From the Guidelines
Cefadroxil is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that is effective against various bacterial infections, including streptococcal pharyngitis, and is recommended for use in patients who are allergic to penicillin, but not for those with immediate hypersensitivity to penicillin 1.
Key Characteristics of Cefadroxil
- Cefadroxil works by interfering with bacteria's cell wall formation, ultimately killing the bacteria.
- It is commonly prescribed for respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat).
- The typical adult dosage ranges from 1-2 grams daily, usually divided into one or two doses, while children's dosages are based on weight.
- Treatment duration typically lasts 7-14 days depending on the infection type and severity.
Important Considerations
- Cefadroxil is available as capsules, tablets, and oral suspension.
- Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and allergic reactions.
- Patients should complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve before finishing.
- Those with penicillin allergies may also be allergic to cefadroxil, and it should be used cautiously in patients with kidney problems as dosage adjustments may be necessary.
- Taking cefadroxil with food can help reduce stomach upset.
Limitations of Cefadroxil
- Cefadroxil is not effective against Lyme disease, and first-generation cephalosporins, such as cephalexin, are inactive in vitro against B. burgdorferi and are ineffective clinically 1.
- Cefadroxil should not be used as a first-line treatment for early Lyme disease, and other antibiotics such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, and cefuroxime axetil are preferred 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Cefadroxil monohydrate is a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic intended for oral administration. Cefadroxil is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.
- It is chemically designated as 5-Thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2. O]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid, 7-[[amino(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetyl]amino]-3-methyl-8-oxo-, monohydrate, [6R-[6(,7((R*)]]-.
- The molecular weight of cefadroxil is 381.40. 2
From the Research
Definition and Properties of Cefadroxil
- Cefadroxil is an oral cephalosporin antibiotic that is similar in structure and spectrum of antibacterial activity to cephalexin and cephradine, but has different pharmacokinetic properties 3.
- It exhibits a longer serum half-life and a prolonged duration of activity, and is virtually unaffected by simultaneous food intake 3.
- Cefadroxil attains higher and more sustained concentrations in body tissues and fluids compared to cephalexin and cephradine 3.
Clinical Uses of Cefadroxil
- Cefadroxil is effective in the treatment of infections in the respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin and soft tissues, and bones and joints 3, 4, 5.
- It has been used to treat upper and lower respiratory tract infections, with clinical success rates of 100% and 96%, respectively 4.
- Cefadroxil is also effective in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, such as abscesses, carbuncles, cellulitis, furunculosis, and impetigo 5.
- It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections (uLUTIs) due to non-extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing (ESBL) Enterobacteriaceae 6.
Pharmacokinetics and Dosage of Cefadroxil
- Cefadroxil can be administered on a once-daily or twice-daily basis, which encourages patient compliance 3.
- It can be given in doses of 0.6-1.8 g per day, divided into twice or three times daily schedules 5.
- Cefadroxil is well tolerated, with mild and transient side-effects reported in only 3.7% of patients 4.