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Cefprozil & Ear Infections

Ear infections, most frequently experienced in the middle ear, can be very painful. In many cases, the infection will clear on its own without treatment. However, severe cases or those caused by a bacterial infection often require Cefprozil, an antibiotic that works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection, providing quick relief of symptoms.

  1. How It Works

    • Doctors prescribe Cefprozil and other broad-spectrum, semi-synthetic antibiotics resembling penicillin for mild or moderate infections, including ear infections. Patients will often be prescribed a seven- or 10-day course of antibiotics, but many people will begin to feel better within a few days of starting on the medicine. However, patients need to finish all the prescribed medication to make sure the infection does not return.

    How To Take It

    • Patients can take Cefprozil orally, in pill form or as a liquid suspension. The drug works best if it is taken at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food, but patients who get an upset stomach when taking Cefprozil should try taking it with a small meal.

    Non-Serious Side Effects

    • Many people who take Cefprozil for an ear infection will not experience any side effects, but some may develop nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness, itching in the genital area, headaches and tiredness. These do not indicate any complications, but because dizziness can result, patients should use care when driving or performing other tasks requiring concentration until they know how it will affect them.

    Serious Side Effects

    • In rare cases, people taking Cefprozil may develop a serious side effect. Patients should stop taking Cefprozil and call a doctor immediately if they experience the following side effects : jaundice, severe diarrhea, vaginal irritation or discharge, bloody stools or diarrhea, severe stomach pain or cramps and severe diarrhea.

    Drug Interactions

    • As with many medications, Cefprozil can interact with other drugs. For example, people taking Cefprozil with a minoglycoside antibiotic such as gentamicin are more likely to experience side effects related to the kidneys. Always be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other drugs you are taking before taking Cefprozil.

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