Cefadroxil
Drug Review
Compare Prices
Conditions & Treatments
Choose from these
common conditions
common conditions
Browse treatment centers:
Cefadroxil
(sef a drox' il)
(sef a drox' il)
What makes the information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org different?
- We do not rely simply on drug package inserts and manufacturer claims.
- Our information about drug and safety, off-label uses, side effects and interactions is based on the best available clinical evidence -- the same information used by hospital pharmacists
Duricef
Cefadroxil is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as skin, throat, and urinary
tract infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Cefadroxil comes as a capsule, tablet, and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day or every 12 hours (twice
a day) for 7-10 days. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain
any part you do not understand. Take cefadroxil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
The capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water.
Continue to take cefadroxil even if you feel well. Do not stop taking cefadroxil without talking to your doctor.
Cefadroxil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- mild skin rash
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- severe skin rash
- itching
- hives
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- wheezing
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- sore throat
- painful mouth or throat sores
- vaginal infection
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA)
MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Before taking cefadroxil,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cefadroxil or any other cephalosporin antibiotic such as cefaclor (Ceclor) or cephalexin (Keflex), penicillin, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, colitis, or stomach problems.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking cefadroxil, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking cefadroxil.
Cefadroxil may cause an upset stomach. Take cefadroxil with food or milk.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the capsules and tablets
at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed. Keep liquid medicine in the refrigerator, tightly closed, and throw away any unused medication after
14 days. Do not freeze. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing,
call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response
to cefadroxil.
If you are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape (not Clinitest) to test your urine for sugar while taking this drug.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection
after you finish the cefadroxil, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines
you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list
with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with
you in case of emergencies.
Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to compare drugs and other treatment options for over 100 medical conditions and start making better health decisions. JOIN NOW!
Subscribe now for 24/7 health news and information
Tips for staying healthy and preventing illness
Independent evaluations of diets, fitness routines and other wellness products
Treatment Ratings for over 200 medical and mental health conditions
Unbiased reviews of most prescriptions and OTC drugs
Effectiveness Ratings for over 20,000 Alternative Medic ines
