Cefprozil Is a Prescription Antibiotic Used to Treat Bacterial Infections of the Ears, Throat, Sinuses, Lungs, and Skin

If your doctor just prescribed Cefprozil and you're wondering what it is, you're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know — from what Cefprozil treats, to how to take it, to how much it costs in 2026.

What Is Cefprozil?

Cefprozil is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It was originally sold under the brand name Cefzil, manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb, but the brand has been discontinued. Today, Cefprozil is available only as a generic, made by manufacturers including Lupin, Aurobindo, and Sandoz.

It belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics, which are related to penicillins. Cephalosporins work by killing bacteria — they're not effective against viral infections like colds or the flu.

Cefprozil is not a controlled substance and does not require any special prescribing restrictions.

What Is Cefprozil Used For?

Cefprozil is FDA-approved to treat several types of bacterial infections:

• Strep throat and tonsillitis — caused by Streptococcus pyogenes
• Ear infections (otitis media) — caused by S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and M. catarrhalis
• Acute sinusitis — caused by the same organisms
• Acute bronchitis — secondary bacterial infection
• Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
• Uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections — caused by S. aureus and S. pyogenes

It is sometimes used off-label for mild community-acquired pneumonia and urinary tract infections, though other antibiotics are more commonly chosen for those conditions.

How Is Cefprozil Taken?

Cefprozil comes in two forms:

• Tablets: 250 mg and 500 mg
• Oral suspension (liquid): 125 mg/5 mL and 250 mg/5 mL — primarily used for children

Adult Dosage

For most infections, adults take 250–500 mg every 12 hours for 10 days. Your doctor will determine the exact dose based on the type and severity of your infection.

Children's Dosage

Children aged 6 months to 12 years typically receive 7.5–15 mg/kg every 12 hours for 10 days, depending on the infection. The dose is based on body weight.

How to Take It

• Take by mouth with or without food
• Shake the suspension well before each dose
• Complete the full course — even if you feel better after a few days, stopping early can lead to antibiotic resistance
• Store the oral suspension in the refrigerator and discard after 14 days

Who Should Not Take Cefprozil?

Cefprozil is not safe for everyone. Do not take Cefprozil if you have:

• A known allergy to Cefprozil or any other cephalosporin antibiotic
• A history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics — although cross-reactivity is only about 1–2%, your doctor should assess the risk

Use with caution if you:

• Have kidney problems — dose adjustment is needed if creatinine clearance is below 30 mL/min
• Have phenylketonuria (PKU) — the oral suspension contains aspartame
• Are pregnant (Category B) or breastfeeding — use only if clearly needed, as the drug passes into breast milk

For more on side effects and risks, read our Cefprozil side effects guide.

How Much Does Cefprozil Cost?

Since the brand Cefzil is discontinued and Cefprozil is available only as a generic, pricing is relatively affordable:

• Without insurance: $30–$60 for a typical 10-day course (20 tablets of 250 mg or 500 mg)
• With insurance: Usually covered on Tier 1 or Tier 2 formularies, meaning a low copay — typically $5–$25
• Oral suspension: May cost $30–$80 depending on the pharmacy and whether there are supply issues

You can lower your cost further with free discount cards from GoodRx, SingleCare, or RxSaver. For a full breakdown of savings options, see our guide on how to save money on Cefprozil.

If you're having trouble finding it at your pharmacy, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies with Cefprozil in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Cefprozil is a well-established, effective antibiotic for common bacterial infections. It's affordable as a generic, widely prescribed, and generally well-tolerated. The main things to remember: take it as directed, finish the full course, and tell your doctor about any penicillin allergies before starting.

For more information, explore our other Cefprozil guides on how Cefprozil works, drug interactions, and how to check pharmacy stock.