Drug interactions
Cefaclor + Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid
Severity: Moderate
Cefaclor and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Sodium picosulfate is a prodrug that needs colonic bacteria to form its active laxative metabolite. Antibiotics given before bowel preparation may reduce this conversion and result in inadequate bowel cleansing before colonoscopy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefaclor and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Antibiotic suppression of colonic bacteria that convert sodium picosulfate to its active metabolite.
What to do
Where possible, avoid starting the antibiotic before the preparation, or complete the course earlier. Confirm adequate bowel cleansing before the procedure.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Cefaclor
- Bcg vaccine live + Cefaclor Moderate
- Cefaclor + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefaclor + Kanamycin Moderate
- Cefaclor + Microbiota Moderate
- Cefaclor + Plazomicin Moderate
- Cefaclor + Typhoid vaccine live Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefaclor with Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cefaclor and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Sodium picosulfate is a prodrug that needs colonic bacteria to form its active laxative metabolite. Antibiotics given before bowel preparation may reduce this conversion and result in inadequate bowel cleansing before colonoscopy.
How serious is the interaction between Cefaclor and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Where possible, avoid starting the antibiotic before the preparation, or complete the course earlier. Confirm adequate bowel cleansing before the procedure.
What other medicines interact with Cefaclor?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefaclor with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Cholera vaccine, Kanamycin. The full list is on the Cefaclor page.
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