Drug Name

Cefadroxil

Drug Uses

Cefadroxil fights bacteria in the body. Cefadroxil is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, ear infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.

How to use

Use Cefadroxil as directed by your doctor.

• Take Cefadroxil by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• To clear up your infection completely, take Cefadroxil for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Cefadroxil is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by interfering with the bacteria's cell wall formation. This weakens the cell wall, causing it to rupture, resulting in death of the bacteria.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Cefadroxil, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Cefadroxil at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Cefadroxil out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Cefadroxil if:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding;
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement;
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances;
• if you have a blood clotting disorder, kidney problems, or stomach or bowel problems (e.g., inflammation);
• if you have had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness) to a penicillin antibiotic (e.g., amoxicillin) or other beta-lactam antibiotic (e.g., imipenem).

• Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
• Be sure to use Cefadroxil for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
• Cefadroxil only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold).
• Long-term or repeated use of Cefadroxil may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
• Diabetes patients - Cefadroxil may cause the results of some tests for urine glucose to be wrong. Ask your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Cefadroxil may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Cefadroxil.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: if you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Cefadroxil while you are pregnant. Cefadroxil is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Cefadroxil , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• diarrhea; nausea; stomach upset; vomiting.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody diarrhea; dark urine; decreased urination; fever, chills, or sore throat; joint pain; red, swollen, or blistered skin; seizures; severe diarrhea; stomach pain or cramps; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; vaginal itching, odor, or discharge; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Cefadroxil is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.