| Common Brands | Duricef (brand no longer available) |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Cephalosporin antibiotic |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Cefadroxil is an antibiotic that falls within the class of drugs cephalosporins and, more specifically, as a first-generation cephalosporin. It exerts its action by inhibiting the bacterial cell wall synthesis, which eventually kills the bacteria. Cefadroxil is prescribed in treating infections of the respiratory tract, skin, urinary tract, and other bacterial infections caused by susceptible pathogens. It is usually available in oral form either as capsules or as suspension.
Cefadroxil is available both in capsules and liquid suspensions. It is administered orally and can be used according to the following general guidelines:
Dosage: Take as directed by your healthcare provider exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less than what is prescribed.
When to take: Cefadroxil can often be taken with or without food. However, if taken with food, it reduces stomach upset.
Consistency: Try to take cefadroxil at the same time each day to help you remember. If you are taking it twice a day, space the doses about 12 hours apart.
Missed Dose: If you missed a dose of cefadroxil, take it when you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose and continue with your dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed dose.
Full Course: Always complete the full prescribed course of cefadroxil, even if you feel better before the end of treatment. Stopping the medication early can lead to the infection returning or becoming resistant to the antibiotic.
Cefadroxil is a bactericidal antibiotic that kills the bacteria rather than inhibiting their growth. It exerts its action by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis, a process necessary for structural integrity within bacteria. It binds specifically to proteins of the bacterial cell wall to prevent formation of a stable cell wall. The inability of bacteria to form a cell wall allows them to be unstable, leading to bursting and eventually death.
Being the first generation of cephalosporin, cefadroxil is especially effective in gram-positive bacteria, like Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species. It has some activities on gram-negative bacteria, but it is less effective against these types of bacteria than more advanced-generation cephalosporins.
Most patients tolerate cefadroxil well, but as with all medications, side effects may occur. Common side effects are as follows:
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Skin: Rashes or pruritus, which can occur especially in allergic patients against cephalosporins.
Headache or dizziness: Some people will experience mild headache or dizziness.
Allergic reactions: In some instances, patients may have more severe allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty in breathing, or hives. These are medical emergencies.
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea: As with other antibiotics, cefadroxil can interfere with the normal flora of the intestines and cause a bacterial overgrowth, leading to severe diarrhea.
If any of these side effects are severe or if you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor immediately.
Allergic reactions: Patients with a known allergy to penicillin or other cephalosporins should use cefadroxil with caution due to the potential for cross-reactivity.
Kidney disease: Cefadroxil is primarily excreted through the kidneys. Patients with impaired kidney function may need a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment.
Pregnancy and lactation: Cefadroxil is rated a Category B drug concerning pregnancy, meaning that its safety for use during pregnancy was generally established provided it was used appropriately.
It can be used only when administered on prescription. Excreted in breast milk also, its use in breastfeeding females must be discussed with a physician.
Diabetes: The oral suspension formulation of cefadroxil contains sugar, so diabetic patients should be informed of this prior to taking the drug.
The patient should report all medications that he is currently taking to his healthcare provider since Cefadroxil may interact with other drugs. Significant drug interactions include the following:
Probenecid: Probenecid increases the concentration of cefadroxil in the blood because it interferes with the renal excretion of the latter.
Antacids and iron supplements: Antacids and iron supplements may decrease the absorption of cefadroxil. It’s recommended to take cefadroxil at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking these medications.
Other antibiotics: Using cefadroxil with other antibiotics, particularly those with similar mechanisms of action, may either enhance or reduce the effectiveness of the drugs.
Oral contraceptives: Cefadroxil, like other antibiotics, may make oral contraceptives ineffective and lead to a chance of unwanted pregnancy.
Make sure to discuss all the medicines you are taking, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements with your doctor to avoid potential interaction.
The usual adult dosage for cefadroxil is 1 gram once a day or 500 mg every 12 hours, depending on the severity of the infection. For children, the dosage is based on their weight, and treatment duration typically ranges from 7 to 14 days, depending on the infection type.
The patient should strictly follow the particular dose that was prescribed for them by the doctor and follow the length of the treatment strictly to achieve complete infection resolution and prevent antibiotic resistance.
Cefadroxil is only available by prescription. The patient’s symptoms will be evaluated by a healthcare professional, tests such as cultures will be conducted, and the physician will decide if this is the appropriate drug. The doctor should be advised of any allergies, medications, or health conditions the patient may have before using cefadroxil.
Cefadroxil is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
It’s used for infections like skin infections, urinary tract infections, and respiratory tract infections.
It kills bacteria by disrupting their cell wall synthesis.
No, it only treats bacterial infections.
Capsules, tablets, and oral suspension (liquid).
Commonly 500 mg every 12 hours, but depends on infection severity.
Yes, with doses adjusted based on weight and age.
Diarrhea, nausea, rash, and allergic reactions.
Yes, especially if allergic to penicillins or cephalosporins.
Usually within 48 to 72 hours after starting treatment.
Yes, to fully eradicate the infection and prevent resistance.
Yes, taking it with food may reduce stomach upset.
Yes, it can interact with nephrotoxic drugs and some blood thinners.
Generally considered safe but consult your healthcare provider.
Yes, it can cause diarrhea or rarely Clostridium difficile infection.
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Take it as soon as possible unless it’s near your next dose; do not double dose.
Yes, it is commonly prescribed for UTIs.
No, it requires a prescription.
Inform about any allergies, kidney problems, other medications, or pregnancy.
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