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Cefprozil Coupon - Cefprozil 500mg tablet

cefprozil

Generic Cefzil
Used for Skin Infection, Ear Infection, Urinary Tract Infection, Upper Respiratory Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection, Sinus Infection
Used for Skin Infection, Ear Infection, Urinary Tract Infection, Upper Respiratory Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection, Sinus Infection

Cefprozil is an antibiotic that can be taken by adults or children to treat many types of bacterial infections, such as those that affect the throat and ears. This medication is taken by mouth, usually once or twice daily for about 10 days. It's available as a tablet and a liquid suspension. People typically don't experience many side effects with cefprozil. But the most common ones include nausea and diarrhea.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 26, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Cefprozil?

What is Cefprozil used for?

How Cefprozil works

Cefprozil is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making an additional covering around themselves for protection.

Are you looking for information on cefazolin (Ancef) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCefzil (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassCephalosporin Antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$119.88(save 91.97%)
GoodRx discount
$9.63
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What are the side effects of Cefprozil?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea (4%)
  • Diarrhea (3%)
  • Vomiting (1%)
  • Stomach pain (1%)

Other Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reactions: hives, coughing, wheezing, swelling of the lips or tongue, tightness in the throat, difficulty breathing
  • Infectious (C. difficile-related) diarrhea: fever, tiredness, nausea, stomach cramps, foul-smelling and watery diarrhea

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Black, tarry stools

chest pain

cough or hoarseness

diarrhea

fever or chills

lower back or side pain

painful or difficult urination

shortness of breath

sore throat sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

swollen glands

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

Abdominal or stomach cramps, pain, or tenderness

bleeding gums

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

bloating

blood in the urine or stools

clay-colored stools

dark urine

diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

feeling of discomfort

headache

hives

increased thirst

inflammation of the joints

itching

joint or muscle pain

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

loss of appetite

muscle aches

nausea or vomiting

pain

pinpoint red spots on the skin

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

rash

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

shortness of breath

swollen lymph glands

tightness in the chest

unpleasant breath odor

unusual weight loss

vomiting of blood

watery or bloody diarrhea

wheezing

yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Back, leg, or stomach pains

bleeding gums

bloody or cloudy urine

bloody, black, or tarry stools

decrease in urine output or decrease in urine-concentrating ability

difficulty with breathing

fever with or without chills

general body swelling

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

high fever

nosebleeds

pale skin

sudden decrease in the amount of urine

swollen or painful glands

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Itching or pain of the vagina or genital area

pain during sexual intercourse

thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor

Rare

Confusion

hives or welts

nervousness

redness of the skin

restlessness

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

sleeplessness

trouble sitting still

trouble with sleeping

unable to sleep

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See more Cefprozil side effects
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Cefprozil

thumbs-up

Pros

Treats many types of bacterial infections and generally has few side effects

Can be taken with or without food

Available as a liquid suspension for people who have trouble swallowing tablets

Available as a lower-cost generic

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Cons

Might not be able to take this medication if you've had a severe allergy to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics

Might not be a good choice for people with kidney problems

The suspension contains phenylalanine, which can be a problem for people with PKU

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Cefprozil

pharmacist

  • Take cefprozil exactly as prescribed. Make sure to finish your treatment course, even if you start feeling better. Stopping the medication earlier than prescribed can make your infection come back and become harder to treat.

    • Take cefprozil with or without food. If it's upsetting your stomach, taking it with food might help.

      • Cefprozil can cause diarrhea. Typically, the diarrhea is mild and should go away when you stop taking cefprozil. But if you start having watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, fatigue, or stomach cramps anytime during treatment or after stopping cefprozil, call your provider right away. These can be signs of a kind of infectious diarrhea that can be serious and needs to be treated right away.

        • Contact your provider or get medical help as soon as possible if you get a rash, itchy skin, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face or mouth. These could be signs of a severe allergic reaction.

          Tips for cefprozil oral suspension (liquid)

          • The suspension comes in two strengths, 125 mg/5 mL and 250 mg/5 mL. Make sure you know which strength you have to avoid accidentally taking the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist for help if you're not sure.

            • Before each dose, shake the bottle well to make sure the medication hasn't settled at the bottom.

              • Make sure to only use a medication dose cup or oral syringe from the pharmacy to measure out your dose. Don't use household spoons because they aren't accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.

                • Store the cefprozil liquid suspension in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, throw away the bottle, even if there's still some medication left.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Cefprozil

                  Can I take cefprozil if I'm allergic to penicillin?
                  Maybe. It's possible to have an allergic reaction to cefprozil if you're allergic to penicillin. Your provider might consider giving you cefprozil, but it depends on what your reaction to penicillin was like. For example, if you had a mild reaction to penicillin like rash or itchiness, your provider will likely still give you cefprozil and ask you to watch for any allergic reactions. But if you had a severe reaction to penicillin, like facial swelling or closing of the throat, your provider might give you a small test dose of cefprozil to see how you react to it, or they might prescribe a different antibiotic. Your provider will ask you questions about your previous reaction to penicillin and decide if cefprozil is safe for you to take.
                  How long do I have to take cefprozil for?
                  Cefprozil is typically taken for 10 days for most infections. But your provider will decide how long you should use cefprozil for based on how severe your infection is.
                  Can I stop taking cefprozil if I feel better?
                  No. Make sure to finish your treatment course of cefprozil even if you feel better. This makes sure your body is clear of the infection. Stopping antibiotics too early raises the risk of you getting sick again with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. This means the bacteria develop a defense against antibiotics and no longer respond to them. Infections with resistant bacteria can be severe, sometimes life-threatening, and hard to treat. Ask your provider if you aren't sure how long you need to be taking cefprozil.
                  Is it safe to take cefprozil if I'm pregnant?
                  Discuss with your provider about the risks and benefits of taking cefprozil during pregnancy. This medication hasn't been well-studied in human pregnancy, but animal studies show that it's unlikely to cause harm. Ask your provider if you've more questions about which antibiotics are safe to take during pregnancy.
                  Can I take cefprozil if I'm breastfeeding?
                  Limited studies show cefprozil is present in breastmilk, but it's unlikely to cause harm for nursing babies. This is because the level of cefprozil in breastmilk is low. But, to be safe, make sure to talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of taking cefprozil while breastfeeding.
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Cefprozil?

