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Cefadroxil

Generic name: cefadroxil [ SEF-a-DROX-il ]
Brand name: Duricef
Dosage forms: oral capsule (500 mg), oral powder for reconstitution (250 mg/5 mL; 500 mg/5 mL), oral tablet (1000 mg)
Drug class: First generation cephalosporins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 25, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is cefadroxil?

Cefadroxil is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic that is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Cefadroxil may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cefadroxil side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cefadroxil may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of cefadroxil may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take cefadroxil if you are allergic to cefadroxil or other cephalosporin antibiotic (cefdinir, cefalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Cefadroxil liquid contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefadroxil if you have diabetes.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take cefadroxil?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medicine guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take cefadroxil with or without food.

Take with food if cefadroxil upsets your stomach.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Cefadroxil doses are based on weight in children. Follow all dosing instructions carefully when giving this medicine to a child.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Cefadroxil will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Cefadroxil can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefadroxil.

Store the tablets or capsules at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Store cefadroxil liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused cefadroxil liquid that is older than 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking cefadroxil?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

What other drugs will affect cefadroxil?

Other drugs may affect cefadroxil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Popular FAQ

Penicillin or amoxicillin are considered the best first-line treatments for Strep throat. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) “ There has never been a report of a clinical isolate of group A strep that is resistant to penicillin”. For people with a penicillin allergy, treat Strep throat with either a narrow-spectrum cephalosporin (such as cephalexin or cefadroxil), clindamycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin. Note that resistance to azithromycin and clarithromycin has been reported. Continue reading

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.