Cefaclor — Compare Prices at US & Canada Pharmacies
Compare real Cefaclor prices at US and Canadian pharmacies, see official FDA uses and warnings, and find generic alternatives. Save up to 6% by comparing Canada pharmacy prices.
What is the typical cost of cefaclor without insurance coverage?
The standard retail price for cefaclor is approximately $132.62 for a 30-day supply of 500 mg capsules. Many uninsured patients can reduce this cost by using prescription discount programs or comparing prices across different pharmacies, which may lower the final out-of-pocket amount significantly.
How much will cefaclor cost if I have insurance?
Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your specific insurance plan's copay or coinsurance structure. Many plans cover cefaclor, but copay amounts vary widely. It's worth comparing your insurance copay with the cash price and any available pharmacy discounts—sometimes the lowest price comes from a combination of options rather than insurance alone.
Is cefaclor covered by Medicare, and what would I pay?
Cefaclor is typically covered under Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans for eligible beneficiaries. Your actual cost will depend on your specific plan's formulary status, deductible, and coverage tier. Patients can also explore pharmacy discount programs to compare pricing options.
What is the brand name for cefaclor?
Cefaclor is the generic name for the antibiotic originally branded as Ceclor, manufactured by Eli Lilly. Multiple generic manufacturers produce cefaclor, including Apotex and Ranbaxy, among others. Generic versions are bioequivalent to the brand-name product and typically cost less.
"As low as" figures compare the single lowest oral tablet/capsule price found on each side — not necessarily the same strength or pack size. Always check the full tables below for your exact dose. Prices updated 2026-08-21.
Cefaclor prices at US pharmacies
Cefaclor — capsule, 500mg, qty 30
| Pharmacy | Retail price | With discount card |
|---|---|---|
| CVS Pharmacy Lowest | $96.75 | $93.75 |
| Kroger Pharmacy | $128.79 | $125.79 |
| Harris Teeter Pharmacy | $128.79 | $125.79 |
| Walgreens | $136.62 | $133.62 |
| Walmart Neighborhood Market | $138.41 | $135.41 |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $138.41 | $135.41 |
| Publix | $138.63 | $135.63 |
| Food Lion | $137.11 | — |
Cefaclor Er — tablet extended release 12 hour, 500mg, qty 14
| Pharmacy | Retail price | With discount card |
|---|---|---|
| CVS Pharmacy Lowest | $222.83 | $219.83 |
| Kroger Pharmacy | $271.13 | $268.13 |
| Harris Teeter Pharmacy | $271.13 | $268.13 |
| Walgreens | $285.94 | $282.94 |
| Food Lion | $285.56 | — |
| Publix | $288.83 | $285.83 |
| Walmart Neighborhood Market | $291.23 | $288.23 |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $291.23 | $288.23 |
Cefaclor prices at Canadian pharmacies
| Strength | Pharmacy | Per pill (USD) | Pack total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default | InhalersOnline.com | $2.93 | $246.42 / 84 |
| Default | InhalersOnline.com | $3.95 | $55.33 / 14 |
| Strength | Pharmacy | Per pill (USD) | Pack total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default | InhalersOnline.com | $2.93 | $246.42 / 84 |
| Default | InhalersOnline.com | $3.95 | $55.33 / 14 |
| Strength | Pharmacy | Per pill (USD) | Pack total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default | InhalersOnline.com | $2.93 | $246.42 / 84 |
| Default | InhalersOnline.com | $3.95 | $55.33 / 14 |
Canada prices are converted to USD at time of collection and shown per tablet where available. Ordering from Canadian pharmacies is legal for personal use in most cases but subject to FDA/CBSA rules — see US vs Canada, explained.
What is Cefaclor used for?
Cefaclor is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, structurally related to penicillins, used for common bacterial infections such as middle ear infections, sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. It comes as both an immediate-release capsule/oral suspension and an extended-release tablet — though the FDA label notes the extended-release form hasn't been established as effective for all the same infections the standard formulation treats, so the two aren't automatically interchangeable.
Like other cephalosporins, cefaclor shares a chemical backbone with penicillins, and cross-reactivity is documented in up to about 10% of people with a penicillin allergy — worth discussing with your prescriber if you have a known penicillin allergy, even though outright avoidance isn't always necessary. The WHO AWaRe framework classifies cefaclor as a Watch antibiotic, a category for drugs with a higher potential to contribute to antibiotic resistance if overused, reflecting that second-generation cephalosporins are a step up in spectrum from first-line options like amoxicillin.
