cefprozil Health Article

Generic name(s):

cefprozil

Brand name(s):

Cefzil

What is the most important information I should know about cefprozil?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefprozil, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cedax, Duricef, Fortaz, Keflex, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, and others.

Before taking cefprozil, tell your doctor or if you are allergic to any drugs, especially penicillins. Also tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a history of intestinal problems, such as colitis.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefprozil will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

The cefprozil suspension (liquid) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefprozil if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

What is cefprozil?

Cefprozil is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cefprozil is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Cefprozil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cefprozil?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefprozil or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefadroxil (Duricef);

• cefdinir (Omnicef);

• cefditoren (Spectracef);

• cefixime (Suprax);

• ceftibuten (Cedax);

• ceftazidime (Fortaz);

• cefuroxime (Ceftin);

• cephalexin (Keflex); and others.

Before taking cefprozil, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins) or if you have.

• kidney disease; or

• a history of intestinal problems, such as colitis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cefprozil may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The cefprozil suspension (liquid) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefprozil if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take cefprozil?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefprozil.

Take cefprozil for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefprozil will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.