Generic
Cefadroxil
40 brands available in the market
At a glance
Cefadroxil is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used in the treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis, bronchopneumonia, bacterial pneumonia, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. It kills bacteria by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Description
Cefadroxil is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins, inhibiting the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis, resulting in cell wall biosynthesis inhibition and bacterial cell death.
Cefadroxil is indicated for streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis, bronchopneumonia, bacterial pneumonia, uncomplicated urinary tract infections (pyelonephritis, cystitis), and skin and soft tissue infections (abscesses, furunculosis, impetigo, erysipelas, pyoderma, lymphadenitis).
Indications
- Streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis
- Bronchopneumonia, bacterial pneumonia
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (pyelonephritis, cystitis)
- Skin and soft tissue infections (abscesses, furunculosis, impetigo, erysipelas, pyoderma, lymphadenitis)
Therapeutic class
First generation cephalosporins
Pharmacological class
Cephalosporin Antibiotic
Pharmacology
Cefadroxil inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to one or more penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which inhibit the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell walls, resulting in cell wall biosynthesis inhibition and bacterial cell death.
Mechanism of action
Cefadroxil binds to penicillin-binding proteins, inhibiting the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in the bacterial cell wall, preventing cell wall assembly and causing bacterial cell death.
Dosage
Adults and Adolescents (>40 kg, normal renal function):
Streptococcal pharyngitis/tonsillitis: 1000 mg once daily for at least 10 days.
Bronchopneumonia, bacterial pneumonia, UTI, skin & soft tissue infections: 1000 mg twice daily. Max: 4 g/day.
Children (<40 kg, normal renal function):
Streptococcal pharyngitis/tonsillitis: 30 mg/kg/day (single dose), at least 10 days.
Other infections: 30-35 mg/kg/day (in 2 divided doses). Severe infections: up to 100 mg/kg/day.
Children under 6 years: 500 mg tablets not recommended; use suspension.
Renal impairment (Creatinine clearance):
25-50 mL/min/1.73m²: 500-1000 mg every 12 hours
10-25 mL/min/1.73m²: 500-1000 mg every 24 hours
<10 mL/min/1.73m²: 500-1000 mg every 36 hours
Hemodialysis: Additional 500-1000 mg dose after dialysis.
Hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment needed.
Elderly: Adjust dose based on renal function.
Note: Streptococcus pyogenes infections require 10 days of therapy. Continue treatment for 2-3 days after clinical symptoms resolve.
Administration
May be taken with or without food (food does not affect bioavailability; take with food if GI upset occurs). Swallow tablets whole; do not chew, crush, or break. Shake suspension well before use. Take at a fixed time each day for best results.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common (>1%): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, glossitis, pruritus, rash, allergic exanthema, urticaria.
Uncommon (0.1-1%): Vaginal mycoses, thrush.
Rare (0.01-0.1%): Eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, serum sickness-like reactions, cholestasis, idiosyncratic hepatic failure, arthralgia, interstitial nephritis, fever.
Very rare (<0.01%): Hemolytic anemia, anaphylactic shock, headache, insomnia, dizziness, nervousness, pseudomembranous colitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, fatigue.
Side effects are usually mild and transient.
Precautions & warnings
- Prescribing in the absence of proven bacterial infection is unlikely to provide benefit and increases the risk of drug-resistant bacteria.
- Use with special caution in patients with non-severe hypersensitivity to penicillins (cross-allergy risk ~5-10%).
- Caution in patients with history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.
- If rash, itching, swelling of face/mouth, or difficulty breathing occurs, discontinue and inform your doctor.
- Prolonged use may result in superinfection with fungi (e.g., Candida).
- Severe and persistent diarrhea may indicate pseudomembranous colitis; discontinue and start appropriate treatment.
- Coombs' test may be transiently positive.
- Adjust dose based on renal function.
- Enzymatic methods should be used for urine glucose testing (reduction tests may give false-positive results).
Contraindications
- History of hypersensitivity to any cephalosporin
- History of severe reactions to penicillins or other beta-lactam drugs
Drug interactions
- Bacteriostatic antibiotics (tetracycline, erythromycin, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol): Possible antagonistic effect.
- Aminoglycosides, polymyxin B, colistin, high-dose loop diuretics: May potentiate nephrotoxic effects.
- Vitamin K antagonists (warfarin): May enhance anticoagulant effect.
- BCG, typhoid vaccine, sodium picosulfate: May diminish therapeutic effect.
- Oral contraceptives: May attenuate effect.
- Probenecid: Increases serum concentration (inhibits renal excretion).
- Cholestyramine: Reduces bioavailability.
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption does not cause harmful side effects (general caution advised).
Use in pregnancy
Generally considered safe during pregnancy (Category B). Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects; limited human studies available. No evidence of teratogenicity. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Safe during breastfeeding (if prescribed). Cefadroxil is excreted in breast milk in small amounts; sensitization, diarrhea, or fungal colonization of the infant's mucosa is possible. Use with caution; avoid prolonged use.
Pediatric use
500 mg tablets are not recommended for children under 6 years; use suspension. Children <40 kg: 30-35 mg/kg/day (divided doses); severe infections: up to 100 mg/kg/day. Not indicated in children with renal insufficiency.
Geriatric use
Excreted renally; elderly patients require dose adjustment based on renal function.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment needed; considered safe in liver disease.
Overdose effects
Overdose symptoms: Nausea, hallucinations, hyperreflexia, extrapyramidal symptoms, clouded consciousness, coma, renal impairment. Treatment: Supportive and symptomatic; hemodialysis may be effective.
Storage conditions
Store in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Cefadroxil (First Generation Cephalosporin)