Why is this medication prescribed?

Cefadroxil is prescribed primarily to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of antibiotics known as cephalosporins, which work by stopping the growth of bacteria. Cefadroxil is commonly used to treat infections such as:

• • Skin infections
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Respiratory tract infections
  • Ear infections
  • Throat infections (tonsillitis, pharyngitis)

How should this medicine be used?

How are the Use of Cefadroxil:

• Dosage: The dosage of cefadroxil will depend on the type and severity of the infection being treated. It’s important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Administration: Cefadroxil is usually taken orally (by mouth) in the form of capsules or suspension.
• Timing: It is typically taken once or twice a day. The exact frequency and duration will be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition.
• Duration: It’s crucial to complete the full course of medication as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better before finishing the medication. Stopping the medication early can allow the infection to return or worsen.
• Food: Cefadroxil can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset.
• Shake suspension: If you are using the liquid suspension form of cefadroxil, shake it well before each use to ensure the medication is evenly mixed.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
• Medical Advice: Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to use cefadroxil or if you experience any unexpected side effects.

It’s important to use antibiotics such as cefadroxil only when prescribed by a healthcare professional to ensure they are effective and used appropriately to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Other uses for this medicine

• Prophylaxis: Cefadroxil may be used to prevent bacterial infections in certain situations, such as before surgery or dental procedures for individuals at high risk of infection.
• Off-label Uses: Sometimes, cefadroxil may be prescribed off-label for conditions other than bacterial infections, based on a healthcare provider’s assessment of the situation.

What special precautions should I follow?

When using cefadroxil, it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure safe and effective use:

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to cephalosporin antibiotics (such as cephalexin, ceftriaxone) or to penicillins, as there may be a cross-sensitivity.
• Medical Conditions: Before starting cefadroxil, inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, especially:
  • Kidney disease: Dosage adjustments may be necessary.
  • Gastrointestinal diseases: Cefadroxil may cause gastrointestinal disturbances.
  • History of colitis: Antibiotics can potentially worsen colitis symptoms.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Cefadroxil should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor. It passes into breast milk, so caution is advised if breastfeeding.
• Drug Interactions: Discuss all medications you are currently taking with your doctor, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as certain medications may interact with cefadroxil.
• Complete the Course: Finish the prescribed course of cefadroxil even if you start feeling better, unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Stopping early can lead to the infection returning or becoming resistant to antibiotics.
• Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling). Contact your doctor if you experience severe side effects or signs of an allergic reaction.
• Storage: Store cefadroxil at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children.

Following these precautions will help ensure that cefadroxil is used safely and effectively for the treatment of bacterial infections, while minimizing the risk of complications or adverse effects. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the use of cefadroxil.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with cefadroxil. However, to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort, you may take cefadroxil with food if it upsets your stomach. Otherwise, it can be taken on an empty stomach.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of cefadroxil, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Cefadroxil, like any medication, can cause side effects. Not everyone will experience these side effects, and their severity can vary. Here are some potential side effects associated with cefadroxil:

• Common Side Effects:
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Upset stomach
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
• Less Common Side Effects:
  • Skin rash
  • Itching
  • Swelling, particularly of the face, tongue, or throat (indicative of an allergic reaction)
  • Joint pain
  • White patches in the mouth or throat (indicative of a fungal infection)
• Serious Side Effects (Seek medical attention immediately):
  • Severe skin reactions (such as blistering or peeling skin)
  • Severe diarrhea (possibly with blood or mucus)
  • Persistent abdominal or stomach pain
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Yellowing of the eyes or skin (signs of liver problems)
  • Dark urine
  • Persistent sore throat or fever
• Rare but Serious Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis):
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe dizziness
  • Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue

It’s important to note that the above list is not exhaustive, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unexpected or severe symptoms while taking cefadroxil, contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you have a known allergy to cephalosporin antibiotics or penicillins, there is a higher risk of an allergic reaction to cefadroxil, although this is not guaranteed.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the use of cefadroxil and report any side effects promptly. This helps ensure your safety and allows for appropriate management of any adverse reactions.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Cefadroxil:

• Storage:
  • Store cefadroxil capsules and tablets at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F).
  • Keep the medication away from moisture and light.
  • Store it in a safe place out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of any unused or expired cefadroxil according to local guidelines and regulations.
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
  • If unsure about how to dispose of medication safely, consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for guidance.

In case of emergency/overdose

If you suspect an overdose of cefadroxil, seek immediate medical attention or call your local poison control center (in the US, you can reach Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222). Overdose symptoms may include severe vomiting, confusion, seizures, or difficulty breathing.

What other information should I know?

• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of cefadroxil, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
• Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Cefadroxil should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor. It passes into breast milk, so caution is advised if breastfeeding while taking cefadroxil.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Certain medications may interact with cefadroxil, affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
• Allergic Reactions: If you have a known allergy to cephalosporin antibiotics or penicillins, discuss this with your doctor before starting cefadroxil. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
• Completion of Treatment: Finish the full course of cefadroxil as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better. Stopping the medication early can lead to the infection not being completely treated and could contribute to antibiotic resistance.
• Regular Monitoring: Your doctor may order periodic blood tests to monitor your response to cefadroxil and check for any potential side effects, especially if you are taking it for an extended period.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about cefadroxil, you can use the medication safely and effectively under the supervision of your healthcare provider. If you have any questions or concerns about cefadroxil or its usage, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.