cefadroxil Health Article

Generic name(s):

cefadroxil

Brand name(s):

Duricef

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 Ceclor, Ceftin, Cefzil, Fortaz, Keflex, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, 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 stomach or intestinal disorder.

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 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 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:

• cefaclor (Ceclor);

• cefdinir (Omnicef);

• cefditoren (Spectracef);

• cefixime (Suprax);

• cefprozil (Cefzil);

• ceftazidime (Fortaz);

• cefuroxime (Ceftin);

• cephalexin (Keflex); and others.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have:

• kidney disease, or

• a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use cefadroxil, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

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. Use 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.

Take cefadroxil at evenly spaced intervals to keep a constant level of drug in the body. It is important to take cefadroxil regularly to get the most benefit.

Take all of the cefadroxil that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.