Perhaps your doctor has prescribed you a medicine for a condition like a throat infection, a skin infection, or a lung infection. You may have seen the name Cefprozil among those medicines. This is a very important medicine that is often prescribed. So today, let's talk about what kind of medicine Cefprozil is and what you need to be careful about while using it.
What kind of medicine is Cefprozil?
Simply put, Cefprozil is an antibiotic, that is, an antibiotic . It belongs to the group of drugs called cephalosporins. Its main function is to destroy certain types of bacteria that have entered our body and cure infections caused by them.
There is something very important that we all need to understand here. Cefprozil only works for bacterial infections. It does not work for viral infections like the common cold and flu. Because bacteria and viruses are two types of germs. Therefore, take this medicine only if prescribed by a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
The more complete your doctor has of your health, the safer and more effective your treatment will be. So before starting Cefprozil, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to Cefprozil, other cephalosporins, penicillin , or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney related condition.
- Gastrointestinal diseases: If you have a history of intestinal diseases such as colitis.
- Bleeding problems: If you bleed easily or have a blood clotting problem.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are breastfeeding your baby.
Based on this information, your doctor will determine the most appropriate medication or dosage for you.
The medicine should be used in the right way.
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly.
- Correct dosage: Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the correct time. It is usually best to take it at the same time each day.
- Before or after food?: This medicine can be taken before or after food. However, some people may experience stomach upset or nausea if taken on an empty stomach. If this happens, take the medicine with or after food .
- Finish the course!: This is the most important thing. Even if you feel better in two or three days, you should finish the entire course of medication prescribed by your doctor. Otherwise, if you stop taking it halfway, some bacteria may remain, causing the disease to return, and the bacteria may become resistant to the medication.
- When giving to children: If giving this medicine to children, follow the doctor's instructions exactly. Special care may be required.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
Never drink more than the amount prescribed by your doctor. If you accidentally drink too much, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this medicine to anyone else who may have the same symptoms as you.
Side effects that may occur while taking the medicine
Like any medicine, Cefprozil can cause side effects in some people. Although most of these are minor, it is important to be aware of some of the more serious symptoms.
See the table below.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. Difficulty breathing. Immediate treatment is needed. |
| Serious skin reactions | Redness of the skin, blistering, peeling of the skin (even inside the mouth). May be accompanied by fever and body aches. Tell your doctor immediately. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Unexplained bruising of the skin or excessive bleeding from a minor injury. |
| Jaundice | Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or yellowing of the skin. |
| Other serious symptoms | Difficulty breathing, fever, seizures, extreme fatigue. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach ache | Diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting. |
| Headache | Minor headache or difficulty sleeping. |
| Itching in the genital area | There may be itching or other discomfort in the genital area. |
Points to pay special attention to
- Diarrhea: It's common for some people to get diarrhea while taking antibiotics. But if you have severe diarrhea that lasts more than two days and is watery, don't self-treat with over-the-counter medications. Call your doctor right away.
- Diabetes Mellitus: If you are diabetic, you may get false-positive results when testing for sugar in your urine while taking this medication. Therefore, talk to your doctor about this.
Other medications that may interact with Cefprozil (Interactions)
Other medicines you are taking can affect the way Cefprozil works. And Cefprozil can affect the way other medicines work. For example:
- Birth control pills
- Some diuretics
- Probenecid
- Other antibiotics such as Amikacin and Gentamicin
This list is not complete. Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements) . Also, tell them if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Take-Home Message
- Cefprozil is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It does not work against viral infections (like the common cold).
- Even if you feel less sick, you should finish taking the medication for the full number of days prescribed by the doctor.
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as severe skin rash or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
- Keep medications out of reach of children and pets, at room temperature. Throw away expired medications.
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