphatase. Level of alkaline phosphatase gets elevated.

Use when Pregnant

Consult with your doctor on the use of Cefamor during pregnancy or if you are planning to become pregnant. There are no sufficient and well-established studies done in pregnant women.

If Breastfeeding

Cefamor Suspension is known to be safe for use in women who are breastfeeding. Cefamor is passed in human milk. Breastfeeding women should be cautious while taking Cefamor.

Seizures

Cefamor can make you feel sleepy. Be careful, especially while driving, while using heavy machinery, or when doing any activity that needs you to be completely alert. The consumption of alcohol with Cefamor can worsen the sleepiness. Cefamor may cause seizures in some people. Hence, you should discuss with your doctor before performing any activities where a loss of consciousness may cause harm to you or others.

Side-effects in Older Patients

Older patients may have a higher incidence of side-effects when using Cefamor Suspension. Elderly patients may see an increased risk of decreased functioning of kidneys.

Long-term Use

Long term use of Cefamor may result in the excessive growth of drug-resistant organisms.

What precautions should be taken during Pregnancy and Nursing, and administering Cefamor to Children or the Older Adults?

Pregnant Women

Only When Necessary

Warning: There are no sufficient and well-established studies done in pregnant women.

Breastfeeding

Precaution

Warning: Cefamor is passed in human milk. Breastfeeding women should be cautious while taking Cefamor.

Younger Adults Population

Possibly safe

Warning:

Older Adults Population

Precaution

Warning: Elderly patients are much more likely to have improper functioning of kidneys. Absolute care should be taken during dose selection.

Cefamor Side-effects

The following side-effects may commonly occur when using Cefamor Suspension. If any of these side-effects worsen or last for a long time, you should consult with your doctor:

diarrhea
indigestion
nausea
stomach pain
vomiting

The following side-effects may commonly occur in older patients on the use of Cefamor Suspension. Discuss with your doctor if any of these side-effects last for a long time or are severe:

decreased functioning of kidneys

Rarely, the use of Cefamor Suspension may cause the following side-effects:

dizziness
genital and anal severe itching
headache
hives
joint pain
prolonged blood clotting time
rash
severe itching
swelling, pain, stiffness of the joints
tiredness

The following severe side-effects may also occur when using Cefamor Suspension:

blood and lymphatic system disorders

Symptoms: increased number of eosinophils, abnormally low level of neutrophils, abnormally low levels of thrombocytes abnormal breakdown of red blood cells
stomach and intestinal disorders (severe bloody or watery diarrhea | fatal inflammation in the digestive tract)

Symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting swelling of the large intestine

If these symptoms develop, it is advised to patients to contact their doctor.
renal and urinary disorders

Symptoms: swelling in between the kidney tubules (interstitial nephritis)
skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Symptoms: inflammatory skin eruption, severe skin reactions allergy
infections and infestations

Symptoms: inflammation of the vagina yeast infection of the vagina
general disorders

Symptoms: fever
immune system disorders

Symptoms: allergic reaction

If any allergic reaction to Cefamor occurs, discontinue the medicine and start suitable treatment.
hepatobiliary disorders

Symptoms: severe liver infection decrease in bile flow
psychiatric disorders

Symptoms: hallucinations, anxiety (agitation) confusion

Your doctor has prescribed this medicine because they judge that the benefit is greater than the risk posed by side-effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious cases of side-effects. This page does not contain a complete list of all possible side-effects.

If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Side-effects and Allergic Reactions of Cefamor by Severity and Frequency

Common Side-effects

Following are the common side-effects of this medicine:

Infrequent and Rare Side-effects

Following are the infrequent and rare side-effects of this medicine:

arthritis
dizziness
genital and anal pruritus
headache
hives
joint pain
prolonged prothrombin time
rash
severe itching
tiredness

Severe Side-effects

Following are the severe side-effects of this medicine:

Stevens-Johnson syndrome
agitation
agranulocytosis
anaphylactic reaction
anaphylaxis
aplastic anemia
cholestatic icterus
confusion
elevated alkaline phosphatase
elevated bilirubin
elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
eosinophilia
erythema multiforme
fever
hallucinations
hemolytic anemia
hemorrhage
hepatitis
increased alanine aminotransferase (ALAT)
increased aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT)
increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
increased creatinine
interstitial nephritis
kidney disease
kidney dysfunction
leukopenia
neutropenia
pancytopenia
pseudomembranous colitis
thrombocytopenia
toxic epidermal necrolysis
vaginal candidiasis
vaginitis

Side-effects in Older Adults

Following are the side-effects of this medicine in elderly patients:

decreased kidney function

Mild Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of mild allergic reactions to this medicine:

If any allergic reaction to Cefamor occurs, discontinue the medicine and start suitable therapy.

Serious Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of serious allergic reactions to this medicine:

If any allergic reaction to Cefamor occurs, discontinue the medicine and start suitable therapy.

Warnings

Bacteria Causing Respiratory Infections

Cefamor should not be used in infections in which gram-negative bacteria (haemophilus influenzae) is involved.

Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Giving Cefamor in the absence of a completely suspected bacterial infection is unlikely to give an advantage to the patient. This enhances the risk of the growth of drug-resistant bacteria. Long-term use of Cefamor may result in the overgrowth of non-resistant organisms. Careful observation of the patient is required. If superinfection occurs during therapy, suitable measures should be taken.

Prolonged Blood-Clotting Time

Patients with kidney or liver damage, or inadequate nutritional state are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Also, patients receiving a long-term course of antibacterial treatment, and anticoagulant agents are at a higher risk. Cefamor may be associated with prolonged time taken by blood to clot (prothrombin time). Prothrombin time should be accurately monitored in patients at risk and manage as indicated.

