Cefadroxil : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects
Cefadroxil, a close congener of cephalexin, is an first generation cephalosporin. It has good tissue penetration-exerts more sustained action at the site of infection. It is used for treating infections caused by certain bacteria.
Dose : 0.5-1 g BD
Route : Oral
Onset of action : ?
Plasma Half-life : 1 hour
Duration of action : ?
Bioavailability : ?
Plasma protein binding : ?
Metabolism : ?
Pregnancy risk category : ?
Chemical formula : C16H17N3O5S
IUPAC name : (6R,7R)-7-{[(2R)-2-amino-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetyl]amino}-3-methyl-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid
Trade name : Droxyl, Cefadrox, Kefloxin, Duracef
Antibacterial spectrum : Cefadroxil show activity against both gram positive & gram negative bacteria. The first-generation cephalosporins are resistant to the staphylococcal penicillinase (that is, they cover MSSA) and also have activity against Proteus mirabilis, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae.
Therapeutic uses : Cefadroxil has following uses :
- Used as alternatives to PnG; particularly in allergic patients (but not who had anaphylactic reaction).
- Used to treat Penicillinase producing staphylococcal infections.
- Urinary tract infections caused by E. coli, P. mirabilis, and Klebsiella species.
- Skin and skin structure infections caused by staphylococci and/or streptococci.
- Pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci).
- Used as an antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures, for patients allergic to penicillins.
Mechanism of action : Cephalosporins cause inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. i.e. they have the same mechanism of action as penicillin. However, they bind to different proteins than those which bind penicillins.
Side effects : Cephalosporins are generally well tolerated, but are more toxic than penicillin. Cefadroxil may exhibit following side effects :
- Hypersensitivity reactions caused by cephalosporins are similar to penicillin, but incidence is lower. Rashes are the most frequent manifestation, but anaphylaxis, angioedema, asthma and urticaria have also occurred.
- Diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, and vomiting.
Drug Interactions : Cefadroxil may interact with following drugs :
- Cholera vaccine, live
- Probenecid
Contraindications :
- Contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.
For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
