Cefadroxil Dosage. Information On Cefadroxil At Patient
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- Infection treatment medicine
- Cefadroxil for infection
Peer reviewed by Sid DajaniLast updated by Michael Stewart, MRPharmSLast updated 17 Apr 2023
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelinesEst. 5 min reading time
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Before you take cefadroxil, make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other antibiotic.
Space your doses out evenly over the day and complete the full course of the antibiotic, even if you feel your infection has cleared up.
The most common side effect of cefadroxil is diarrhoea, which is usually mild and soon passes.
Speak with your doctor if side effects are severe or last more than 24 hours.
In this article:
Continue reading below
About cefadroxil
Type of medicine | A cephalosporin antibiotic |
Used for | Infections |
Available as | Capsules |
What is cefadroxil used for?
Back to contentsCefadroxil is a type of antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, skin infections, and chest or throat infections.
It is suitable for adults and older children, and can be taken during pregnancy.
Some people who are allergic to penicillin antibiotics may not be able to take cefadroxil, so make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other antibiotic.
Cefadroxil treats an infection by killing the bacteria that are causing it.
Continue reading below
Side effects of cefadroxil
Back to contentsCommon side effects of cefadroxil are:
Diarrhoea.
Feeling sick (nausea).
Being sick (vomiting).
Indigestion.
Stomach ache.
Sore tongue.
Skin rash.
You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.
The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.
How to manage cefadroxil side effects
Back to contentsCommon cefadroxil side effects | What can I do if I experience this? |
Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids. If the diarrhoea continues, becomes severe, or contains blood, let your doctor know straightaway |
Feeling sick or being sick, indigestion, stomach ache, sore tongue (glossitis) | Stick to simple foods. Avoid rich, hot or spicy foods. If you are not already doing so, try taking your doses after meals |
Skin rash, and other allergic-type reactions | Let your doctor know as soon as possible, as your treatment may need to be changed |
Important: if you develop an itchy rash, swollen face or mouth, or have difficulty breathing, these can be signs that you are allergic to the antibiotic.
Do not take any more capsules, and speak with your doctor or go to your local accident and emergency department straightaway.
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
Continue reading below
Who should not take cefadroxil?
Back to contentsSome medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before starting cefadroxil it is important that your doctor knows:
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you have had a bad reaction to a penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic.
If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.
If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. (Although cefadroxil is not known to be harmful to babies, it is still important that you tell your doctor if you are expecting or breastfeeding a baby.)
If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
How to take cefadroxil
Back to contentsRead the information leaflet in the pack before you start taking cefadroxil. It explains how the medicine works and lists possible side effects.
You will usually take 1-2 capsules once or twice a day. Follow your doctor's instructions and the directions on the label.
Your treatment will usually last 5–10 days.
Swallow the capsules whole with water. Don’t chew or open them. You can take them with or without food.
If you take more than one dose a day, spread them out evenly. If you take just one dose a day, take it at the same time each day.
Keep taking the medicine until you finish the full course, even if you start to feel better.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at once.
Getting the most from your treatment
Back to contentsSome people get thrush (oral or vaginal) after antibiotics. If this happens, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tell any doctor or healthcare professional that you’re taking cefadroxil if you’re having an operation or medical tests, as it can affect some results.
If you use the combined contraceptive pill and have sickness or diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, use extra contraception (such as condoms). Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need advice.
Cefadroxil can stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working properly. Tell the person giving you any vaccines that you’re taking it.
How to store cefadroxil
Back to contentsKeep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
Back to contentsImportant information about all medicines
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
CloseReport side effects to a medicine or vaccine
If you experience side effects, you can report them online through the Yellow Card website.
Frequently asked questions
Back to contentsHow long does cefadroxil take to work?
Cefadroxil usually starts working within an hour of taking the first dose. Most people begin to feel improvement in symptoms, such as reduced pain, fever, or redness, within the first 1-2 days of treatment.
Is cefadroxil a strong antibiotic?
Yes, cefadroxil is considered a strong antibiotic. It is commonly used it to treat a range of bacterial infections such as skin infections, throat infections, urinary tract infections, and some chest infections. However, it does not treat viral infections.
Is cefadroxil safe to use during pregnancy?
Cefadroxil is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. It is widely used in pregnancy as there is no evidence that it causes harm to the baby. However, always let your doctor know you are pregnant before taking cefadroxil.
Is cefadroxil stronger than penicillin?
Cefadroxil isn’t 'stronger' than penicillin-it’s broad-spectrum, which means it treats more types of infections. Some penicillins, such as amoxicillin, are also broad-spectrum, while others only target specific infections. The best antibiotic depends on the infection you have.
Is cefadroxil the same as amoxicillin?
No, cefadroxil is not the same as amoxicillin, but both are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. While they work in similar ways by stopping bacteria from growing, they belong to different antibiotic families.
Video picks for Infection treatment medicine
Unsure about mixing medicines?
Check for possible interactions between medicines, supplements and foods before taking them together.
Check safetyFurther reading and references
- Manufacturer's information for healthcare professionals (SPC), Cefadroxil 500 mg capsules; Sandoz UK Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated September 2020.
Continue reading below
Article history
The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
Next review due: 16 Apr 2026
17 Apr 2023 | Latest version
Last updated by
Michael Stewart, MRPharmSPeer reviewed by
Sid Dajani
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