Duricef (Cefadroxil): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning

What Is Duricef?

Duricef (cefadroxil) is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria. The brand name Duricef is discontinued, and cefadroxil is available in generic form.

What Are Side Effects of Duricef?

Common side effects of Duricef (cefadroxil) include:

• stomach upset or pain,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• stiff or tight muscles,
• joint pain,
• feeling restless or hyperactive,
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth,
• itching or skin rash, or
• vaginal itching or discharge.

Tell your doctor if you have unlikely but very serious side effects of Duricef (cefadroxil) including:

• persistent nausea or vomiting,
• yellowing eyes or skin,
• dark urine,
• new signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat or fever),
• easy bruising or bleeding,
• changes in the amount of urine, or
• mental/mood changes (such as confusion).

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

Dosage for Duricef?

The recommended adult dose of cefadroxil for treating pharyngitis, skin and skin structure infections, and tonsillitis is 1 gram daily as a single dose or in two divided doses. The dose for urinary tract infections is 2 grams once daily or in two divided doses. The dose for preventing endocarditis is 2 grams given one hour before a procedure. The recommended dose for children is 30 mg/kg/day as a single dose or two divided doses.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Duricef?

There may be other drugs that can interact with 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.

Duricef During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

This medication should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. This medication passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Additional Information

Our Duricef (cefadroxil) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.