Cefadroxil for infection

About cefadroxil

Cefadroxil is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means that it is active against a wide variety of bacteria. It is used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, skin infections, and chest or throat infections. It is suitable for adults and older children, and can be taken during pregnancy. Some people who are allergic to penicillin antibiotics may not be able to take cefadroxil, so make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other antibiotic.

Cefadroxil treats an infection by killing the bacteria that are causing it.

Before taking cefadroxil

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking cefadroxil it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you have had a bad reaction to a penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic.

• If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. (Although cefadroxil is not known to be harmful to babies, it is still important that you tell your doctor if you are expecting or breastfeeding a baby.)

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take cefadroxil

• Before you start taking cefadroxil, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about the capsules and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking them.

• It is usual to take either one or two capsules, once or twice a day. Your doctor will tell you which dose is right for you, and this information will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you. Your doctor will also tell you how long your course of treatment will last - this is commonly about 5-10 days.

• Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Do not chew or open the capsules. You can take cefadroxil before or after meals.

• If you are taking more than one dose a day, space your doses out evenly throughout the day. If you are taking just one dose daily then take your doses at the same time of day, each day. Keep taking the capsules until the course is finished, unless you are told to stop. Taking the full course is important (even if you feel your infection has cleared up) in order to prevent the infection from coming back.

• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. Try to take the correct number of doses each day, but do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Some people develop thrush (redness and itching in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• If you are having an operation or any other medical treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking an antibiotic. This is because cefadroxil may interfere with the results of some tests.

• If you are using oral combined hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are recommended for a time if you have sickness (vomiting) or diarrhoea which lasts for more than 24 hours. If you need further advice about this, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

• Cefadroxil may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.

Can cefadroxil cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with cefadroxil. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important: if you develop an itchy rash, swollen face or mouth, or have difficulty breathing, these can be signs that you are allergic to the antibiotic. Do not take any more capsules, and speak with your doctor or go to your local accident and emergency department straightaway.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store cefadroxil

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines