Generic Name: cefadroxil (SEF a DROX il)
Brand Names: Duricef
What is cefadroxil?
Cefadroxil is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.
Cefadroxil is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.
Cefadroxil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about cefadroxil?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefadroxil, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and others.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin). Also tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a history of intestinal problems.
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefadroxil will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cefadroxil?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefadroxil or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:
Before taking cefadroxil, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take cefadroxil.
The cefadroxil suspension (liquid) contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefadroxil if you have diabetes.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cefadroxil may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take cefadroxil?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefadroxil will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Cefadroxil can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or milk if it causes stomach upset.
Shake the liquid form of cefadroxil well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
This medication can cause you to have false results with certain medical tests, including urine glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefadroxil.
Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store cefadroxil oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any unused medication that is older than 14 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a cefadroxil overdose are not known.
What should I avoid while taking cefadroxil?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
Cefadroxil side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
unusual bleeding or bruising;
seizure (convulsions);
pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
fever, swollen glands, rash or itching, joint pain, or general ill feeling;
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, urinating less than usual or not at all.
Less serious side effects may include:
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, mild diarrhea;
stiff or tight muscles;
joint pain;
feeling restless or hyperactive;
unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
mild itching or skin rash; or
vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Cefadroxil Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Endocarditis Prophylaxis:
2 g orally as a single dose one hour prior to the procedure
Usual Adult Dose for Pyelonephritis:
Uncomplicated: 1 g orally every 12 hours for 14 days
Usual Adult Dose for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection:
1 g/day orally in 1 to 2 divided doses
Usual Adult Dose for Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis:
1 g/day orally in 1 to 2 divided doses for 10 days
Usual Adult Dose for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection:
500 mg orally every 12 hours or 1 g orally every 24 hours for 7 to 10 days
Usual Adult Dose for Urinary Tract Infection:
Uncomplicated: 1 to 2 g/day orally in 1 to 2 divided doses
Complicated: 1 g orally twice a day
Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Endocarditis Prophylaxis:
1 to 18 years and 39 kg or less: 50 mg/kg orally, not to exceed 2 g, administered once 1 hour prior to the procedure
1 to 18 years and 40 kg or more: 2 g orally, administered once 1 hour prior to the procedure
Usual Pediatric Dose for Urinary Tract Infection:
1 month or older: 15 mg/kg orally every 12 hours, not to exceed 2 g per 24 hours
Usual Pediatric Dose for Skin and Structure Infection:
1 month or older: 15 mg/kg orally every 12 hours, not to exceed 2 g per 24 hours
Usual Pediatric Dose for Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis:
1 month or older: 30 mg/kg/day orally in 1 to 2 divided doses, not to exceed 2 g per 24 hours
Usual Pediatric Dose for Impetigo:
1 month or older: 30 mg/kg/day orally in 1 to 2 divided doses, not to exceed 2 g per 24 hours
What other drugs will affect cefadroxil?
There may be other drugs that can interact with cefadroxil. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start taking a new medication without telling your doctor.
More cefadroxil resources
- Cefadroxil Side Effects (in more detail)
- Cefadroxil Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Cefadroxil Drug Interactions
- Cefadroxil Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Cefadroxil - Add your own review/rating
- cefadroxil Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Cefadroxil Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Cefadroxil Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Cefadroxil Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Cefadroxil MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Duricef Prescribing Information (FDA)
Compare cefadroxil with other medications
- Bacterial Endocarditis Prevention
- Impetigo
- Kidney Infections
- Skin and Structure Infection
- Skin Infection
- Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
- Urinary Tract Infection
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about cefadroxil.
See also: cefadroxil side effects (in more detail)
