Duricef (Cefadroxil)

General information

Duricef (or Cefadroxil) is a semisynthetic broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic of the first generation. It is effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial infections. It is aimed to treat or prevent a range of infections proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. It works via interfering with the bacteria's cell wall formation. Duricef is used to moderate infections provoked by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes that causes the disease called strep throat or Streptococcal tonsillitis, urinary tract infection, reproductive tract infection and skin infections.

Directions

Take this medication exactly as your doctor has prescribed it. You must carefully follow all directions given to you. Avoid exceeding your dose or taking the medication longer than it was advised by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water. This medication is not chewed, crushed or broken while taking. Generally the recommended dosage is 1-2 mg taken once or twice daily.

Precautions

Before taking Duricef tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to penicillins or other cephalosporins. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions. This medication is prescribed cautiously if you anamnesis contains a history of severe kidney disease, intestinal disease (colitis). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Do not drink alcohol while being treated with Duricef as it may cause interaction. Pay attention to a possibility of suffering from pseudomembranous colitis (a colon inflammation caused by eradication of the normal gut flora by antibiotics). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids, meals, food supplements and other medications you are allowed to take.

Contraindications

Duricef is contraindicated in patients showing hypersensitivity to any component of the medicine and other beta-lactam antibiotics. This medication is administered cautiously in patients that suffer from chronic renal insufficiency and colitis. Duricef is not given to pregnant and breastfeeding women or children of eight years and under unless directed by the pediatrician.

Possible side effect

Most regular side effects include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, allergic reactions such as rash or hives, swelling of face or tongue, difficulty in swallowing, colitis, and inflammation of the bowel. This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Others may occur in some people and there may be some side effects not known yet. In case you have experienced any side effect not listed above, immediately notify your doctor or local poison centre.

Drug interactions

Duricef is able to interact with polymixines and aminoglycosides which increase their toxicity. Platelets aggregation inhibitors and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs used consentaneously with Duricef can provoke bleeding.

Missed dose

Never take two doses of this product at once. In case you take Durisef once per day skip the missed dose and take the medication as soon as possible, you can take the next dose in 10-12 hours. If you take Duricef twice per day the dosage intake is administered within the interval of 5-6 hours.

Overdose