FDA Label for Cefaclor

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Cefaclor Product Label

The following document was submitted to the FDA by the labeler of this product Teva Pharmaceuticals Usa, Inc.. The document includes published materials associated whith this product with the essential scientific information about this product as well as other prescribing information. Product labels may durg indications and usage, generic names, contraindications, active ingredients, strength dosage, routes of administration, appearance, warnings, inactive ingredients, etc.

Other



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.


Description



Cefaclor, USP, the active ingredient in cefaclor extended-release tablets USP, is a 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. 385.82

Each 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 #2 - indigo carmine lake, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, polyethylene glycol, povidone and titanium dioxide.


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 STATES

Parameter

Cefaclor Extended-Release Tablets

Cefaclor Extended-Release Tablets

Cefaclor Immediate-Release Capsules

375 mg

500 mg

2 x 250 mg

fed

fast

fed

fast

fed

fast

n = 10

n = 16

n = 16

n = 15

n = 16

Cmax

3.7 (1.1)

NA

8.2 (4.2)

5.4 (1.6)

9.3 (2.7)

16.8 (4.7)

Tmax

2.7 (1.0)

NA

2.5 (0.8)

1.5 (0.7)

1.5 (0.6)

0.9 (0.4)

AUC

9.9 (2.2)

NA

18.1 (4.2)

14.8 (4.0)

20.5 (2.8)

19.2 (5.0)

(± 1 standard deviation)

NA = data not available

No 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 1 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 1 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 a reference. Therefore, cefaclor extended-release tablets should be taken with food.


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



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 a 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 Action

As with other cephalosporins, the bactericidal action of cefaclor results from inhibition of cell-wall synthesis.

Mechanism of Resistance

Resistance to cefaclor is primarily through hydrolysis of ß-lactamases alteration of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and decreased permeability. Pseudomonas spp., Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and most strains of Enterococi (Enterococcus faecalis, group D streptococci), Enterobacter spp., indole-positive Proteus, Morganella morganii (formerly Proteus morganii), Providencia rettgeri (formerly Proteusrettgeri) and Serratia spp. are resistant to cefaclor. Cefaclor is inactive against methicillin-resistant staphylococci, β-lactamase-negative, ampicillin-resistant strains of H. influenzae should be considered resistant to cefaclor despite apparent in vitro susceptibility to this agent.

List of Microorganisms

Cefaclor extended-release tablets have been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section.

Gram-positive Bacteria

Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin susceptible only)

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Streptococcus pyogenes

Gram-negative Bacteria

Haemophilus influenzae (excluding β-lactamase-negative, ampicillin-resistant strains)

Moraxella catarrhalis

The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown. At least 90 percent of the following bacteria exhibit an in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) less than or equal to the susceptible breakpoint for cefalor. However, the safety and effectiveness of cefaclor extended-release tablets in treating clinical infections due to these bacteria has not been established in adequate and well-controlled trials.

Gram-positive Bacteria

Staphylococcus epidermidis (methicillin susceptible only)

Gram-negative Bacteria

Haemophilus parainfluenzae

Klebsiella pneumoniae

Anaerobic Bacteria

Peptococcus niger

Peptostreptococci

Propionibacterium acnes


Susceptibility Testing



When available, the clinical microbiology laboratory should provide the result of in vitro susceptibility test results for antimicrobial drugs used in resident hospitals to the physician as periodic reports that describe the susceptibility profile of nosocomial and community-acquired pathogens. These reports should aid the physician in selecting an antibacterial drug for treatment.

Dilution Techniques

Quantitative methods are used to determine antimicrobial minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). These MICs provide estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The MICs should be determined using a standardized method (broth, agar, or microdilution) 1,3. The MIC values should be interpreted according to criteria provided in Table 2.

Diffusion Techniques

Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters also provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The zone size provides an estimate of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The zone size should be determined using a standardized test method2,3. This procedure uses paper disks impregnated with 30 mcg cefaclor to test the susceptibility of microorganisms to cefaclor. The disc diffusion interpretive criteria are provided in Table 2.

