
GENERIC NAME: cefadroxil
BRAND NAME: Duricef
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cefadroxil is a semi-
synthetic oral
antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of drugs. The
cephalosporin family
includes cephalexin (Keflex), cefaclor (Ceclor), cefuroxime
(Zinacef),
cefpodoxime (Vantin), cefixime (Suprax), and many injectable
antibiotics.
Cefadroxil is active against many bacteria, including:
Staphylococcus.
aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes (the
cause of
strep throat), Moraxella catarrhalis, E. coli, Klebsiella, and
Proteus
mirabilis.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 1 gram; Capsules: 500mg;
Suspension: 125
mg/teaspoon; 250 mg/teaspoon, 500 mg/teaspoon.
STORAGE: Tablets and capsules should be kept at 15
° to 30°C
(59° to 86°F). The suspension should be refrigerated
and
discarded after 14 days.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Cefadroxil is effective against
susceptible
bacteria causing infections of the urinary tract, skin and soft-
tissue as
well as pharyngitis, and laryngitis.
DOSING: Cefadroxil is taken once or twice daily,
depending on
the nature and severity of the infection. The tablets can be
taken with or
without food. The suspension should always be shaken prior to
each dose.
Patients with advanced kidney diseases may need lower doses.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: There are no known clinically
important drug
interactions with cefadroxil.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of cefadroxil
in
pregnant women. However, studies in animals suggest no
important effects
on the fetus. Cefadroxil, therefore, can be used in pregnancy
if the
physician feels that it is necessary.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not
known if cefadroxil is secreted in breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: Cefadroxil is generally well-tolerated.
The most
common side effects are diarrhea or loose stools, nausea,
abdominal pain,
and vomiting. Rarer side effects include abnormal liver tests
and allergic
reactions. Patients who have had allergic reactions to other
cephalosporins should not take cefadroxil. Additionally,
persons who have
had allergic reactions to penicillin or one of its derivatives
may also be
allergic to cefadroxil, although it has been used safely in
many such
patients.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
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