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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cefaclor (Raniclor)?

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

• cefadroxil (Duricef);
• cefazolin (Ancef);
• cefdinir (Omnicef);
• cefditoren (Spectracef);
• cefpodoxime (Vantin);
• cefprozil (Cefzil);
• ceftibuten (Cedax);
• cefuroxime (Ceftin);
• cephalexin (Keflex); or
• cephradine (Velosef); and others.

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

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); 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 cefaclor.

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.

Cefaclor 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 cefaclor suspension (liquid) contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefaclor if you have diabetes.

How should I take cefaclor (Raniclor)?

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.

Cefaclor works best if you take it with a meal or within 30 minutes of a meal.

The cefaclor chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

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 false results with certain medical tests, including urine glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefaclor.

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

Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Store cefaclor oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any unused medication that is older than 14 days.

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