Cefaclor is taken multiple times a day for the standard capsule form (spacing antacids apart, since they can reduce absorption), while the extended-release tablet is dosed twice daily and must be swallowed whole rather than crushed or chewed.
How Cefaclor works
Attacks the bacterial cell wall
Like penicillins, cefaclor blocks the enzymes bacteria need to build and maintain their protective cell wall.
The wall weakens and fails
Without a properly built wall, internal pressure causes the bacterial cell to rupture.
Susceptible bacteria clear
As bacterial numbers drop, the immune system finishes clearing the infection.
Typical dosage forms & strengths
| Use | Typical adult dose | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Most common infections (adults, immediate-release) | 250–500 mg every 8 hours | Capsule / oral suspension |
| Most common infections (extended-release) | 500 mg every 12 hours, swallowed whole | Extended-release tablet |
General reference dosing from the FDA label — not personalized advice. Your prescribed dose may differ based on your infection, kidney function, age, and weight. Always follow your prescriber's instructions.
Related & alternative drugs
Commonly used for
Warnings & interactions
This is a summary of the official FDA label text, not personalized medical advice. It does not list every possible interaction or side effect. Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you take.
Common, usually mild
- Diarrhea, nausea, or stomach upset
- Headache
- Mild skin rash
Serious — seek care promptly
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, facial/throat swelling, trouble breathing
- Severe or watery diarrhea (possible C. diff colitis)
- Easy bruising or unusual bleeding (rare interaction with warfarin)
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Cefaclor extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to cefaclor and other cephalosporins.
Warnings
WARNINGS BEFORE THERAPY WITH CEFACLOR EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS IS INSTITUTED, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS HAD PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO CEFACLOR, CEPHALOSPORINS, PENICILLINS, OR OTHER DRUGS. IF THIS PRODUCT IS TO BE GIVEN TO PENICILLIN-SENSITIVE PATIENTS, CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED BECAUSE CROSS-SENSITIVITY AMONG BETA-LACTAM ANTIBIOTICS HAS BEEN CLEARLY DOCUMENTED AND MAY OCCUR IN UP TO 10% OF PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF PENICILLIN ALLERGY. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO CEFACLOR EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS OCCURS, DISCONTINUE THE DRUG.
Notable drug interactions
| Drug / substance | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Antacids (magnesium/aluminum hydroxide) | Reduce absorption of the extended-release tablet if taken within an hour — space doses apart. |
| Probenecid | Slows renal clearance of cefaclor, raising blood levels. |
| Warfarin | Rare reports of increased bleeding risk when combined; monitoring may be advised. |
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Usage in Pregnancy Teratogenic Effect Reproduction studies using cefaclor have been performed in mice, rats and ferrets at doses up to 3 to 5 times the maximum human dose (1500 mg/day) based on mg/m 2 . These studies have revealed no harm to the fetus due to cefaclor. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Cefaclor, by the numbers
Additional public data points beyond retail pricing — useful context, not a price quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Cefaclor cost without insurance?
Is Cefaclor cheaper in Canada or the US?
Is there a generic version of Cefaclor?
What drug class is Cefaclor in?
Learn more about Cefaclor
In-depth answers to common Cefaclor questions, fact-checked against the sources cited in each.
What exactly is cefaclor and how does it work?
Cefaclor is a generic antibiotic belonging to the cephalosporin class of drugs, which are structurally related to penicillins. It eliminates bacteria by disrupting their ability to synthesize and maintain a rigid cell wall. Once the cell wall is compromised, bacteria cannot retain their internal contents and die. The drug is available as a tablet or oral suspension and is prescribed for bacterial infections such as middle ear infections, pneumonia, strep throat, tonsillitis, urinary tract infections, and skin infections caused by staph or strep organisms. Dosage and duration depend on the infection type and severity. Cefaclor works only against bacteria and has no effect on viral infections.
What side effects might occur with cefaclor?
Most people tolerate cefaclor well, though some experience side effects. Gastrointestinal symptoms are the most frequently reported, including stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Allergic reactions to cefaclor are relatively common and may present as rash, itching, or swelling. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis—characterized by a dangerous drop in blood pressure—can occur and require immediate medical attention. Anyone experiencing signs of an allergic reaction should seek emergency care. This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects; discuss potential adverse effects with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting this medication.
Page info
Prices last checked 2026-08-21. Reviewed against FDA and DailyMed official sources — see our review process. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Aldon Li, M.D., FIDSA, Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine