An oral cephalosporin antibiotic
Cefprozil
A cephalosporin antibiotic taken by mouth to treat common bacterial infections such as chest, ear, throat and skin infections.
What is Cefprozil?
Cefprozil is a cephalosporin antibiotic taken by mouth to treat common bacterial infections, including chest, sinus, ear, throat and skin infections. It works by killing the bacteria causing the infection. Because it is related to penicillin, people with a serious penicillin or cephalosporin allergy may react to it. The most common side effects are stomach upset such as nausea or diarrhoea, and, less commonly, broad antibiotics like this can lead to a serious bowel infection called C. difficile. It is important to finish the full course, even once you feel better.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Cefprozil — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Cefprozil is an antibiotic from the cephalosporin family, which is related to penicillin. It is taken by mouth as a tablet or liquid and is used to treat a range of common bacterial infections, such as chest infections, sinus and ear infections, sore throats caused by certain bacteria, and skin infections. It is described as second-generation, meaning it works well against a useful spread of common bacteria. It is a convenient oral antibiotic for infections that are not severe enough to need hospital treatment, and it is prescribed for a set course.
How it works
Cefprozil kills bacteria by stopping them from building their cell walls, which they need to stay intact. Without a proper wall the bacteria break down and die, allowing the infection to clear. As a cephalosporin it is active against a useful range of common bacteria, which is why it is used for everyday infections of the chest, ears, sinuses, throat and skin. Taking the full course matters because the bacteria can still be present even after symptoms improve, and stopping early can let the infection return or encourage resistance.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Various manufacturers.
An antibiotic taken by mouth for common bacterial infections such as chest, ear, throat and skin infections.
Practical use
How to take Cefprozil
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take it by mouth as prescribed, spaced evenly through the day.
- Taking it with food can help reduce stomach upset.
- Finish the full course, even if you feel better, to clear the infection properly.
- Tell your prescriber about any allergy to penicillin or other antibiotics before starting.
- Report severe or watery diarrhoea during or after treatment.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Cefprozil
Advantages
- An effective oral antibiotic for common chest, ear, sinus, throat and skin infections.
- Taken by mouth at home rather than needing injections.
- Works against a useful range of common bacteria.
Disadvantages
- Commonly causes stomach upset such as nausea or diarrhoea.
- Can cause a reaction in people with a serious penicillin or cephalosporin allergy.
- Like all broad antibiotics, can occasionally lead to a serious C. difficile bowel infection.
Practical use
Good to know
Allergy is the key point: cefprozil is related to penicillin, so anyone with a serious allergy to penicillin or other cephalosporins should tell their prescriber, as a reaction is possible. The most common side effects are stomach-related, such as nausea, diarrhoea or tummy upset, and these are often mild; taking it with food can help. Less commonly, like all broad antibiotics it can disturb the balance of bacteria in the gut and lead to a serious bowel infection called C. difficile, so any severe or persistent diarrhoea during or after treatment should be reported. It is important to finish the full course even when you feel better, as stopping early can allow the infection to come back or encourage resistance. Tell your prescriber if you have kidney problems, as the dose may need adjusting.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to cefprozil or other cephalosporins should not take it.
- It is used with caution in people with a serious penicillin allergy, because of possible cross-reaction.
- The dose may need adjusting in people with reduced kidney function.
Monitoring
- Checking that the infection improves over the course.
- Watching for allergic reactions or troublesome diarrhoea.
- Reviewing kidney function where there are existing kidney problems.
Side effects
- Nausea, diarrhoea or stomach upset, often mild.
- Rash or itching in some people.
- Thrush, as antibiotics can disturb the body's natural balance.
- Rarely, serious allergic reactions or a serious C. difficile bowel infection.
Key interactions
- Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take, including any that affect the kidneys.
- Some stomach medicines may affect how it is absorbed, so ask for advice on timing.
- It can occasionally affect certain laboratory tests, so labs should know you are taking it.
Available as: Tablets and a liquid taken by mouth.
Answers
Cefprozil: frequently asked questions
What is cefprozil used for?
It is a cephalosporin antibiotic taken by mouth to treat common bacterial infections such as chest, sinus, ear, throat and skin infections.
I am allergic to penicillin — can I take it?
Cefprozil is related to penicillin, so a reaction is possible; tell your prescriber about any penicillin or antibiotic allergy so they can decide whether it is suitable.
Should I take it with food?
Taking it with food can help reduce stomach upset such as nausea, which is a common side effect.
Do I need to finish the whole course?
Yes. Finishing the full course, even when you feel better, helps clear the infection properly and reduces the chance of it coming back or of resistance.
What if I get bad diarrhoea?
Report severe or watery diarrhoea during or after treatment, as broad antibiotics can occasionally cause a serious bowel infection called C. difficile.
The wider class
About Second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic (oral)
Cefprozil belongs to the second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic (oral) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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