Cefadroxil

Indications

Cefadroxil is used for: Pharyngitis, Susceptible infections, Sore throat, Tonsillitis, Urinary tract infection, Reproductive tract infection and skin infections

Adult Dose

Oral Tonsillitis; Skin and skin structure infections; Streptococcal pharyngitis; Urinary tract infections Adult: 1-2 g daily as a single or in 2 divided doses. Hepatic impairment: No dosage adjustment needed.

Child Dose

Oral Tonsillitis; Skin and skin structure infections; Streptococcal pharyngitis; Urinary tract infections Child: >6 yr <40 kg: 30-50 mg/kg daily as a single or in 2 divided doses, up to 100 mg/kg daily.

Renal Dose

Renal impairment: CrCl (ml/min) 26-50 0.5-1 g bid. 11-25 0.5-1 g once daily. <10 0.5-1 g every 36 hr.

Administration

May be taken with or without food. May be taken w/ meals to reduce GI discomfort.

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.

Precautions

Impaired renal function; pregnancy and lactation. Lactation: enters breast milk; use with caution

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

Concomitant use w/ bacteriostatic antibiotics (e.g. tetracycline, erythromycin, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol) may cause antagonistic effect. May potentiate nephrotoxic effects of aminoglycoside antibiotics, polymyxin B, colistin or high-dose loop diuretics. May enhance the anticoagulant effect of vit K antagonists. May diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG, typhoid vaccine and Na picosulfate. May attenuate the effect of oral contraceptives. Increased serum concentration w/ probenecid. Reduced bioavailability w/ colestyramine.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Cefadroxil : 1-10% Diarrhea <1% Abdominal pain,Dyspepsia,Nausea,Vomiting,Rash,Urticaria,Pseudomembranous colitis,Stevens-Johnson syndrome,Anaphylaxis,Transaminases increased,Neutropenia Potentially Fatal: Anaphylactic reaction; pseudomembranous colitis.

Mechanism of Action

Cefadroxil binds to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) which inhibits the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell wall, thus inhibiting biosynthesis and arresting cell wall assembly resulting in bacterial cell death. Cefadroxil is not active against Proteus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Morganella, Serratia and Listeria monocytogenes.