Other Brands/Names

Cefadroxil Monohydrate, Pyricef Forte, Opicef, Pharmaxil, Artocef 500, Lapicef, Staforin, Cedrox 500, Alxil, Cefat, Cefat Forte, Yaricef, Erphadox, Maxcef 125, Maxcef 250, Cefalex, Lostacef, Roksicap. 

How It Works

Cefadroxil is a member of the cephalosporin antibiotic family. It works by eliminating the bacteria responsible for infections. Cefadroxil blocks the production of bacterial cell walls, leading to the death of the bacteria.

Indications

Cefadroxil is used to treat various bacterial infections, including infections of the skin, throat, and urinary tract.

Contraindications

Cefadroxil should not be used by individuals with a history of allergy to this medication or other cephalosporin antibiotics.

Side Effects

• Common side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• If you experience any serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately, such as:

  • Persistent nausea or vomiting

  • Loss of appetite

  • Abdominal pain

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes

  • Dark urine

  • Symptoms of infection (such as a sore throat or persistent fever)

  • Unusual bruising or bleeding

  • Changes in urination

  • Mental or mood changes (such as confusion)

• This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal disorder due to the Clostridium difficile bacteria, with symptoms like:

  • Persistent diarrhea

  • Abdominal cramps or pain

  • Blood or mucous in your stool

• Prolonged use of cefadroxil may result in yeast infections, either in the mouth or vagina.

Types

Cefadroxil is available as 500 mg capsules and 125 mg/5 ml syrups.

Dosage

Skin and Urinary Tract Infections

• Adults:
  • 1 or 2 grams daily, either as a single dose or divided into 2 doses.
• 6-year-old children:
  • Weight <40 kg: 30-50 mg/kg per day, either as a single dose or in 2 doses, with a maximum dose of 100 mg/kg per day.
  • Weight >40 kg: the same dosage as adult dosage

Safety

Cefadroxil may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines that contain live bacteria (such as the typhoid or typhus vaccine). Inform your healthcare provider that you are taking cefadroxil before any immunization or vaccination.

Cefadroxil may contain sugar, so those with diabetes or conditions that require sugar intake to be limited should exercise caution. Consult your doctor before using this medication if you have any of these conditions.

During pregnancy, this medication should only be used if clearly necessary. Additionally, cefadroxil passes into breast milk, so discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

• Cefadroxil may decrease the effectiveness when taken with other antibiotics, including:

  • Tetracycline

  • Erythromycin

  • Sulfonamides

  • Chloramphenicol

• It may increase the kidney-damaging effects when used with:

  • Aminoglycoside antibiotics and polymyxin B

  • High-dose diuretics

• Long-term use of cefadroxil with anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs can lead to bleeding complications.
• Probenecid may raise cefadroxil serum levels.

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