Seizures Possibility

Patients with kidney problems are at an increased risk while using Cefamor. Several cephalosporins including Cefamor have been involved in triggering seizures, especially in patients with kidney damage when the dosage was not decreased. If seizures occur, discontinue Cefamor. Anticonvulsant therapy may be given if indicated clinically. Cefamor should be used with caution in the presence of damaged kidney failure. If purification of the blood is needed for kidney failure, the daily dose of Cefamor should not exceed 500 mg.

Direct Coombs’ Test Time Period

Antibodies that fight against red blood cells have been seen during treatment with Cefamor. Unusual breakdown of red blood cells in the blood vessels (acute intravascular hemolysis) induced by the treatment of Cefamor has been seen. If a deficiency of red blood cells develops during or after Cefamor therapy, perform a diagnostic test for the drug-induced breakdown of red blood cells. Discontinue Cefamor and start suitable therapy.

Hospital Acquired Infection

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been observed over two months of Cefamor use and may vary in severity from moderate diarrhea to life-threatening inflammation of the colon. Treatment with antibacterial drugs leads to produce toxins, which contribute to the growth of hospital-acquired infection associated with fever. Hypertoxin-producing strains of C. difficile cause increased fatality and disease rate. Patients with such condition may require the removal of the colon. If CDAD is confirmed or not, the use of Cefamor against C. difficile needs to be discontinued. Suitable fluid and electrolyte use, protein supplementation, antibacterial therapy of C. difficile, and operational evaluation should be started as indicated.

Allergic Reaction

Allergic reactions such as hives, rash, swelling of the area under the skin, allergy, severe skin reaction have been observed with the use of Cefamor. Cefamor capsules contain coloring agents, sunset yellow, quinoline yellow, and patent blue V which may induce allergic reactions. Before starting Cefamor therapy, examine whether the patient has a history of allergic reactions to Cefamor or other drugs. The cross-allergic reaction may happen with other antibacterial drugs in 10% of patients with a previous history of penicillin allergy. Discontinue the drug and begin proper therapy, if an allergic reaction to Cefamor occurs.

Interactions with Cefamor

When two or more medicines are taken together, it can change how the medicines work and increase the risk of side-effects. In medical terms, this is called as a Drug Interaction.

This page does not contain all the possible interactions of Cefamor Suspension. Share a list of all medicines that you use with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicines without the approval of your doctor.

Sulfonylureas

Cefamor Suspension may interact with sulfonylureas, (metformin) which is used to treat high sugar level. Use of Cefamor with metformin results in raised blood metformin levels and decreased kidney clearance of metformin. Careful monitoring of patient and dose modification of metformin is advised in patients taking Cefamor and metformin in combination.

Uricosurics

There may be an interaction of Cefamor with uricosurics (probenecid), which is used to lower high levels of uric acid in the urine. The kidney excretion of Cefamor is blocked by probenecid. The combined use of probenecid with Cefamor is not recommended.

Laboratory or Diagnostic Testing

Cefamor Suspension interacts with interaction with laboratory or diagnostic testing. A false-positive reaction may take place when testing is done for the presence of glucose in the urine using a solution. The solution which is used to detect the presence of reducing sugars (Fehling’s solution or Benedict’s solution).

Antibacterial Agents

Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with antibacterial agents (cephalosporins and aminoglycosides), which are used to treat infections caused by bacteria that are difficult to treat. The combined use with specific other drug substances, such as aminoglycosides and cephalosporins may raise the risk of kidney damage.

Interactions of Cefamor by Severity

Severe

The following medicines are usually not to be taken together without consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.

Probenecid
aminoglycoside-antibiotics

Serious

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can cause harmful effects in the body. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

Metformin

When should Cefamor be not used?

Allergic Reaction

Cefamor should not be used in patients with allergic reaction to the cephalosporins including Cefamor or to any of the excipients. These patients may have the following symptoms if they use this medicine:

rash
hives
swelling of the area under the tissues
allergy
severe skin reactions
inflammatory skin eruption

Traveling With Medication

Ensure that you carry enough doses of each of your prescription medicines to last the entire trip. The best place to store your medicines is in the carry on baggage. However, while flying, if carrying liquid medicines, make sure you do not go over the limits imposed for carry-on liquids.
While traveling overseas, make sure that you can carry each of your prescription medicines legally to your destination country. One way to ensure this is by checking with your destination country's embassy or website.
Make sure that you carry each of your medicines in their original packaging, which should typically include your name and address, and the details of the prescribing doctor.
If your travel involves crossing time zones, and you are required to take your medicine as per a fixed schedule, make sure that you adjust for the change in time.

Expired Medication

Taking a single dose of expired Cefamor is unlikely to cause a side-effect. However, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, if you feel unwell or sick. An expired medicine may become ineffective in treating your prescribed conditions. To be on the safe side, it is important not to use an expired drug. You are much safer by always keeping a fresh supply of unexpired medicines.

Safe Disposal of Medication

If there are disposal instructions on the package, please follow the instructions.
If there are medicine take-back programs in your country, you should contact the respective authority to arrange for the disposal of the medicine. For example, in the USA, the Drug Enforcement Administration regularly hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events.
If there are no take-back programs, mix the medicine with dirt and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Throw the plastic bag in your household trash. Separately, remove all personal information including the prescription label from the medicine packaging and then dispose off the container.
If specifically indicated on the medicine package that it needs to be flushed down the toilet when no longer needed, perform the required step.

This page provides information for Cefamor Suspension .

Ear Infections

Skin Infections

Urinary Tract Infections