Cefadroxil

About Cefadroxil

Cefadroxil kills bacteria by stopping them from building their cell walls; it does not treat colds, flu or other viral infections. Its label covers urinary tract infections caused by E. coli, Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella; skin and skin structure infections caused by staphylococci or streptococci; and strep throat and tonsillitis caused by group A streptococci. Adults take 1 to 2 g a day, as one dose or two, depending on the infection; children take 30 mg/kg a day, and strep infections are treated for at least ten days. The label notes that data showing cefadroxil prevents rheumatic fever after strep throat are not available.

Cefadroxil carries no boxed warning. Anyone allergic to cephalosporins must not take it, and the label warns that cross-sensitivity among beta-lactam antibiotics, the group that includes penicillins, is clearly documented, so it is given with caution to people with a penicillin allergy. An allergic reaction means stopping it: a rash, hives, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips or eyes, wheezing, or trouble breathing or swallowing needs a call to the doctor at once or emergency care. Side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, genital itching and vaginal yeast infections. Watery or bloody diarrhea can be Clostridioides difficile infection, even two months or more after the last dose, and the label urges caution in people with a history of colitis. Liver problems, low blood counts and, rarely, severe skin reactions have been reported, and cephalosporins have been linked to seizures, mainly when the dose was not reduced for poor kidney function.

The kidneys clear cefadroxil, so when creatinine clearance is 50 mL/min or less, adults start with 1,000 mg and then take 500 mg every 12, 24 or 36 hours depending on kidney function; in older adults, the label says monitoring kidney function may be useful. The label says it should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed, and with caution while breastfeeding. It can make a Coombs blood test read positive, which matters in cross-matching blood for a transfusion and in testing a newborn whose mother took a cephalosporin before delivery.

Taking Cefadroxil

How to take it

Once or twice a day as prescribed, at about the same times each day, with or without food; taking it with food can ease nausea and stomach upset. Shake the suspension well before each dose. Finish the full course even if you feel better; strep throat needs at least ten days.

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose; then skip the missed dose and carry on as usual. Do not take a double dose.

Storage

Capsules and tablets at room temperature in the original container, tightly closed, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep the mixed suspension in the refrigerator and throw away what is left after 14 days. Keep every form out of reach of children.

Interactions to know about

The label lists no drug interactions, but tell the prescriber about every medicine and supplement you take, kidney disease, colitis or other bowel disease, and any allergy to penicillins or cephalosporins. It can make a Coombs blood test read positive, and MedlinePlus advises people with diabetes who check their urine for sugar to use Clinistix or TesTape rather than Clinitest while taking it.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Cefadroxil differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Cefadroxil is an old generic made by several companies, so a quote for the capsules is mostly the pharmacy’s dispensing fee and markup, and a pharmacy that keeps it on a flat-price generic list can quote less than one that prices each fill separately. Whether it is on such a list varies, and a pharmacy that does not stock it may need to order it.

Fewer companies make the 1 g tablet, so a pharmacy may need to order it. The suspension is priced by strength and bottle size; a child’s dose is set by weight, so a full course can take more than one bottle, and the mixed liquid keeps only 14 days in the refrigerator.

Ways to pay less for Cefadroxil without insurance

• Ask whether cefadroxil is on the pharmacy’s flat-price generic list, and compare more than one pharmacy.
• If the 1 g tablet is quoted high or must be ordered, ask the prescriber whether two 500 mg capsules per dose would suit; the pharmacist cannot make that change alone.
• For a child’s suspension, ask how many bottles the full course needs and have the quote cover all of them.
• If it is hard to find, ask the prescriber whether cephalexin, a related cephalosporin, would suit the infection.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Cefadroxil

1. 1.Is cefadroxil safe with my penicillin allergy?
2. 2.Should I take it once or twice a day, and with food?
3. 3.Is my dose adjusted for my kidney function?
4. 4.How long does my child’s liquid keep, and how many bottles will the course need?

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