Cefadroxil is an antibiotic that belongs to the group of cephalosporins of the first generation. It acts in a way similar to Cephalexin (other first generation cephalosporin), but since it has blood and urinary concentrations exceeding those of Cephalexin it can only be administered once or twice a day.
Like other cephalosporins, the Cefadroxil inhibits the bacterial growth by interfering with the bacterial cell wall synthesis. The cephalosporins bind to the transpeptidase enzymes that serve to create the bonds between the chains of peptidoglycan (the polymer indispensable to the constitution of the bacterial wall), while the inhibition of the transpeptidase activity compromises the stability of the bacterial cell wall, resulting in the death of the growing bacterial cells.
What is Cefadroxil?
Cefadroxil is used in the treatment of mild or moderate infections caused by sensitive germs like Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria susceptible to cephalosporins, including:
- Infections of the respiratory tract: laryngotracheitis, tracheobronchitis, acute and chronic bronchitis, bronchopneumonia;
- Infectious complications of the flu: tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, otitis, mastoiditis;
- Hepato-digestive infections: coleciste, anogiocolite, gastroenteritis;
- Infections of the urinary tract: urethritis, cystitis, pyelitis, pyelonephritis;
- Gynecological infections;
- Infectious diseases in children;
- Infections of the skin and soft tissues
How should Cefadroxil be taken?
Cefadroxil is commercially available for oral use in the form of capsules, tablets or suspension.
Side effects associated with Cefadroxil
Cefadroxil may trigger certain side effects, especially in case of prolonged treatment or high doses and in particular in susceptible individuals. The common side effects may include:
- Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain;
- Allergic reactions: itching, hives, anaphylactic reactions (rare);
Some more rare side effects may include:
- Central nervous system disorders: nervousness, sleep disturbances, confusion, lightheadedness;
- Abnormalities in the liver function: increased liver enzymes, transient hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice;
- Abnormalities in the renal function: interstitial nephritis
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Cefadroxil
Cefadroxil is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the components or other closely related substances from a chemical point of view, especially penicillins, cephalosporins, beta-lactam antibiotics. In terms of using the medication during pregnancy, studies conducted to date have not revealed toxic or teratogenic effects for the fetus. In any case it is recommended for use by prescription and under medical supervision. Particular care should be taken in case of breast-feeding, because the active ingredient appears in trace amounts in breast milk.
