Cefadroxil Description

Generic Name: CEFADROXIL

Pronunciation: (sef a drox' ill)

Trade Name(s): Bicef, Bid, Bludrox, Cedro, Cefadrol, Cefadrox, Cefadur, Codroxil Kid-125, Codroxil Kid-250, Codroxil susp, Codroxil, Dax, Droxilbid, Droxyceph, Droxyl, Kefloxin, Kefzen, Lydroxil, Modcef, Nephlex, Odoxil, Sporocef, Safedrox, Vepan, Zoxil

Why it is prescribed: Cefadroxil, an antibiotic, eliminates bacteria that cause different kinds of infections in the throat, including pharyngitis, tonsillitis. It is also used for skin and urinary tract infections.

When it is to be taken: Cefadroxil is usually taken once or twice a day for seven to 10 days. If you are to take one dose a day, try to take it at the same time each day; pick a time that is easy for you to remember. If you are to take this drug twice a day, take a dose every 12 hours.

How it should be taken: Cefadroxil comes in the form of tablets, capsules, and liquid. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Tablets and capsules should be taken with a full glass of water. Liquid cefadroxil should be shaken well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Liquid doses should be measured with a specially marked dropper or measuring spoon. If your symptoms still remain after you finish the medication, contact your doctor.

Special Instruction:
1. Take all of the medication prescribed, even after the infection appears to have gone away. Failure to do so could allow the infection to return.
2. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. Take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.

Side Effects:
1. Nausea, vomiting. Taking the medication with a light snack. Diarrhea. If it is severe or continues for more than two days, contact your doctor.
2. Skin rash, shortness of breath, itching, hives. Stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.
3. Unusual bleeding, bruising, painful mouth, throat sores. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions:
1. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin, cephalosporins or any other medication; if you have kidney disease; or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
2. If you are taking medication for gout, such as probenecid, tell your doctor before taking cefadroxil.
3. Cefadroxil may cause false positive results in tests for sugar in the urine.
4. If your doctor tells you to stop taking cefadroxil, throw away any unused medication.
5. Cefadroxil may lose its effectiveness over time and should not be saved to treat another infection.

Storage Conditions:
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.
2. Store capsules and tablets at room temperature.
3. Store liquid cefadroxil in the refrigerator but not in the freezer.
4. The container will have an expiry date on it.
5. Do not take the liquid cefadroxil after that date. Throw it away and if you need more, get a new supply.