cefadroxil, Duricef (Discontinued)

1. Strep or Sore Throat Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the MRSA Quiz!
3. Infectious Mononucleosis Slideshow Pictures

Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

View Full Profile

Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

View Full Profile

GENERIC NAME: cefadroxil

BRAND NAME: Duricef (Discontinued)

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cefadroxil is an oral antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of drugs, a family that includes cephalexin (Keflex), cefaclor (Ceclor), cefuroxime (Zinacef), cefpodoxime (Vantin), cefixime (Suprax), and many other injectable antibiotics. Cephalosporins stop bacteria from multiplying by preventing bacteria from forming the walls that surround them. The walls are necessary to protect bacteria from their environment and to keep the contents of the bacterial cell together. Bacteria cannot survive without a cell wall. Cephalosporins are most effective when bacteria are actively multiplying and forming cell walls. Cefadroxil is active against many bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Moraxella catarrhalis, E. coli, Klebsiella, and Proteus mirabilis. The FDA approved cefadroxil in 1977.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 1 g. Capsules: 500 mg. Powder for suspension: 125, 250, and 500 mg/teaspoon (5 ml).

STORAGE: Cefadroxil should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F). Once mixed, the suspension should be refrigerated and discarded after 14 days.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Cefadroxil is used for treating infections of the urinary tract, skin and soft-tissue, throat (pharyngitis), and tonsils (tonsillitis) caused by bacteria that are susceptible to its effects. It also is used for prevention of infection of the inner layer of the heart (endocarditis) due to surgical procedures.

DOSING: The recommended adult dose for treating pharyngitis, skin and skin structure infections, and tonsillitis is 1 gram daily as a single dose or in two divided doses.

The dose for urinary tract infections is 2 grams once daily or in two divided doses.

The dose for preventing endocarditis is 2 grams given one hour before a procedure.

The recommended dose for children is 30 mg/kg/day as a single dose or two divided doses.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Cefadroxil may reduce the immune response to BCG (tuberculosis vaccine) and typhoid live vaccines and result in less effective vaccination.

PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of cefadroxil in pregnant women.

NURSING MOTHERS: Cefadroxil is secreted in breast milk.

SIDE EFFECTS: Cefadroxil generally is well-tolerated. The most common side effects are diarrhea or loose stools, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and rash. Patients who have had allergic reactions to other cephalosporins should not take cefadroxil. Additionally, persons allergic to penicillin or one of its derivatives (for example, amoxicillin [Amoxil, Dispermox, Trimox] or ampicillin [Omnipen, Plycillin, Principen]) may also be allergic to cefadroxil, although cefadroxil has been used safely in such patients.

Serious but rare reactions include seizures, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), and reduced platelet or red blood cell counts. Cefadroxil can alter the normal bacteria in the colon and encourage overgrowth of some bacteria, specifically, Clostridium difficile which causes inflammation of the colon (pseudomembranous colitis). Patients who develop signs of pseudomembranous colitis after starting cefadroxil (diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and possibly shock) should contact their physician immediately.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.