| Common Brands | Cefzil (brand no longer available) |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Cephalosporin Antibiotic |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Cefzil is the brand name for cefprozil, a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used in treating a wide range of bacterial infections. It is mostly used in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, infections of the skin, sinuses, ears, and urinary tract. Cefprozil works by disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It causes the bacteria to degrade and die, thereby ending the infection. Cefzil is available in oral form, usually as tablets or liquid suspension, and has an extensive spectrum of activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Cefzil is administered orally in tablet or oral suspension form. The exact dosage and length of treatment depend on the type of infection to be treated and the age, weight, and general condition of the patient.
Oral Tablets: For adults, the recommended dose of cefprozil is in the range of 250-500 mg every 12 hours. In some situations, a higher dose could be needed, especially with severe infections. The tablet should be swallowed whole, and it can be given with or without food.
Available orally for kids who cannot consume tablets or take with difficulty and as an oral suspension in children. A dose given to children by weight along with the form of infection typically is around 7.5 mg/kg every 12 hours.
Cefzil is to be followed for full prescribed duration as symptoms would improve before this medication ends, and for complete infection treatment and in a scenario where infection is not allowed to produce resistance.
Cefzil binds to PBPs present on the bacterial cell membrane, which are imperative in constructing the bacterial cell wall. The action by cefprozil at the level of PBPs prevents synthesis of peptidoglycan, which is vital in bacterial cell walls and makes it weak and easily destroyed, thereby killing them. This kills the bacterium effectively and heals the infection.
Since cefprozil is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, it encompasses a wide range of activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It tends to have better activity against several pathogens compared to first-generation cephalosporins, notably against organisms causing upper respiratory infections, ear infections, or skin infections.
Common side effects of cefzil include:
Gastrointestinal issues: These are the most common side effects and may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
Allergic reactions: Some people may have allergic reactions, which can manifest in the form of a skin rash, itching, or swelling. In extreme cases, anaphylaxis can occur, though this is a rare occurrence.
Fungal or yeast infections: Long-term use of antibiotics like cefzil can interfere with the natural balance of microorganisms in the body, causing fungal infections, especially in the mouth or vagina due to yeast infections.
Blood disorders: Cefzil can be associated with rare changes in blood cell counts, including low white blood cell count, or leukopenia and low platelet count, or thrombocytopenia.
Liver problems: Cefzil may cause slight increases in liver enzymes in a few patients. The condition should be monitored with continued treatment.
There are specific precautions to be taken when one is on Cefzil:
Allergies: This drug should not be used for patients allergic to cephalosporins, penicillins, or other beta-lactam drugs because of possible cross-reactivity.
Renal Function: This drug is almost exclusively excreted by the kidneys and may need an adjustment of dosage in such patients with impaired renal functions.
Pregnancy and lactation: Cefzil belongs to the pregnancy category B drug, which means it is considered relatively safe in pregnancy. Nonetheless, the use should be necessary. Moreover, the drug is excreted in breast milk, thus, precaution should be taken during breastfeeding.
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD): Like other antibiotics, cefzil can cause an overgrowth of Clostridium difficile, a bacterium that may lead to severe diarrhea. This is a condition that can arise during treatment or even after it.
Interactions of Cefzil with other drugs may influence efficacy or increase the risk for adverse effects. Some relevant interactions include:
Probenecid: Probenecid can raise blood levels of the drug by decreasing excretion through the kidneys. Increasing the effects of a medicine also increases its risk for an adverse effect.
Aminoglycoside antibiotics: Because cefprozil along with other aminoglycoside antibiotics – such as gentamicin – has the potential for causing kidney damage, caution is suggested when administering the drugs simultaneously.
Oral contraceptives: As with many antibiotics, Cefzil can make oral contraceptives less effective. An alternative form of birth control should be used during treatment.
Antacids: Some antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may decrease the absorption of cefprozil, thereby reducing its effectiveness. Antacids should be taken at least 2 hours apart from cefprozil.
Warfarin: Antibiotics such as cefprozil can enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, thus raising the potential for bleeding. INR (International Normalized Ratio) must be closely monitored.
The recommended dose of Cefzil varies with the infection for which it is prescribed:
Adults: The recommended dosage for most infections is 250 mg to 500 mg every 12 hours.
For children: In general, the dosage for a child is weight-based around 7.5 mg/kg every 12 hours.
Treatment duration: The typical treatment duration ranges from 7 to 14 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection.
Prescription-only medicine: Cefzil use must be prescribed by a health care provider based on that health care provider’s judgment of the infection and medical history of the patient. Patients must finish the entire course of prescribed medication, even if they begin to feel better, as this is the only way to completely eliminate the bacteria and avoid resistance.
Cefzil is used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and ear infections.
It is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.
Cefzil works by killing bacteria through disrupting their cell wall synthesis.
It is taken orally, available as tablets and liquid suspension.
No, Cefzil is only effective against bacterial infections.
Treatment usually lasts 7 to 10 days, depending on the infection.
Yes, Cefzil is prescribed for children, with dosage based on weight.
Yes, taking it with food may reduce stomach upset.
Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, rash, and headache.
Cefzil is generally considered safe during pregnancy but consult your doctor first.
Alcohol doesn’t have a known interaction but avoiding it may improve recovery.
Take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to the next dose; don’t double the dose.
Yes, especially in people allergic to penicillins or cephalosporins.
It may interact with blood thinners and other antibiotics; always inform your doctor.
Yes, like many antibiotics, it can disrupt normal flora and cause fungal infections.
Yes, Cefzil is prescription-only.
No, Cefzil is not typically used for Lyme disease.
Store tablets at room temperature; keep liquid suspension refrigerated after mixing.
Yes, to prevent antibiotic resistance and fully clear the infection.
Yes, Cefzil can treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
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