Table 2: SUSCEPTIBILITY TEST INTERPRETIVE CRITERIA FOR CEFACLOR

Microorganisms

Susceptibility of staphylococci to cefaclor may be deduced from testing only penicillin and either cefoxitin or oxacillin

Susceptibility of Streptococcus pyogenes to cefaclor may also be deduced from testing penicillin

Minimal Inhibitory

Concentration

(mcg/mL)

Zone

Diameter

(mm)

S

I

R

S

I

R

Streptococcus pneumoniae

< 1

2

> 4

--

--

--

A report of Susceptible indicates that antimicrobial is likely to inhibit growth of the pathogen if the antimicrobial compound reaches the concentrations at the site of infection necessary to inhibit growth of the pathogen. A report of Intermediate indicates that the result should be considered equivocal, and, if the microorganism is not fully susceptible to alternative, clinically feasible drugs, the test should be repeated. This category implies possible clinical applicability in body sites where the drug is physiologically concentrated or in situations where a high dosage of drug can be used. This category also provides a buffer zone that prevents small uncontrolled technical factors from causing major discrepancies in interpretation. A report of Resistant indicates that the antimicrobial is not likely to inhibit growth of the pathogen if the antimicrobial compound reaches the concentrations usually achievable at the infection site; other therapy should be selected.

Quality Control

Standardized susceptibility test procedures require the use of laboratory controls to monitor and ensure the accuracy and precision of supplies and reagents used in the assay, and the techniques of the individuals performing the test. 1, 2, 3, 4 Standard cefaclor powder should provide the following range of MIC values noted in Table 3. For the diffusion technique using the 30 mcg disk the criteria in Table 3 should be achieved.

Table 3: ACCEPTABLE QUALITY CONTROL RANGES FOR CEFACLOR

QC Strain

Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (mcg/mL)

Zone Diameter (mm)

Escherichia coli ATCC 25922

1 to 4

23 to 27

Haemophilus influenzae ATCC 49766

1 to 4

25 to 31

Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923

--

27 to 31

Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213

1 to 4

--

Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC 49619

1 to 4

24 to 32


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 strains), Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae.

NOTE: In view of the insufficient numbers of isolates of ß-lactamase-producing strains of Haemophilus influenzae that were obtained from clinical trials with cefaclor extended-release tablets for patients with acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis or secondary bacterial infections of acute 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.

Secondary bacterial infections of acute bronchitis due to Haemophilus influenzae (excluding ß-lactamase-negative, ampicillin-resistant strains), Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae. (See above NOTE.)

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.


Contraindications



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


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 A 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 A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increase 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.


General



Prescribing cefaclor extended-release tablets USP in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a 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 a possibility in a patient being treated with a 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 a 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 a 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.


Antacids



The extent of absorption of cefaclor extended-release tablets is diminished if magnesium or aluminum hydroxide-containing antacids are taken within 1 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 a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine. This phenomenon has been seen in patients taking cephalosporin antibiotics when the test is performed using Benedict's and Fehling's solutions and also with Clinitest® 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.


Pregnancy Category B



Reproduction studies using cefaclor have been performed in mice, rats and ferrets at doses up to 3 to 5 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 a 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



Healthy geriatric volunteers (≥ 65 years old) who received a single 750 mg dose of cefaclor extended-release tablets had 40% to 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 a result of age-related decreases in renal function. In clinical studies when geriatric patients received the usual recommended adult doses, clinical efficacy and safety were comparable to results in non-geriatric adult patients. No dosage changes are recommended for healthy geriatric patients.


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 4 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%

Event

Incidence

Headache

4.9%

Rhinitis

3.9%

Diarrhea

3.8%

Nausea

3.4%

Vaginitis

n = 934 for these events (subset of female participants).

