In this Article

• What is cefadroxil (Duricef)?
• What are the possible side effects of cefadroxil (Duricef)?
• What is the most important information I should know about cefadroxil (Duricef)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cefadroxil (Duricef)?
• How should I take cefadroxil (Duricef)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Duricef)?
• What happens if I overdose (Duricef)?
• What should I avoid while taking cefadroxil (Duricef)?
• What other drugs will affect cefadroxil (Duricef)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cefadroxil (Duricef)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefadroxil or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Raniclor);
• cefazolin (Ancef);
• cefdinir (Omnicef);
• cefditoren (Spectracef);
• cefpodoxime (Vantin);
• cefprozil (Cefzil);
• ceftibuten (Cedax);
• cefuroxime (Ceftin);
• cephalexin (Keflex); or
• cephradine (Velosef); and others.

Before taking cefadroxil, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have:

• kidney disease; or
• a history of intestinal problems, such as colitis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take cefadroxil.

The cefadroxil suspension (liquid) contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefadroxil if you have diabetes.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Cefadroxil may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take cefadroxil (Duricef)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefadroxil will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Cefadroxil can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or milk if it causes stomach upset.

Shake the liquid form of cefadroxil well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

This medication can cause you to have false results with certain medical tests, including urine glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefadroxil.

Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Store cefadroxil oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any unused medication that is older than 14 days.