cefadroxil monohydrate at a glance
Medicine class
First-generation cephalosporin antibiotic
Usual role
Treats susceptible bacterial infections, not viral infections
With food
May be taken with or without food; food may reduce stomach discomfort
Administration
Swallow the capsule unchewed with plenty of fluid
What is cefadroxil monohydrate used for?
The selected capsule product is licensed for susceptible bacterial infections when oral treatment is appropriate.
Streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis
Bronchopneumonia and bacterial pneumonia
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections, including cystitis and pyelonephritis
Skin and soft-tissue infections
How does cefadroxil monohydrate work?
It blocks bacterial cell-wall formation, causing susceptible bacteria to break down. Resistance can arise through altered targets, reduced entry, efflux or beta-lactamase enzymes.
cefadroxil monohydrate preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 500 mg
How to take cefadroxil monohydrate
Follow the prescription label and prescriber’s instructions. Swallow capsules unchewed with plenty of fluid. They may be taken with or without food.
Do not share antibiotics or use them for another illness.
Ask a pharmacist before altering a capsule if swallowing is difficult.
Contact the prescriber if symptoms worsen or significant adverse effects occur.
cefadroxil monohydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion or abdominal pain
- Itching, rash or hives
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reactions
- Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea
- Possible liver, kidney or blood disorders, including jaundice, reduced urine, unusual bruising or marked weakness
cefadroxil monohydrate in pregnancy
Most studies of cephalosporins have not shown harm to the baby, but evidence specific to cefadroxil is limited. Use should follow an individual prescriber assessment.
cefadroxil monohydrate while breastfeeding
It passes into breast milk in low concentrations. A prescriber should assess suitability, especially for a premature or unwell infant. Monitor the baby for diarrhoea, thrush, rash or feeding problems.
cefadroxil monohydrate interactions
Check the full medication list before prescribing or supplying.
Tetracyclines, macrolides, sulfonamides or chloramphenicol
May oppose cefadroxil’s antibacterial effect.
Aminoglycosides, polymyxin B, colistin or potent loop-diuretic therapy
May increase kidney toxicity.
Anticoagulants or antiplatelet medicines
Long-term combined use may increase bleeding risk.
Common questions about cefadroxil monohydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is cefadroxil monohydrate a penicillin?
No. It is a cephalosporin, although both are beta-lactam antibiotics and allergy can overlap.
Does it treat colds or flu?
No. It acts against susceptible bacteria, not viral infections.
Can it be taken with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.