Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: cefadroxil
BRAND NAME: Duricef
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, 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,
pharynx (throat), and tonsils
(tonsillitis) caused by bacteria that are susceptible to its effects.
DOSING: The recommended adult dose is 1 or 2 grams daily as a single
dose or in two divided doses. The recommended dose for children is 30 mg/kg/day
as a single dose or two divided doses.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: There are no known clinically important drug
interactions associated with cefadroxil.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of cefadroxil in
pregnant
women.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if 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 or ampicillin) 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
Last Editorial Review: 3/12/2009
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.
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