What is the most important information I should know about cefadroxil?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefadroxil, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Cefzil, Fortaz, Keflex, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, and others.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin). Also tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a stomach or intestinal disorder.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefadroxil will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

What is cefadroxil?

Cefadroxil is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cefadroxil is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Cefadroxil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cefadroxil?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefadroxil or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Ceclor);
• cefdinir (Omnicef);
• cefditoren (Spectracef);
• cefixime (Suprax);
• cefprozil (Cefzil);
• ceftazidime (Fortaz);
• cefuroxime (Ceftin);
• cephalexin (Keflex); and others.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have:

• kidney disease, or
• a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use cefadroxil, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

The cefadroxil suspension (liquid) contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefadroxil if you have diabetes.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Cefadroxil may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take cefadroxil?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefadroxil will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Cefadroxil can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or milk if it causes stomach upset.

Shake the liquid form of cefadroxil well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Take cefadroxil at evenly spaced intervals to keep a constant level of drug in the body. It is important to take cefadroxil regularly to get the most benefit.

Take all of the cefadroxil that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a cefadroxil overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking cefadroxil?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

What are the possible side effects of cefadroxil?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms;
• unusual bleeding or bruising;
• seizure (black-out or convulsions); or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, upset stomach;
• joint pain; or
• vaginal itching or discharge.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect cefadroxil?

There may be other drugs that can affect cefadroxil. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start taking a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has information about cefadroxil written for health professionals that you may read.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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