Cefadroxil
About Cefadroxil
Cefadroxil belongs to the class of cephalosporin antibiotics. It is used to treat upper respiratory tract bacterial infections, the skin and soft tissue, and the urinary system. Bacterial infections are caused due to the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body. Infectious or harmful bacteria can make you sick and reproduce quickly in your body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick.
Cefadroxil contains cefadroxil, which is a new semisynthetic cephalosporin with a broad antibacterial spectrum and a high chemotherapeutic potential when administered orally. It kills the bacteria by inhibiting cell wall synthesis, leading to cell death. Thereby it treats bacterial infections.
Use Cefadroxil as suggested by the doctor. Your doctor will advise the dose and duration based on the severity of your infection. Like all medicines, Cefadroxil also causes side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects of Cefadroxil include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, sore tongue, abdominal pain, dyspepsia (indigestion), skin rash, and itching. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Before starting Cefadroxil, please inform your doctor if you have any allergy to any antibiotic or kidney or liver problems. Do not take the Cefadroxil on your own, as self-medication may lead to antibiotic resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections. Consult your doctor before taking the Cefadroxil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Cefadroxil as it may cause increased dizziness.
Uses of Cefadroxil
Medicinal Benefits
Cefadroxil belongs to the class of cephalosporin antibiotics. It reduces the infection by inhibiting bacterial growth. It kills the bacteria by disrupting the formation of the cell wall. It irreversibly binds to the proteins in the bacteria that are essential for the formation of the cell membrane. Thereby it treats bacterial infections. Cefadroxil is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cefadroxil
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion
- Abdominal pain
- Severe itching
- Rash
- Allergic skin eruptions
- Hives
- A swollen, sore tongue
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect our body. Infectious or harmful bacteria can make you sick and reproduce quickly in your body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. It can target any body part and multiply very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms, like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Bacteria are of various forms comprising commonly spherical, rod, and spiral-shaped. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine are more prone to bacterial infection.
FAQs
Cefadroxil is used to treat bacterial infections. It reduces the infection by inhibiting bacterial growth. It disrupts the formation of the cell membrane by interfering with protein synthesis, leading to cell death.
Cefadroxil may disrupt the natural flora present in the intestine leading to ‘Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea'. Take probiotics to restore the gut bacteria after completing the course of antibiotics. Consult a doctor if you have watery or bloody stools.
People allergic to penicillin should not take Cefadroxil as they may develop cross-sensitivity (sensitivity to drugs that has similar structures). Cefadroxil contains cefadroxil which has a similar structure to that of penicillin.
Complete the course of therapy as prescribed by your doctor. Do not discontinue or abruptly stop the medication as it may lead to antibiotic resistance, a condition in which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics.
Overdose of Cefadroxil may lead to nausea, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are unreal), hyperreflexia (overactive reflexes), extrapyramidal symptoms (involuntary muscle movements), confusion, and a decrease in renal function. Consult a doctor immediately if you accidentally overdose on medicine.
Cefadroxil does not treat a viral infection like the flu or a common cold. So if you are feeling under the weather, it is best to consult the doctor to know if you need Cefadroxil for your condition.