A first-generation cephalosporin
Cefradine
A first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used for some skin, soft-tissue and urinary infections.
What is Cefradine?
Cefradine is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used for certain skin, soft-tissue and urinary infections. It works by attacking the bacterial cell wall. People with a penicillin allergy need caution, the full course should be completed, and it can sometimes cause diarrhoea.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Cefradine — 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
Cefradine is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Cephalosporins are related to penicillins and are used for a range of bacterial infections; first-generation agents like cefradine are most active against the bacteria that commonly cause skin and soft-tissue infections, and some urinary infections. It is taken by mouth as a course of treatment.
How it works
Cefradine works by attacking the cell wall that bacteria need to survive. By stopping the bacteria from building and maintaining a strong wall, the cell wall weakens and the bacteria burst and die. This is the same broad mechanism as the penicillins, which is one reason the two groups can share some cross-allergy.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Available as a generic medicine and under the brand Velosef..
A first-generation cephalosporin introduced in the 1970s.
Practical use
How to take Cefradine
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take the full course exactly as prescribed, even once you feel better.
- Space the doses evenly through the day as directed.
- Tell your prescriber about any allergy to penicillin or other antibiotics before starting.
- It can usually be taken with or without food; with food may ease stomach upset.
- If a dose is missed, take it when you remember unless the next is near, then skip it; do not double up.
- Report severe, watery or persistent diarrhoea rather than treating it yourself.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Cefradine
Advantages
- Effective for many common skin, soft-tissue and urinary infections.
- Taken by mouth as a straightforward course.
- A useful alternative for some people, though penicillin allergy still needs caution.
Disadvantages
- People with a penicillin allergy may also react to it, so it needs careful assessment.
- Can cause diarrhoea and, uncommonly, a more serious bowel infection (C. difficile).
- Like all antibiotics, overuse can encourage resistance, so it is reserved for bacterial infections.
Practical use
Good to know
It is important to complete the full course even if you feel better, to clear the infection fully and reduce the chance of resistance. Tell your prescriber if you are allergic to penicillin, as there can be cross-reactivity. Like other antibiotics it can upset the bowel and occasionally cause a more serious bowel infection (Clostridioides difficile), so report severe or persistent diarrhoea.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People with a previous severe allergic reaction to cephalosporins.
- Used with caution in people with any penicillin allergy, because of possible cross-reactivity.
- Used with care and dose review in people with significant kidney problems.
Monitoring
- No routine tests for most short courses.
- Kidney function may be considered in people with kidney problems.
- Watch for severe diarrhoea, which may signal a bowel infection.
Side effects
- Diarrhoea, nausea or stomach upset.
- Thrush (a fungal infection) after a course.
- Skin rash or itching; rarely, a serious allergic reaction.
- Uncommonly, a more serious bowel infection (C. difficile) causing severe diarrhoea.
Key interactions
- Other antibiotics — usually avoided together unless advised.
- The combined contraceptive pill — not normally affected, but use extra precautions if you have vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Probenecid — can increase levels of the antibiotic in the body.
Available as: capsules and oral liquid
Answers
Cefradine: frequently asked questions
Can I take cefradine if I am allergic to penicillin?
It needs caution. Cephalosporins are related to penicillins, so there can be cross-reactivity. Always tell your prescriber about any penicillin allergy before starting.
Do I need to finish the whole course?
Yes. Complete the full course even if you feel better, to fully clear the infection and reduce the risk of resistance.
What if I get diarrhoea?
Mild diarrhoea is common with antibiotics, but severe, watery or persistent diarrhoea should be reported, as it can occasionally signal a bowel infection (C. difficile).
Can I drink alcohol while taking it?
Alcohol does not stop cefradine working, but it is sensible to avoid heavy drinking while you are unwell and recovering from an infection.
Does it affect my contraceptive pill?
It does not normally reduce the pill's effectiveness, but if it causes vomiting or diarrhoea you may need extra precautions; check the pill leaflet or ask your pharmacist.
The wider class
About Cephalosporins
Cefradine belongs to the cephalosporins class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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