Cefadroxil is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the throat, skin or bladder.
Take Cefadroxil exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. To reduce any stomach discomfort that it may cause, you may take it with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Cefadroxil is available as a tablet, capsule, or as a powder for suspension.
If you are taking the tablet or capsule, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet or capsule.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Take Cefadroxil at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Cefadroxil or similar antibiotics such as cefalexin, cefuroxime, cefixime.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of allergy to penicillin antibiotics e.g. amoxicillin
- severe allergy or asthma
- bowel disease e.g. colitis (inflammation of the lining of the colon or large intestine)
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. urine glucose tests), inform your doctor that you are taking Cefadroxil.
If you are taking this medicine for a long time, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver and renal function test) to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Cefadroxil may cause any of the following side effects: vomiting, indigestion, and stomach pain.
You may experience diarrhoea, nausea, stomach discomfort and headache while being treated with this medicine. These side effects are usually mild and will get better with rest. If you have diarrhoea, drink lots of water to replace the fluids lost. However, if you have severe diarrhoea or diarrhoea with severe stomach cramps or bloody stools, alert your doctor immediately.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop the medicine and inform your doctor quickly. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. furosemide, bumetanide
- probenecid (medicine for gout or high uric acid level in the blood)
- colestyramine (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Cefadroxil.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Refrigerate the oral suspension (between 2-8°C) once you have mixed the powder with water. Do not freeze it otherwise, it will become less effective. Throw away unused portion after 14 days.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.