Cefadroxil

1 medicine

Cefadroxil is a cephalosporin antibiotic used for skin, throat, and urinary infections. It must not be used by anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to penicillins or other cephalosporins.

Duricef

Cefadroxil

250/500mg

Duricef is a antibiotics medication containing Cefadroxil, available as 250/500mg tablets.

from $0.42 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Cefadroxil (sold as Cefadroxil and under various brand names) is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, chemically related to penicillin. It kills susceptible bacteria by weakening their cell wall.
  • It is usually taken once or twice a day, with or without food, for a course your prescriber sets, commonly 7 to 10 days.
  • Do not take cefadroxil if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis or hives, to a penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic; cross-reactions between the two groups occur.
  • Seek urgent care for facial or throat swelling, severe watery diarrhea, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

What cefadroxil treats

Cefadroxil treats bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissue, streptococcal throat infections (pharyngitis), and urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Finishing the full course matters for strep throat specifically, since stopping early can leave bacteria that trigger rheumatic fever, a rare but serious complication. It does not work against colds, flu, or other viral illnesses.

How cefadroxil works

Bacteria build a rigid outer wall that keeps them intact under pressure. Cefadroxil blocks the proteins bacteria use to assemble that wall. Without it, the bacteria weaken and burst, letting your immune system clear the infection.

Before you take it

  • Avoid cefadroxil if you have a history of severe penicillin or cephalosporin allergy.
  • Tell your prescriber about kidney disease; the dose may need to be reduced because the kidneys clear this drug.
  • Cefadroxil can reduce the effectiveness of some anticoagulants, increasing bleeding risk, and may reduce the reliability of hormonal birth control.
  • Always finish the full course, even once you feel better, to clear the infection completely and limit antibiotic resistance.

Side effects

Common effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, and mild skin rash.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or hives with difficulty breathing.
  • Severe or bloody diarrhea that develops during or after treatment, which can signal a serious gut infection (C. difficile colitis).
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or unusual bruising or bleeding.

Safety essentials

  • Never take cefadroxil if you have had a severe reaction to any penicillin or cephalosporin; the cross-reaction risk makes this an absolute contraindication, not just a caution.
  • Watery or bloody diarrhea can appear during treatment or for weeks afterward; this needs prompt medical assessment and is not treated with ordinary anti-diarrhea medicine.
  • Tell your prescriber about kidney problems so your dose can be adjusted, and buy antibiotics only from a licensed pharmacy.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.