Cefadroxil

Cefadroxil is a systemic antimicrobial drug that belongs to the category of cephalosporins and other β-lactam antibiotics.

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Indications Cefadroxil

It is used to eliminate infectious diseases caused by bacteria that are sensitive to cefadroxil:

• infectious diseases in the lower and upper respiratory tract;
• infections affecting the urogenital system;
• infectious lesions of soft tissues with skin;
• septic form of arthritis;
• osteomyelitis.

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Release form

The product is released in capsules of 0.5 g, 6 pieces inside a blister plate. There are 2 blister packs in a pack.

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Pharmacodynamics

Cefadroxil is an antibiotic from the cephalosporin category (1st generation) that is taken orally. Cephalosporins have the ability to slow down the synthesis of elements contained in the cell walls of microbes.

The drug has a wide range of antimicrobial activity. In vitro, it acts against β-hemolytic streptococci, staphylococci and pneumococci. It also acts on coagulase-negative and coagulase-positive strains, as well as strains that produce penicillinase. It also acts on Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Bacteroides (except Bacteroides fragilis), and Moraxella catarrhalis. Among gram-positive bacteria, Shigella with Salmonella and individual strains of Haemophilus influenzae are sensitive to the drug.

Many strains of enterococci (Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium) are resistant to the activity of Cefadroxil.

The drug has no effect on many strains of Enterobacter, Morgan's bacteria, Proteus vulgaris, as well as Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter calcоасеticus.

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Pharmacokinetics

The drug is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. After single doses of 0.5 and 1 g, mean serum cefadroxil values are approximately 16 and 28 mcg/ml. Therapeutic drug values are observed in blood serum 12 hours after administration. More than 90% of the drug is excreted unchanged in urine.

The level of antibiotic in urine, after taking the drug in a dose of 1 g, for 20-22 hours consistently demonstrates values exceeding the minimum inhibitory concentration for sensitive bacteria.

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Dosing and administration

The medicine is taken 1-2 times a day. When determining the treatment regimen, the severity, nature, and form of the infectious pathology are taken into account.

The capsules should be taken regardless of food intake. The medicine should be swallowed whole with plain water.

Portion sizes for adults and adolescents aged 12 and over weighing over 40 kg:

• infections affecting the lower part of the urinary tract (uncomplicated forms) – taking 1-2 g of the drug per day (1-2 capsules taken twice a day, or 2-4 capsules taken once a day);
• other infections affecting the lower part of the urinary tract - taking 2 g of the drug per day (2 capsules taken twice a day);
• infections affecting soft tissues and the surface of the skin - take a dose of 1 g of the drug per day (2 capsules once a day or 1 capsule twice a day);
• tonsillitis or pharyngitis – use 1 g of the drug per day (2 capsules once a day or 1 capsule taken twice a day);
• infections affecting the lower and upper respiratory system - taking 1 g of the drug per day (for mild forms of the pathology) or 1-2 g (for moderate or severe forms) (1 capsule twice a day or 1-2 capsules taken twice a day);
• purulent arthritis or osteomyelitis - take 2 g of the drug per day (2 capsules twice a day).

Children over 6 years of age are required to take 25-50 mg/kg of body weight per day (for the treatment of purulent arthritis or osteomyelitis - 50 mg/kg of body weight), in two doses. When treating tonsillitis, pharyngitis or impetigo, the daily dose must be taken once.

Serving sizes for children (based on weight):

• within 15-20 kg – 1 capsule once a day*;
• within 20-40 kg – 2 capsules once a day* or 1 capsule twice a day.

*exclusively for the treatment of tonsillitis, pharyngitis or impetigo.

Treatment should last for at least 48-72 hours after the signs of pathology disappear.

Therapy for infections caused by Streptococcus (category A) β-hemolytic type should be continued for at least 10 days.

If the patient has a severe stage of infection (for example, a disease such as osteomyelitis), long-term treatment may be required - at least 1-1.5 months.