                  Cefprozil can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Severe allergic reactions

                  • Risk factors: Allergy to penicillin or other cephalosporin antibiotics

                    Severe allergic reactions to cefprozil are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Let your provider know if you're allergic to any antibiotics. If you've had a reaction to penicillin antibiotics in the past, you might not be able to take cefprozil. If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using cefprozil, get medical attention right away.

                    risk-warning

                    Diarrhea (from infection in the gut)

                    Taking cefprozil, as well as other antibiotics, can raise your risk of getting diarrhea caused by a bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), which can be life-threatening. C.diff is a bacteria that's naturally found in the gut. Typically, it doesn't cause any problems because other gut bacteria keep its growth in check. But antibiotics can kill off some gut bacteria and cause C.diff to grow out of control.

                    It's important to recognize the difference between diarrhea as a side effect of cefprozil and this type of infectious diarrhea. C. diff-related diarrhea can cause rapid heart rate, foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, nausea, frequent bowel movements (even up to 15 times per day) and is an emergency. If you experience any of these symptoms, get medical attention right away so you can be tested for C. diff infection and receive treatment. Sometimes, C. diff-related diarrhea can occur 2 months after your antibiotic treatment.

                    risk-warning

                    Development of drug-resistant bacteria

                    Take cefprozil exactly as prescribed. Stopping cefprozil too early or taking the antibiotic for illnesses other than what your provider has prescribed can raise your risk for developing infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. This raises your risk for severe and life-threatening infections that might be difficult to treat.

                    risk-warning

                    Buildup of phenylalanine in the body in people with phenylketonuria (PKU)

                    The cefprozil suspension contains phenylalanine, an ingredient that can cause serious health problems if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Talk to a healthcare provider for alternative medications that are safer for you.

                    dosage

                    Cefprozil dosage forms

                    The average cost for 20 tablets of 500mg of Cefprozil is $26.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 78.31% off the average retail price of $119.88.
                    bottle of oral suspension
                    Bottle of oral suspension
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    50ml of 125mg/5ml1 bottle$9.63$9.63
                    75ml of 125mg/5ml1 bottle$13.20$13.20
                    100ml of 125mg/5ml1 bottle$16.76$16.76
                    50ml of 250mg/5ml1 bottle$15.79$15.79
                    75ml of 250mg/5ml1 bottle$20.41$20.41
                    100ml of 250mg/5ml1 bottle$20.00$20.00
                    tablet
                    Tablet
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    250mg20 tablets$21.00$1.05
                    500mg20 tablets$26.00$1.30
                    See more Cefprozil dosage
                    interactions

                    Interactions between Cefprozil and other drugs

                    Cefprozil may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Cefprozil. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    See more Cefprozil interactions
                    drug-cost

                    How much does Cefprozil cost?

                    To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                    Cefprozil (generic)
                    GoodRx lowest price

                    $9.63

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                    contraindications-icon

                    Cefprozil contraindications

                    Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Cefprozil will not be safe for you to take.
                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Cefprozil?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Cefprozil. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Cefprozil
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                    Cefdinir
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                    $21.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Cefpodoxime
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                    images

                    Cefprozil images

                    White Oblong 93 And 1078 - Cefprozil 500mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "1078" And "93".White Oblong 93 And 1078 - Cefprozil 500mg Tablet
                    Beige Oval 348 And 500 - Cefprozil 500mg Tablet
                    This medicine is Beige, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "348" And "500".Beige Oval 348 And 500 - Cefprozil 500mg Tablet
                    White Oblong C 17 - Cefprozil 500mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "C 17".White Oblong C 17 - Cefprozil 500mg Tablet
                    White Oblong Cpz 500 And Apo - Cefprozil 500mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "Cpz 500" And "Apo".White Oblong Cpz 500 And Apo - Cefprozil 500mg Tablet
                    White Oval 243 - Cefprozil 500mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "243".White Oval 243 - Cefprozil 500mg Tablet
                    White Oval Lupin And 500 - Cefprozil 500mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Lupin" And "500".White Oval Lupin And 500 - Cefprozil 500mg Tablet

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    DeBoer, D. L., et al. (2022). Acute sinusitis. StatPearls.

                    Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). CEFPROZIL powder, for suspension. DailyMed.

                    Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). CEFPROZIL tablet. DailyMed.

                    View All References (5)

                    Maguire, M., et al. (2020). Beta-lactam antibiotic test doses in the emergency department. The World Allergy Organization Journal.

                    MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Chronic bronchitis.

                    National Human Genome Research Institute. (2014). About phenylketonuria.

                    Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). (2018). Cefprozil. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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