Cefadroxil is a simple oral antibiotic used for skin infections, urinary tract infections, throat infections, and other common bacterial problems. It belongs to the first-generation cephalosporin family and works by stopping bacteria from building cell walls. That makes it effective against many streptococci and staphylococci strains and against some gram-negative bugs.
Take cefadroxil exactly as your prescriber tells you. Typical adult doses are 250–500 mg every 12 hours for mild to moderate infections, with higher or more frequent doses for severe cases. Some prescriptions use 1 g once daily for simple urinary tract infections. For children, dosing is based on weight and given as milligrams per kilogram. You can take it with or without food, but food may reduce stomach upset. Swallow tablets whole and keep liquid suspension refrigerated if the label says so.
Most people tolerate cefadroxil well. Common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, and mild stomach pain. A skin rash can appear and usually means you should stop the drug and call your doctor. If you have a penicillin allergy, tell your clinician—there is some cross-reactivity but many people who are penicillin-allergic can still take cephalosporins under supervision. Watch for signs of serious reactions: hives, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, severe diarrhea, or persistent fever.
Interactions and precautions: Cefadroxil levels can rise if taken with probenecid, so doses may need adjustment. If you have kidney problems, your prescriber will likely lower the dose because the drug is cleared by the kidneys. It is generally considered safe in pregnancy when needed, but always discuss risks and benefits with your provider. Cefadroxil does not reliably protect against infections from unclean wounds—clean wounds and proper wound care matter.
Practical tips: Finish the entire prescribed course even if you feel better after a few doses. Stopping early can let bacteria return resistant to treatment. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember but do not double up to make up for a missed pill. Store tablets at room temperature away from moisture; store suspensions in the fridge if instructed and shake well before measuring.
When to seek help: Call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room for breathing problems, swelling, high fever, bloody diarrhea, or signs of liver trouble such as yellowing skin or dark urine. Also check in if symptoms don’t improve within 48–72 hours or they get notably worse.
Buying and using safely: Cefadroxil requires a prescription in most countries. Use a licensed pharmacy or a reputable online pharmacy that asks for a prescription. Avoid dubious sellers offering cheap antibiotics without paperwork—those products can be fake, contaminated, or the wrong dose.
Lab tests and follow-up: Your clinician may order urine tests or cultures for persistent urinary symptoms, and kidney function tests if you take cefadroxil long-term. Always tell the clinician about other medicines, herbal products, or supplement use. If you plan to travel, bring enough medication and keep it in original packaging with prescription.