Portion sizes for people with kidney problems (CC values up to 50 ml/minute):

• the level of CC is within 25-50 ml/minute (plasma creatinine is 14-25 mg/ml) – initial portion: 1 g; maintenance – 0.5 g; maintain an interval of 12 hours between doses;
• the CC indicator is within 10-25 ml/minute (the level of creatinine in plasma is 25-65 mg/ml) – initial portion: 1 g; maintenance – 0.5 g; observe the interval between doses, which is 24 hours;
• CC values less than 10 ml/minute (plasma creatinine level is less than 56 mg/ml) – initial dosage: 1 g; maintenance – 0.5 g; an interval of 36 hours must be observed between doses.

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Use Cefadroxil during pregnancy

Cefadroxil is contraindicated for use by pregnant and nursing mothers.

Small doses of cefadroxil monohydrate are excreted in breast milk, so if therapy is necessary, breastfeeding should be discontinued during this period.

Contraindications

Main contraindications:

• the presence of intolerance to cefadroxil or other cephalosporins, as well as to any other components of the drug;
• history of severe allergy to penicillin or other β-lactams;
• children under 6 years of age.

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Side effects Cefadroxil

Taking capsules may cause some side effects:

• infectious or invasive lesions: an increase in the level of opportunistic pathogens (fungi), which can lead to the development of oral candidiasis or vaginal mycosis;
• disorders of hematopoiesis and lymphatic function: sometimes thrombocyto-, leuko- or neutropenia develops, as well as eosinophilia or agranulocytosis (after prolonged use of drugs). Hemolytic anemia of immune origin is rare;
• immune disorders: manifestations of serum sickness are sometimes observed. Anaphylaxis develops occasionally;
• symptoms affecting the central nervous system: dizziness, a feeling of nervousness or drowsiness, and also headaches are observed occasionally;
• digestive disorders: the appearance of vomiting, dyspeptic symptoms, diarrhea, nausea, glossitis and abdominal pain, as well as the development of pseudomembranous colitis;
• disorders affecting the hepatobiliary system: sometimes cholestasis or liver failure due to idiosyncrasy may develop. In addition, a slight increase in transaminase activity (ALT and AST elements) and alkaline phosphatase may occur;
• lesions of subcutaneous tissue and skin: the appearance of rashes, itching or urticaria. In addition, Quincke's edema is sometimes observed. Rarely, erythema multiforme or Stevens-Johnson syndrome develops;
• disorders in the functioning of connective tissues and the musculoskeletal system: sometimes arthralgia develops;
• urinary dysfunction: sometimes tubulointerstitial nephritis is observed;
• systemic manifestations: drug fever is sometimes observed. A feeling of fatigue develops occasionally;
• laboratory test results: a positive Coombs reaction (direct and indirect) is noted occasionally.

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Overdose

Signs of poisoning: the appearance of hallucinations and nausea, and in addition to this, the development of extrapyramidal disorders, hyperreflexia, comatose state and a feeling of confusion. In addition, renal dysfunction may be observed.

First aid measures for the victim include gastric lavage and, if necessary, hemodialysis procedures. It is also necessary to monitor the water and electrolyte balance indicators and correct them if necessary. At the same time, kidney function is monitored.

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Interactions with other drugs

It is prohibited to use the drug together with bacteriostatic antibiotics (such as erythromycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and sulfonamides), because this can cause the development of antagonistic manifestations.

Taking Cefadroxil in combination with aminoglycosides, colistin, polymyxin type B or large doses of diuretic drugs (affecting the process of reabsorption within the loop of Henle) is not recommended due to the fact that such a combination increases the nephrotoxic effect.

Long-term use of drugs that slow down platelet aggregation, as well as anticoagulants, increases the likelihood of hemorrhagic complications. During therapy, it is necessary to regularly monitor blood coagulation parameters.

Cefadroxil may reduce the effects of oral contraception.

When combined with probenecid, a persistent increase in serum and bile levels of Cefadroxil is possible.

The use of powerful diuretics causes a decrease in the level of cefadroxil monohydrate in the blood.

The drug is synthesized with cholestyramine, as a result of which its bioavailability may decrease.

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Storage conditions

Cefadroxil is stored in a dark and dry place, out of the reach of small children. The temperature should not exceed 25°C.

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Shelf life

Cefadroxil is allowed to be used for 3 years from the date of manufacture of the drug.

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