Cefprozil
Pronunciation: (sef-PROE-zil).
- Generic name
- cefprozil
- Brand names
- Cefprozil, Prozil, Cefzila, Cefzil
- Drug class
- Second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What cefprozil is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how cefprozil works
Cefprozil is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). This disrupts the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell walls, leading to cell lysis and death. It is bactericidal against susceptible organisms.
What cefprozil is used for
Bacterial infections
Bacterial infections (2)
Before taking cefprozil
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to cefprozil, other cephalosporins, or any component of the formulation. (Contraindication) (2)
- Dose adjustment is required in renal impairment. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take cefprozil
- General Instructions: Take cefprozil exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip doses and complete the full course, even if you feel better.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult doses range from 250 mg to 500 mg every 12 hours, depending on the type and severity of infection.. Pediatric Dosing: Children's doses are based on body weight and infection type. Commonly, 15–30 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours.. Administration: Cefprozil can be taken with or without food. Shake the oral suspension well before measuring each dose. Use a proper measuring device for liquid forms.. When To Stop: Do not stop taking cefprozil without your doctor's advice, even if symptoms improve. If you experience side effects or a possible allergic reaction, contact your doctor promptly and let them advise on whether to continue or stop.. Storage: Store tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store oral suspension in the refrigerator and discard any unused portion after 14 days.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take an extra dose to catch up.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Diarrhea (reported in approximately 2.9% of patients)
Incidence: Common (FDA label)
Nausea (reported in approximately 3.5% of patients)
Incidence: Common (FDA label)
Vomiting (reported in approximately 1% of patients)
Incidence: Common (FDA label)
Abdominal pain (reported in approximately 1% of patients)
Incidence: Common (FDA label)
Rash (reported in approximately 0.9% of patients) and urticaria/hives (approximately 0.1%), more frequent in children
Incidence: Uncommon (FDA label)
Elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT); rare cholestatic jaundice
Incidence: Uncommon/rare (FDA label)
Dizziness, headache, nervousness, insomnia, confusion, or drowsiness
Incidence: Rare (FDA label)
Signs of a serious allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing) or, in rare postmarketing reports, anaphylaxis, angioedema, or Stevens-Johnson syndrome
(2)Severe, watery, or bloody diarrhea, which may indicate a Clostridioides difficile-associated intestinal condition
Serious warnings
Serious allergic reactions can occur, especially in those with penicillin allergies — serious
Symptoms: Serious allergic reactions can occur, especially in those with penicillin allergies. Prolonged use may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. Notify your doctor if you develop severe diarrhea, as this may indicate Clostridioides difficile infection. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dose adjustment may be necessary. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to cefprozil, other cephalosporins, or any component of the formulation. Use caution in patients with a history of severe penicillin allergy due to possible cross-reactivity. Monitor for signs of superinfection with prolonged use. Dose adjustment is required in renal impairment.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Cefprozil may interact with certain medications, including probenecid (which can increase cefprozil levels), and live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine). Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you are taking. | |
| Aminoglycoside antibiotics | Concurrent use with aminoglycosides has been associated with reports of nephrotoxicity; kidney function should be monitored if these are used together. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
FDA pregnancy category B: animal reproduction studies have not shown fetal harm, but there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and discuss with your healthcare provider. (2)
Breastfeeding
Small amounts of cefprozil (less than 0.3% of the maternal dose) have been detected in human breast milk. Use with caution and discuss with your healthcare provider before breastfeeding. (2)
Children
Frequency: Every 12 hours. Weight Based: 15 mg/kg/dose every 12 hours for children over 6 months of age.. Max Daily Dose: 1 g. Max Single Dose: 500 mg. Age Restrictions: Not recommended for pediatric use in children under 6 months of age. (2)
Renal_impairment
Renal impairment: for creatinine clearance 30-120 mL/min, standard dose and interval apply. For creatinine clearance 0-29 mL/min, the dose is reduced to 50% of the standard dose at the same interval; in patients on hemodialysis, give the dose after the dialysis session. No specific hepatic-impairment dose adjustment is established. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal impairment: for creatinine clearance 30-120 mL/min, standard dose and interval apply. For creatinine clearance 0-29 mL/min, the dose is reduced to 50% of the standard dose at the same interval; in patients on hemodialysis, give the dose after the dialysis session. No specific hepatic-impairment dose adjustment is established. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store tablets at controlled room temperature (20-25C / 68-77F), away from moisture and heat. Store reconstituted oral suspension in the refrigerator and discard any unused portion after 14 days.
Study the drug class: Cephalosporins
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Bacterial infections
Dose summary: Cefprozil 500 mg to 1 g orally every 12 hours for mild to moderate infections.
Renal context: CrCl 30-120 mL/min: standard dose and interval. CrCl 0-29 mL/min: reduce to 50% of standard dose at the same interval; give post-dialysis dose after hemodialysis. (2)
Frequently asked questions
What infections does cefprozil treat?
Cefprozil is used to treat bacterial infections such as strep throat, tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media (ear infections), bronchitis, and certain skin infections.
Can I take cefprozil if I am allergic to penicillin?
If you have a history of severe allergic reactions to penicillin, consult your doctor before taking cefprozil. Some people with penicillin allergies may also react to cephalosporins like cefprozil.
How quickly does cefprozil work?
Most people begin to feel better within a few days of starting cefprozil, but it is important to complete the full course as prescribed.
Can I drink alcohol while taking cefprozil?
Alcohol does not directly interact with cefprozil, but it may worsen stomach side effects. It is best to limit alcohol while on antibiotics.
Is cefprozil safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Cefprozil should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
What should I do if I develop diarrhea while taking cefprozil?
Mild diarrhea is common, but if it becomes severe, watery, or bloody, contact your doctor immediately as this could indicate a serious intestinal condition.
Can cefprozil be used for viral infections?
No, cefprozil is only effective against bacterial infections and will not treat viral illnesses like the common cold or flu.
What happens if I take too much Cefprozil?
Taking too much Cefprozil can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, seizures. If an overdose is suspected, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to induce vomiting or self-treat. Contact a poison control center or go to the nearest emergency room without delay.
Is Cefprozil safe during pregnancy?
Cefprozil's pregnancy category is generally considered to be B, meaning animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before using Cefprozil if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, to weigh the potential benefits against any risks.
What is the mechanism of action of cefprozil?
Cefprozil is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). This disrupts the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell walls, leading to cell lysis and death. It is bactericidal against susceptible organisms.
What is the generic name of Cefprozil?
The generic name is cefprozil. It is sold under brand names including Cefprozil, Prozil, Cefzila, Cefzil.
What class of drug is cefprozil?
Cefprozil is classed as: Second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.
References
- Cefprozil clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Global · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Cefprozil Tablets — prescribing informationU.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · United States · dated not specified · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- CEFPROZIL POWDER, FOR SUSPENSION [NORTHSTAR RX LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Cefprozil — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- CEFPROZIL — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA065276)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- cefprozil — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 19552)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient cefprozil names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
Canada
- CEFZIL TABLETS -