What is Cefadroxil: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Cefadroxil overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Duricef

Generic Names:

  • Cefadroxil

Uses:

  • Treats bacterial infections. This medicine is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Tablet, Capsule, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Cefadroxil used for?

Cefadroxil is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Cefadroxil belongs to a class of drugs called cephalosporin-type antibiotics. Cefadroxil is a generic drug also sold under the brand name Duricef. This medication has been available for years. In the treatment of some bacterial infections, cefadroxil use is common.

What form(s) does Cefadroxil come in

  • Tablet

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

What are common Cefadroxil doses?

  • Capsule 500MG

  • Bottle 50ML of 250MG/5ML

  • Bottle 100ML of 250MG/5ML

  • Bottle 75ML of 500MG/5ML

  • Bottle 100ML of 500MG/5ML

  • Tablet 1GM

Common Cefadroxil prescriptions

  • Cefadroxil
    100ml of 250mg/5ml bottle

  • Cefadroxil
    100ml of 500mg/5ml bottle

  • Cefadroxil
    50ml of 250mg/5ml bottle

  • Cefadroxil
    75ml of 500mg/5ml bottle

  • Cefadroxil
    500mg capsule

  • Cefadroxil
    1gm tablet

How to take Cefadroxil

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.

  • You may take your medicine with food to avoid an upset stomach.

  • Shake the oral liquid well each time you use it.

  • Carefully measure the oral liquid dose with a measuring spoon or medicine cup.

  • Keep taking your medicine until your doctor tells you to stop, even if you feel better. If you stop taking the medicine too soon, your infection may come back.

  • Keep taking your medicine until your doctor tells you to stop, even if you feel better. If you stop taking the medicine too soon, your infection may come back.

  • Carefully measure the oral liquid dose with a measuring spoon or medicine cup.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.

  • You may take your medicine with food to avoid an upset stomach.

  • Shake the oral liquid well each time you use it.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cefadroxil

  • Take the missed dose as soon as possible.

  • If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

Cefadroxil contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any cephalosporin medicine such a Keflex®, Ceclor®, Velosef®, or Suprax®.

Cefadroxil warnings

  • Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin or if you have kidney disease.

  • If you have severe diarrhea while taking this medicine, check with your doctor before taking medicine to stop the diarrhea.

  • Cefadroxil may cause incorrect results with some tests used by patients with diabetes to check for sugar in urine.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

  • Severe vomiting or stomach pain

  • Blistering or peeling skin

Cefadroxil interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking birth control pills or probenecid (Benemid® or ColBENEMID®) while taking cefadroxil.

  • If you have severe diarrhea while taking this medicine, check with your doctor before taking medicine to stop the diarrhea.

  • Cefadroxil may cause incorrect results with some tests used by patients with diabetes to check for sugar in urine.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

Cefadroxil side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Blistering or peeling skin

  • Rash or hives

  • Swelling of the face, throat, or lips

  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

  • Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)

  • Severe vomiting or stomach pain

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Sore mouth or tongue

  • Vaginal itching or discharge

  • Mild diarrhea

  • Nausea

  • Joint aches and pains

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