Cefadroxil

Cefadroxil is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial infections. It is a bactericidal antibiotic.

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General use

Cefadroxil is a first-generation cephalosporin antibacterial drug that is the para-hydroxy derivative of cefalexin, and is used similarly in the treatment of mild to moderate susceptible infections.

Pharmacokinetics

Cefadroxil is almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. After doses of 500 mg and 1 g by mouth, peak plasma concentrations of about 16 and 30 micrograms/mL respectively are obtained after 1.5 to 2 hours. Although peak concentrations are similar to those of cefalexin, plasma concentrations are more sustained. Dosage with food does not appear to affect the absorption of cefadroxil. About 20% of cefadroxil is reported to be bound to plasma proteins. The plasma half-life of cefadroxil is about 1.5 hours and is prolonged in patients with renal impairment.
Cefadroxil is widely distributed to body tissues and fluids. It crosses the placenta and appears in breast milk.
More than 90% of a dose of cefadroxil may be excreted unchanged in the urine within 24 hours by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion; peak urinary concentrations of 1.8 mg/mL have been reported after a dose of 500 mg. Cefadroxil is removed by haemodialysis.

Dosage

Cefadroxil is given by mouth, and doses are expressed in terms of the anhydrous substance; 1.04 g of cefadroxil monohydrate is equivalent to about 1 g of anhydrous cefadroxil. The usual adult dose is 1 to 2 g daily as a single dose or in two divided doses. The following doses are used in children weighing less than 40 kg: 500 mg twice daily for those over 6 years of age, 250 mg twice daily for those aged 1 to 6 years, and 25 mg/kg daily in divided doses for infants under 1 year.

Dental use

Used as a Antibiotic Prophylaxis before dental procedures

Veterinary use

Can be used for treating infected wounds on animals. Usually in powder form mixed with water has a color and smell similar to Tang. Given orally to animals, amount dependent on their weight and severity of infection.