cefprozil

Generic Name: cefprozil (sef PROE zil)

Brand Names: Cefzil

What is cefprozil?

Cefprozil is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cefprozil is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Cefprozil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about cefprozil?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefprozil, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins). Also tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a history of intestinal problems.

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

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

The cefprozil suspension (liquid) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefprozil if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cefprozil?

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

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  cefaclor (Raniclor);

  
  


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  cefadroxil (Duricef);

  
  


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  cefazolin (Ancef);

  
  


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  cefdinir (Omnicef);

  
  


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  cefditoren (Spectracef);

  
  


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  cefpodoxime (Vantin);

  
  


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  ceftibuten (Cedax);

  
  


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  cefuroxime (Ceftin);

  
  


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  cephalexin (Keflex); or

  
  


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  cephradine (Velosef).

  
  

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

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  kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or

  
  


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  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 cefprozil.

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. Cefprozil 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 cefprozil suspension (liquid) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefprozil if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take cefprozil?

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. 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 cefprozil.

Take cefprozil for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefprozil will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Store cefprozil tablets at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Store cefprozil oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any unused medication that is older than 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include loss of appetite and diarrhea.

What should I avoid while taking cefprozil?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Cefprozil side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

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  diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

  
  


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  fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

  
  


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  unusual bleeding;

  
  


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  seizure (convulsions);

  
  


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  pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

  
  


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  jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

  
  


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  fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

  
  


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  skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or

  
  


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  increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, urinating less than usual or not at all.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, mild diarrhea;

  
  


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  stiff or tight muscles;

  
  


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  dizziness, feeling restless or hyperactive;

  
  


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  unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;

  
  


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  diaper rash in an infant taking liquid cefprozil;

  
  


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  mild itching or skin rash; or

  
  


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  vaginal itching or discharge.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Cefprozil Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Bronchitis:

500 mg orally every 12 hours for 10 days

Usual Adult Dose for Cystitis:

500 mg orally every 24 hours for 3 to 7 days

Usual Adult Dose for Otitis Media:

500 mg orally every 24 hours for 5 to 10 days

Usual Adult Dose for Pneumonia:

Community-acquired pneumonia, nonhospitalized patients: 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 to 21 days, depending on the nature and severity of the pneumonia

Usual Adult Dose for Pyelonephritis:

Uncomplicated: 500 mg orally every 12 to 24 hours for 14 days

Usual Adult Dose for Sinusitis:

250 to 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 10 days

Usual Adult Dose for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection:

250 to 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 10 days or 500 mg orally every 24 hours for 10 days

Usual Adult Dose for Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis:

500 mg orally every 24 hours for 10 days

Usual Adult Dose for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection:

500 mg orally every 12 to 24 hours for 10 to 14 days

Usual Pediatric Dose for Otitis Media:

6 months to 12 years: 15 mg/kg orally every 12 hours for 10 days; do not exceed 1 g/day
13 years or older: Adult dose

Usual Pediatric Dose for Sinusitis:

2 to 12 years: 7.5 to 15 mg/kg orally every 12 hours for 10 days; do not exceed 1 g/day
13 years or older: Adult dose

Usual Pediatric Dose for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection:

2 to 12 years: 20 mg/kg orally every 24 hours for 10 days; do not exceed 1 g/day
13 years or older: Adult dose

Usual Pediatric Dose for Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis:

2 to 12 years: 7.5 mg/kg orally every 12 hours for 10 days; do not exceed 1 g/day
13 years or older: Adult dose

What other drugs will affect cefprozil?

Before taking cefprozil, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

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  probenecid (Benemid);

  
  


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  an antibiotic such as amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab), netilmicin (Netromycin), paromomycin (Humatin, Paromycin), streptomycin, tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi); or

  
  


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  a diuretic (water pill) such as bumetanide (Bumex), furosemide (Lasix), indapamide (Lozol), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Lopressor, Vasoretic, Zestoretic), metolazone (Mykrox, Zarxolyn), spironolactone (Aldactazide, Aldactone), torsemide (Demadex), and others.

  
  

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with cefproziloxime. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start taking a new medication without telling your doctor.

More cefprozil resources

• Cefprozil Side Effects (in more detail)
• Cefprozil Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Cefprozil Drug Interactions
• Cefprozil Support Group
• 10 Reviews for Cefprozil - Add your own review/rating

• cefprozil Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Cefprozil Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Cefprozil Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Cefprozil Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Cefprozil MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Cefzil Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Cefzil Consumer Overview

Compare cefprozil with other medications

• Bladder Infection
• Bronchitis
• Kidney Infections
• Otitis Media
• Pneumonia
• Sinusitis
• Skin Infection
• Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about cefprozil.

See also: cefprozil side effects (in more detail)