The doctor has prescribed a pink, sweet-tasting liquid medicine for you or your baby for a sore throat, ear infection, or skin infection, right? Most likely, it's Cefprozil (the brand name may also be Cefzil). This is a very important antibiotic that treats bacterial infections. So, there are a few things we need to know when using this medicine. Let's talk about it today.
What kind of medicine is this Cefprozil?
Simply put, Cefprozil is an antibiotic that belongs to the Cephalosporin class . This medicine helps to kill certain types of bacteria that have entered our bodies and cure infections caused by them.
Remember one very important thing. This medicine only works for bacterial infections . It will not cure viral infections like the common cold, flu, and cough. Therefore, use this medicine only if prescribed by a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, be sure to inform him/her if you have any of the conditions below. This is very important for your safety.
- If you are allergic to Cefprozil, other Cephalosporins, Penicillin, or any other antibiotic.
- Also, if you have allergies to other medications, foods, preservatives, or food colorings.
- If you have had bleeding problems before.
- If you have intestinal diseases, especially conditions like colitis .
- If you have kidney diseases .
- If you have a condition called Phenylketonuria (PKU) (this liquid medicine may contain Phenylalanine).
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding .
Knowing these facts, your doctor can choose the most appropriate and safest treatment for you.
How exactly should I use this medicine?
To get the full benefit of the medicine, it is essential to use it correctly.
1. Shake well: Before using the medicine, shake the bottle well, as the medicine powder may have settled at the bottom.
2. Accurate measurement: Use only the special measuring cup, oral syringe, or spoon provided by the pharmacy to measure the medicine. Do not use teaspoons or tablespoons that you have at home. Since these are not accurate, the dose of medicine given may be less than or equal to the dose given.
3. Before or after food?: This medicine can be taken before or after food. However, some people may experience stomach upset and nausea after taking this medicine. If that happens, take the medicine with a meal . This will help to avoid that discomfort to a great extent.
4. Duration: Take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine just because the pain has subsided. If you do, the bacteria that caused the disease may not be completely destroyed, and the disease may reappear. Also, the bacteria may become resistant to this medicine.
5. When given to children: This medicine is sometimes prescribed for children over 6 months of age. However, talk to your doctor about it and follow his instructions exactly.
6. Overdose: If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like all medicines, Cefprozil can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.
| Cefprozil Side Effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing. |
| Serious skin reactions | A rash with redness, blistering, peeling skin (even inside the mouth), and fever. |
| Other serious symptoms | Fever, lethargy, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual bleeding or bruising, seizures. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting. |
| Other minor ailments | Headache, insomnia, itching or discomfort in the genital area or rectum. |
What to do if you have diarrhea?
It's normal to have occasional diarrhea while taking antibiotics. But if it lasts for more than two days or becomes severe, call your doctor right away instead of taking the medicine from the pharmacy.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Other medications you are taking may interact with Cefprozil. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Be especially careful about the following:
- Birth control pills
- Some diuretics
- The drug Probenecid
- Some other antibiotics (e.g. Amikacin, Gentamicin, Tobramycin)
How to store the medicine correctly?
This is also very important. To preserve the properties of the medicine, it must be stored properly.
- Store in the refrigerator: Always store Cefprozil liquid in the refrigerator door or in the refrigerator compartment . Do not store in the freezer.
- Expiration date: Use within 14 days of receiving the medicine from the pharmacy. If there is any medicine left in the bottle after 14 days, throw it away. Do not use it.
- Keep away from children: Like all medicines, keep this one safely out of the reach of small children and pets.
Take-Home Message
- Cefprozil is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It does not treat viral infections.
- Shake the bottle well before using the medicine. Use the measuring cup provided by the pharmacy.
- Take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by the doctor. Don't stop halfway just because the pain has subsided.
- Always keep the medicine in the refrigerator. Throw away any leftovers after 14 days from the pharmacy.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as severe skin rashes, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling, see a doctor immediately.
- If you have any questions about this medication, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.
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