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:
Before taking cefadroxil, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs
(especially penicillins), or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or
special tests to safely take cefadroxil.
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.
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.
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.
This medication can cause you to have false results with certain medical tests, including urine
glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefadroxil.
Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Store cefadroxil oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any
unused medication that is older than 14 days.
What happens if I miss a dose of cefadroxil?
Take the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about cefadroxil?
Your pharmacist has information about cefadroxil written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of cefadroxil?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
-
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
-
unusual bleeding or bruising;
-
seizure (convulsions);
-
pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion
or weakness;
-
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
-
fever, swollen glands, rash or itching, joint pain, or general
ill feeling;
-
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering,
peeling, and red skin rash; or
-
increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain,
feeling short of breath, urinating less than usual or not at all.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, mild diarrhea;
-
stiff or tight muscles;
-
joint pain;
-
feeling restless or hyperactive;
-
unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
-
mild itching or skin rash; or
-
vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your
doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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
Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, 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 history of intestinal problems.
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 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 has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the
diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
What other drugs will affect cefadroxil?
There may be other drugs that can interact with cefadroxil. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start taking a new medication without telling
your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of cefadroxil?