What is Cefzil/Cefprozil used for?

This medicine is used to treat mild to moderate infections caused by certain bacteria.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is to be taken by the patient in whom it was prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Cefzil/Cefprozil be stored?

Store between 59 to 86 degrees F.

General drug information:

When should Cefzil/Cefprozil not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to similar medications (especially Penicillin)

What precautions should I follow when taking Cefzil/Cefprozil?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription medicine if you are allergic to penicillins if you have any other medical condition, such as diabetes or kidney, liver, or stomach disease. Oral contraceptives may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. For greater certainty, use other measures of contraception while taking this medicine.

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Cefzil/Cefprozil?

Use this medicine with extreme caution if you have allergy to Penicillin or Cephalosporin antibiotics. This medicine can cause a potentially life-threatening form of diarrhea called pseudomembranous colitis. Patients with impaired renal or hepatic function should be monitired closely when receiving treatment with this medicine.

What are the side effects of Cefzil/Cefprozil?

Most severe:  Severe allergic reaction (rash, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the throat).

Most common:  Rash; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; stomach pain; dizziness; diaper rash; itching in the genital areas; yellowing of skin and eyes.

Other: Serum-sickness" (itchy rash, fever, and pain in the joints).

How should I take Cefzil/Cefprozil?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. This medicine may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. If severe diarrhea, stomach pain/cramps or bloody stools occur, talk with your health care provider at once. This could be a sign of a serious side effect requiring immediate medical attention. Do not treat diarrhea without talking with your doctor. This medicine may produce allergic reactions. These may range from mild itching and rash to a life-threatening reaction. Report prior allergic reactions to cephalosporins, penicillins, and other drugs to your doctor. If you experience rash, hives, nausea, severe diarrhea, itching, fever, joint and muscle pain, chest tightness, swelling, urinary problems, chills, unusual bleeding or bruising, or difficulty breathing, talk with your doctor at once. This medicine may produce dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Diabetic patients - This medicine can interfere with urine tests for glucose and may give false test results. Continue to use until all of the prescribed medicine has been taken. Failure to take all the medicine may prevent complete elimination of the bacteria, allowing the infection to return. Lab tests may be needed to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.