2.4%

Vaginal Moniliasis

2.2%

Abdominal Pain

1.6%

Cough Increased

1.5%

Pharyngitis

1.4%

Pruritus

1.4%

Back Pain

1.0%

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 a second (or subsequent) course of therapy with cefaclor. Such reactions have been reported with overall occurrence ranging from 1 in 200 (0.5%) in one focused trial; to 2 in 8346 (0.024%) in overall clinical trials (with an incidence in pediatric patients in clinical trials of 0.055%); to 1 in 38,000 (0.003%) in spontaneous event reports. Signs and symptoms usually occur a few days after initiation of therapy and subside within a few days after cessation of therapy. Occasionally these reactions have resulted in hospitalization, usually of short duration (median hospitalization = 2 to 3 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 AMERICA

Event

Incidence

Incidence Less Than 1%, but Greater Than 0.1%

Albumin decreased

0.3%

Alkaline phosphatase increased

0.3%

ALT/SGPT increased

0.3%

Bilirubin total increased

0.3%

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increased

0.2%

Calcium decreased

0.7%

Creatine phosphokinase increased

0.7%

Creatinine increased

0.5%

Eosinophils increased

0.3%

Erythrocyte count decreased

0.3%

GGT increased

0.2%

Hemoglobin decreased

0.2%

Lymphocytes decreased

0.3%

Mean Cell Volume (MCV) increased

0.7%

Neutrophils segmented decreased

0.3%

Phosphorous increased

0.7%

Platelet count decreased

0.3%

Potassium increased

0.4%

Sodium decreased

0.3%

Sodium increased

0.4%


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 a 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.)

Confusion, erythema multiforme, genital pruritus, hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis, hemolytic anemia, reversible hyperactivity, hypertonia, and reversible interstitial nephritis.


Laboratory



Abnormal urinalysis, eosinophilia, leukopenia, neutropenia, transient elevations in AST, and transient thrombocytopenia have been reported.

Positive direct Coombs’ test.


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:


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.


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 a 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 Dose

Dose and Frequency

Duration

Acute 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 mg

500 mg q 12 hours

7 days

Secondary Bacterial Infection of Acute Bronchitis due to H. influenzae (non-ß-lactamase-producing strains only). M. catarrhalis (including ß-lactamase-producing strains), or S. pneumoniae (See INDICATIONS AND USAGE.)

1000 mg

500 mg q 12 hours

7 days

Pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis due to S. pyogenes

750 mg

375 mg q 12 hours

10 days

Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections due to S. aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains) (See INDICATIONS AND USAGE.)

750 mg

375 mg q 12 hours

7 to 10 days

Elderly patients with normal renal function do not require dosage adjustments.


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 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP, with a child-resistant closure (as required).


Acute Bacterial Exacerbations Of Chronic Bronchitis And Secondary Bacterial Infections Of Acute Bronchitis



In adequate and well-controlled clinical trials of cefaclor extended-release tablets in the treatment of acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (ABECB) and secondary bacterial infections of acute bronchitis (SBIAB), only 4 evaluable patients with ABECB and no evaluable patients with SBIAB 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 7 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 a 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:

  • 1.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%],
  • 2.overall bacteriologic eradication rates against Staphylococcus aureus were comparable (see TABLE 6).
  • Table 6: CLINICAL RESPONSE

    Cure plus improvement

    IN PATIENTS WITH SKIN AND SKIN STRUCTURE INFECTIONS

    Outcome by Pathogen

    CEFACLOR EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS

    CEFACLOR IMMEDIATE-RELEASE CAPSULES

    Staphylococcus aureus

    67/95

    (71%)

    58/81

    (71%)

    Streptococcus pyogenes

    10/16

    (63%)

    8/9

    (89%)

    Other streptococci

    7/11

    (64%)

    5/6

    (83%)

    Total

    84/122

    (69%)

    71/96

    (74%)


References



  • 1.Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Methods for Dilution Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria that Grow Aerobically; Approved Standard – Ninth Edition. CLSI document M07-A9, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA, 2012.
  • 2.Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Disk Diffusion Susceptibility Tests; Approved Standard – Eleventh Edition. CLSI document M02-A11, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA, 2012.
  • 3.Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing; Twenty-third Informational Supplement, CLSI document M100-S24, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA, 2014.
  • 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. L 12/2014


Cefaclor Extended-Release Tablets Usp 500 Mg, 100S Label Text



NDC 0093-1087-01

Cefaclor

Extended-Release

Tablets USP

500 mg

Rx only

100 TABLETS

TEVA


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