The nurse provides discharge teaching for a patient who will receive a prescription for cefaclor (Ceclor). What important information will the nurse provide this patient?

Question

A) Avoid alcohol until 72 hours after stopping this medication.
B) Genital itching will go away after the drug is discontinued.
C) Monitor for yellowing of the skin or eyes and call the doctor if it occurs.
D) Avoid grapefruit juice when taking this medication to prevent adverse effects.

Answer 1

A
Feedback:
Patients should be taught to avoid alcohol for up to 72 hours after discontinuing cefaclor (Ceclor) to prevent a disulfiram-like reaction that results in unpleasant symptoms such as flushing, throbbing headache, nausea and vomiting, chest pain, palpitations, dyspnea, syncope, vertigo, blurred vision, and in extreme reactions, cardiovascular collapse, convulsions, or even death. Genital itching in women indicates the possibility of a superinfection and the patient should see her health care provider. Liver damage, indicated by jaundice, is not a likely adverse effect with this drug. There is no need to avoid grapefruit juice.