A first-generation cephalosporin
Cefadroxil
A first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic taken by mouth for common bacterial infections of the skin and urinary tract.
What is Cefadroxil?
Cefadroxil is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic taken by mouth for common bacterial infections, such as those of the skin, soft tissue and urinary tract. It works by stopping bacteria building their cell walls. People with a penicillin allergy should mention it, because there can be cross-sensitivity between penicillins and cephalosporins.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Cefadroxil — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Cefadroxil is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic taken by mouth. In the UK it is used for common bacterial infections, particularly of the skin and soft tissue, the throat and tonsils, and the urinary tract. It is a relative of penicillin and works in a similar way.
How it works
Cefadroxil stops bacteria from building and repairing their cell walls. Without a strong wall, the bacteria swell and burst, which clears the infection. Because human cells do not have this kind of wall, the antibiotic targets the bacteria while leaving body cells unharmed.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Available as a generic medicine from several manufacturers..
A first-generation oral cephalosporin developed in the 1970s and long used for common bacterial infections.
Practical use
How to take Cefadroxil
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take it with or without food, whichever suits you, but try to keep to the same routine each day.
- Space your doses evenly through the day to keep a steady level fighting the infection.
- Finish the whole course even if you feel better, unless your prescriber tells you to stop.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless the next one is near, then skip it; do not double up.
- Use an oral suspension with the measuring device provided if you cannot swallow capsules.
- Report a rash, swelling, breathing difficulty or severe watery diarrhoea promptly.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Cefadroxil
Advantages
- Effective oral treatment for many common skin, throat and urinary infections.
- Generally well tolerated and can be taken with or without food.
- Available cheaply as a generic medicine, including a liquid for those who cannot swallow capsules.
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for people with a serious penicillin or cephalosporin allergy, because reactions can overlap.
- Can upset the gut and, rarely, trigger a C. difficile bowel infection.
- Like all antibiotics, overuse encourages resistance, so it should be used only when needed.
Practical use
Good to know
Cefadroxil can usually be taken with or without food, and it helps to space doses evenly through the day. Always finish the full course, even if you feel better quickly, to stop the infection coming back and to reduce resistance. Tell your prescriber if you have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin or another antibiotic, and report any severe or watery diarrhoea, which can occasionally signal a gut infection.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic.
- People who have had a severe allergic reaction (such as swelling or breathing difficulty) to penicillin, because of cross-sensitivity.
- People with significant kidney problems may need a cautious, adjusted approach.
Monitoring
- Usually none for a short course in an otherwise healthy person.
- Kidney function may be checked in people with kidney problems or on longer treatment.
- Review if symptoms do not improve or severe diarrhoea develops.
Side effects
- Feeling sick, being sick or diarrhoea.
- Stomach upset or indigestion.
- Rash or itching.
- Thrush of the mouth or vagina with longer courses.
- Severe watery diarrhoea from a C. difficile gut infection (uncommon but important).
Key interactions
- Probenecid, which can raise levels of the antibiotic in the body.
- Some other antibiotics, which may work against each other if combined.
- Live typhoid vaccine and certain other vaccines may be less effective during antibiotic treatment.
Available as: Capsules and oral suspension.
Answers
Cefadroxil: frequently asked questions
Can I take cefadroxil if I am allergic to penicillin?
Tell your prescriber about any penicillin allergy. People with a mild penicillin reaction can often still take it, but those who had a severe reaction may be advised to avoid it because reactions can overlap.
Do I need to take it with food?
It can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may help if it upsets your stomach, but the most important thing is to keep to a regular routine and finish the course.
Why must I finish the whole course?
Stopping early can leave some bacteria behind, so the infection may return and is more likely to become resistant. Finish the course unless your prescriber advises otherwise.
What should I do about diarrhoea?
Mild diarrhoea is common with antibiotics. But severe, watery or persistent diarrhoea, especially with tummy pain or fever, should be reported promptly as it can rarely signal a gut infection.
What is cefadroxil used for?
It is used for common bacterial infections, particularly of the skin and soft tissue, the throat and tonsils, and the urinary tract.
The wider class
About Cephalosporins
Cefadroxil belongs to the cephalosporins class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
Browse by body system
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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