Cefadroxil

Cefadroxil is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, side effects and precautions — and every brand with its current price.

Cefadroxil is used for infections caused by cefadroxil-sensitive bacteria, including:

• Throat infections: streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis
• Skin and soft-tissue infections: boils, abscesses, impetigo, infected wounds and cellulitis
• Urinary tract infections such as cystitis, and some kidney infections caused by susceptible organisms

It is sometimes chosen when a patient cannot take a penicillin-class drug but has no history of severe penicillin allergy. Your doctor will confirm whether Cefadroxil suits your infection, sometimes after a urine or swab culture. Never take it for viral fever, the common cold or dengue, where antibiotics give no benefit and only fuel resistance.

Cefadroxil is generally well tolerated. Possible side effects include:

• Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or stomach discomfort — the most common complaints
• Skin rash, itching or hives
• Oral or vaginal thrush (candida) after longer courses
• Occasional headache or dizziness

Seek medical help urgently if you develop swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, severe blistering rash, persistent watery or bloody diarrhoea, unusual bleeding, or yellowing of the skin and eyes. These reactions are rare but need immediate attention. Mild diarrhoea often settles on its own — drink enough fluids and avoid anti-diarrhoeal medicines unless your doctor advises them.

Cefadroxil is a prescription-only antibiotic. Bangladesh is in the middle of an antibiotic-resistance crisis, fuelled by over-the-counter antibiotic sales and unfinished courses. Take Cefadroxil only on a doctor's advice and always complete the full course, even if the fever or pain settles within a few days — stopping early breeds resistant bacteria that are far harder to treat later.

• Tell your doctor if you have ever reacted to penicillin or any cephalosporin; a small number of penicillin-allergic patients also react to cefadroxil
• Mention any kidney disease — dose adjustment may be needed
• Report severe or persistent diarrhoea during or after treatment, and any past history of bowel inflammation (colitis)

Cefadroxil has relatively few drug interactions, but tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you take. Notable ones include:

• Probenecid (used for gout): slows the kidney's removal of cefadroxil and raises its blood level
• Other kidney-stressing medicines such as aminoglycoside antibiotics or strong diuretics — combined use needs monitoring
• Warfarin and other blood thinners: antibiotics can occasionally alter their effect, so INR may need checking
• Live oral typhoid vaccine: antibiotics can make the vaccine ineffective; keep a gap as advised

Cefadroxil may also cause a false-positive result in certain urine sugar tests used by people with diabetes — mention it before testing.

Do not take Cefadroxil if you:

• Are allergic to cefadroxil, cephalexin or any other cephalosporin antibiotic
• Have previously had a severe, immediate reaction to penicillin — such as anaphylaxis, throat swelling or widespread hives — because of the risk of cross-reaction
• Have had a severe skin reaction (such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome) linked to a beta-lactam antibiotic

Use with extra caution, and only under medical supervision, if you have significant kidney impairment or a history of antibiotic-associated colitis. Always tell your doctor about every previous medicine reaction, even one that happened many years ago or seemed minor at the time.

Pregnancy: Cefadroxil belongs to the cephalosporin family, which has a long record of safe use in pregnancy, and animal studies have shown no harm to the foetus. It is often considered a suitable antibiotic for pregnant women when treatment is genuinely needed — but it should still be taken only when prescribed by a doctor who knows you are pregnant.

Breastfeeding: Small amounts of Cefadroxil pass into breast milk. Breastfeeding can usually continue during a short course, but watch the baby for loose stools, rash or oral thrush and inform your doctor if these appear. Confirm with your doctor before starting Cefadroxil while nursing.

Keep Cefadroxil below 30°C in a dry place away from direct sunlight — avoid humid spots such as bathroom shelves, particularly in Bangladesh's climate. Store tablets or capsules in their original blister pack until use, and always keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• After mixing, Cefadroxil suspension should be kept in the refrigerator (not the freezer), shaken well before every dose, and any remainder discarded after 14 days
• Do not use the medicine beyond the expiry date on the pack
• Return leftover antibiotics to a pharmacy rather than throwing them into household waste or drains