Cefprozil
Cefprozil (sef PROE zil) is a generic medication prescribed for certain bacterial infections. Cefprozil belongs to a group of drugs called cephalosporins, which are a type of antibiotic.
Cefprozil (sef PROE zil) is a generic medication prescribed for certain bacterial infections. Cefprozil belongs to a group of drugs called cephalosporins, which are a type of antibiotic.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 500mg
- • 20 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
Medically reviewed by Amber Watson, PharmD
Updated on September 8, 2023
Cefprozil (sef PROE zil) is a generic medication prescribed for certain bacterial infections. Cefprozil belongs to a group of drugs called cephalosporins, which are a type of antibiotic.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved cefprozil to treat the following bacterial infections in adults and some children:
- pharyngitis (infection in your throat)
- tonsilitis (infection in your tonsils)
- middle ear infection
- sinus infection
- sudden worsening of chronic (long-term) bronchitis
- mild skin infections
Side effects
Side effects of cefprozil
Cefprozil may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of cefprozil and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about cefprozil’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for cefprozil listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with cefprozil are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about cefprozil’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for cefprozil listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Cefprozil’s mild side effects include:
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- dizziness
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for cefprozil” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of cefprozil are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about cefprozil’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for cefprozil listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, cefprozil’s serious side effects include:
- severe diarrhea related to Clostridioides difficile (a bowel infection)
- colitis (inflammation of the large intestine)
- hemolytic anemia (a condition affecting red blood cells)†
- kidney damage†
- liver problems, including cholestasis and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes)
- severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome†
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for cefprozil” section.
† This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of the drug. But it has occurred in people after the drug was approved for use.
Uses
Uses of cefprozil
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as cefprozil for certain conditions. Approved uses for cefprozil are described below.
Use for certain bacterial infections
Doctors may prescribe cefprozil to treat certain bacterial infections. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 6 months and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
With bacterial infection, certain germs enter the body and cause symptoms or illness. A doctor may prescribe medications, including cefprozil, to treat these bacterial infections. Specifically, cefprozil is prescribed for the following conditions:
- pharyngitis (throat infection) and tonsilitis (infection in your tonsils)
- middle ear infection
- sinus infection
- sudden worsening of chronic (long-term) bronchitis
- mild skin infections
Some general symptoms of bacterial infection include fever, sore throat, and fatigue (low energy). Other symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the infection.
Doctors may not prescribe cefprozil in certain situations, such as for infections that aren’t caused by bacteria.
FAQ
Common questions about cefprozil
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about cefprozil.
Is cefprozil similar to amoxicillin?
Yes, cefprozil is similar to amoxicillin.
Amoxicillin and cefprozil are both antibiotic drugs that treat bacterial infections. But they do have some differences. Amoxicillin belongs to a group of drugs called penicillins, and cefprozil belongs to a group of drugs called cephalosporins. Cephalosporins and penicillins are similar, but they treat bacterial infections in different ways.
Amoxicillin and cefprozil may cause the same side effects, including diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to penicillin before, you may have an allergic reaction to cefprozil.
If you’d like to learn more about how cefprozil compares with amoxicillin and other antibiotics, talk with your pharmacist or doctor.
How does cefprozil work? And how long does it take to start working?
Cefprozil belongs to a group of drugs called cephalosporins, which are antibiotic drugs. Cefprozil treats bacterial infections by blocking the use of certain proteins bacteria need to survive and grow. Without these proteins, the bacteria die, and the infection clears.
Cefprozil begins working soon after you take your first dose. Symptoms often ease within the first few days of starting treatment. However, cefprozil may take 10 days or longer to treat your infection fully. It’s important to continue taking cefprozil for the amount of time your doctor prescribed, even if you begin feeling better after a couple of days. Otherwise, your infection may come back, and symptoms could worsen.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for cefprozil
Below, you’ll find information about cefprozil’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of cefprozil
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take cefprozil, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for cefprozil” section below.
Warnings for cefprozil
Some people should not take cefprozil, and others should take it cautiously.
Cefprozil could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether cefprozil is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of cefprozil you’re prescribed.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for cefprozil, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Cefprozil can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to cefprozil or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe cefprozil. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
- severe skin rashes that could blister and peel
If you have an allergic reaction to cefprozil, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of cefprozil
If you take cefprozil, you should not take more cefprozil than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much cefprozil, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and cefprozil
Information about cefprozil and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Cefprozil and pregnancy
It’s not known whether cefprozil should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Cefprozil and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether cefprozil should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about cefprozil or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How does cefprozil compare with other antibiotics that could treat my infection?
- Does my health history raise my risk of side effects from taking cefprozil?
- What should I do if my symptoms don’t go away after taking my entire cefprozil treatment?
- Should I call you if my infection symptoms worsen after I start taking cefprozil?
Resources
Resources
- Cefprozil – cefprozil powder, for suspension. (2018). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/8e3943b5-8c30-4c81-bcfa-aeaaa1d75fb4/spl-doc
- Cefprozil – cefprozil tablet, film coated. (2018). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/d5d28d57-1f3c-4c80-ad78-0f67635f5428/spl-doc
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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