Drug reference

Cefadroxil

Cephalosporin · ANTIBACTERIALS

Also known as Cefadroxil monohydrate

CephalosporinANTIBACTERIALSATC null

CDSCO approved

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

—

none in our sources

PREGNANCY

Not known to be harmful.

FDA category + note

Mechanism

Cefadroxil, a cephalosporin antibiotic, exerts its bactericidal effect by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It covalently binds to and inactivates penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are transpeptidases crucial for the cross-linking of peptidoglycan strands in the bacterial cell wall. This disruption leads to a defective, osmotically unstable cell wall, ultimately causing bacterial lysis and cell death.

Indications

Susceptible infections due to sensitive Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteriaSkin infectionsSoft-tissue infectionsUncomplicated urinary-tract infectionsSerious susceptible infections due to sensitive Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteriaSkin and soft-tissue infectionsMild-to-moderate upper respiratory tract infectionsMild-to-moderate urinary tract infectionsSurgical prophylaxisSimilar to cephalexinOral therapy for skin and soft tissue infections sensitive to methicillin

Dosing

Adult: For susceptible infections: 0.5–1 g twice daily by mouth. For skin infections, soft-tissue infections, or uncomplicated urinary-tract infections: 1 g daily by mouth.
Pediatric: Child 6–17 years (body-weight up to 40 kg) for susceptible infections: 0.5 g twice daily by mouth. Child 6–17 years (body-weight 40 kg and above) for susceptible infections: 0.5–1 g twice daily by mouth. Child 6–17 years (body-weight 40 kg and above) for skin infections, soft-tissue infections, or uncomplicated urinary-tract infections: 1 g once daily by mouth.
Renal adjustment: In adults, 1 g initially, then 500 mg every 12 hours if eGFR 26–50 mL/minute/1.73 m2. 1 g initially, then 500 mg every 24 hours if eGFR 11–26 mL/minute/1.73 m2. 1 g initially, then 500 mg every 36 hours if eGFR less than 11 mL/minute/1.73 m2. In children, reduce dose if estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 50 mL/minute/1.73 m2.

Pharmacokinetics

Duration

Long duration of action, allowing twice daily administration.

Half-life

1 hr

Protein binding

good tissue penetration, exerts more sustained action

Excretion

Principally renal.

Contraindications

Patients with a history of immediate hypersensitivity to penicillin, if a suitable alternative antibacterial is not available

Side effects

Common

DyspepsiaglossitisGastrointestinal side effects (e.g., diarrhea)

Serious

Arthralgia
drug fever
fatigue
hepatic disorders
insomnia
nervousness
serum sickness-like reaction
Hypersensitivity reactions (rash to anaphylaxis)
Serum sickness
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Nephropathy
Hematologic reactions (neutropenia, prolonged use)
Neurotoxicity (seizure, high doses, renal impairment)

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

Not known to be harmful.

Lactation

Present in milk in low concentration, but appropriate to use.

Drug interactions

Aminoglycosides (e.g., Gentamicin)

Moderate

Database

Increased risk of renal dysfunction.

Monitor renal function closely, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment, elderly patients, or those receiving high doses or prolonged therapy. Avoid concurrent use if possible, or use with extreme caution.

Live Bacterial Vaccines (e.g., Oral Typhoid Vaccine, Oral Cholera Vaccine)

Moderate

Database

Reduced effectiveness of the live bacterial vaccine.

Avoid concurrent administration. Administer the vaccine at least 24 hours after the last dose of cefadroxil, or delay vaccination until antibiotic therapy is completed. Consult specific vaccine guidelines for timing.

Live Typhoid Vaccine (oral)

Moderate

Database

Reduced efficacy of the live typhoid vaccine.

Administer the live typhoid vaccine at least 24 hours after the last dose of cefadroxil, or preferably, avoid concurrent use. Consult vaccine guidelines for specific timing.

Loop Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide)

Moderate

Database

Increased risk of renal dysfunction.

Monitor renal function (serum creatinine, BUN) closely, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or those receiving high doses of either drug. Hydration is important.

Metformin

Moderate

Database

Increased plasma concentrations of metformin, potentially leading to increased risk of lactic acidosis.

Monitor blood glucose and for signs of lactic acidosis. Consider temporary discontinuation of metformin or dose reduction if renal function is compromised or if high doses of cefadroxil are used. Monitor renal function.

Mycophenolate Mofetil

Moderate

Database

Decreased mycophenolic acid levels, potentially leading to reduced immunosuppression and an increased risk of transplant rejection.

Monitor mycophenolic acid levels closely. Adjust mycophenolate dose as needed. Monitor for signs of transplant rejection.

Source: DDInter

Oral Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)

Moderate

Database

Increased risk of bleeding due to enhanced anticoagulant effect.

Monitor INR closely, especially at the start and end of cefadroxil therapy. Adjust anticoagulant dose as needed.

Probenecid

Moderate

Database

Increased and prolonged plasma concentrations of cefadroxil, potentially leading to increased risk of adverse effects.

Monitor for increased cefadroxil side effects (e.g., GI upset, rash). Dose adjustment of cefadroxil may be necessary if co-administration is prolonged or if renal function is impaired.

Source: DDInter

Warfarin

Moderate

Database

Increased INR (International Normalized Ratio), leading to an increased risk of bleeding.

Monitor INR closely, especially at the start and end of cefadroxil therapy. Adjust warfarin dose as needed based on INR.

Source: DDInter

3 additional low-confidence interactions hidden — those rows lack a documented mechanism or management plan in our sources.