Cefadroxil

Generic name: Cefadroxil

Drug class: First-generation cephalosporin antibiotic

Dosage form: Oral capsule (500 mg), oral tablet (1000 mg), oral powder for suspension (250 mg/5 mL; 500 mg/5 mL)

Route of administration: Oral

Dose:

• Adults: 500 mg to 1 g once daily or in two divided doses
• Children: 30 mg/kg/day in two divided doses; maximum 1 g per dose
• Duration: Typically 10 days, depending on the infection

Mechanism of action: Cefadroxil inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins, leading to cell lysis and death.

Drug usage cases:

• Treatment of skin and soft tissue infections caused by staphylococci and/or streptococci
• Treatment of pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci)
• Treatment of urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella species
• Prophylaxis for endocarditis in penicillin-allergic patients undergoing dental procedures

Drug contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to cefadroxil or other cephalosporin antibiotics
• History of severe allergic reactions to penicillins

Side effects:

• Common: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rash
• Serious: Allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis), pseudomembranous colitis, blood dyscrasias (e.g., eosinophilia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia), hepatic dysfunction, nephrotoxicity

Warnings:

• Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dosage adjustment may be necessary
• Monitor for signs of superinfection during prolonged therapy
• Discontinue if severe diarrhea or blood in stools occurs
• Not recommended for use in infants under 1 month of age
• May cause false-positive Coombs’ test results

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding:

Pregnancy: Category B. Reproduction studies in mice and rats at doses up to 11 times the human dose revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus. However, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Labor and Delivery: Cefadroxil has not been studied for use during labor and delivery. Treatment should only be given if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers: Caution should be exercised when cefadroxil is administered to a nursing mother.