What is the most important information I should know about cefadroxil?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is cefadroxil?
Cefadroxil is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic that is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.
Cefadroxil may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cefadroxil?
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to cefadroxil or other cephalosporin antibiotic (cefdinir, cefalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- an allergy to any drug (especially penicillin);
- intestinal problems, such as colitis; or
- kidney disease.
Cefadroxil liquid contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefadroxil if you have diabetes.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I take cefadroxil?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medicine guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take cefadroxil with or without food.
Take with food if cefadroxil upsets your stomach.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Cefadroxil doses are based on weight in children. Follow all dosing instructions carefully when giving this medicine to a child.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Cefadroxil will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Cefadroxil can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefadroxil.
Store the tablets or capsules at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Store cefadroxil liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused cefadroxil liquid that is older than 14 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
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 bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.
What are the possible side effects of cefadroxil?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
- pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
- a seizure;
- fever, weakness, confusion;
- dark colored urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- kidney problems --little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.
Common side effects may include:
- diarrhea;
- stomach pain; or
- vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect cefadroxil?
Other drugs may affect cefadroxil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about cefadroxil.
