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Cefadroxil Coupon - Cefadroxil 500mg capsule

cefadroxil

Generic Duricef
Used for Skin Infection, Urinary Tract Infection, Upper Respiratory Infection
Used for Skin Infection, Urinary Tract Infection, Upper Respiratory Infection

Cefadroxil is a cephalosporin antibiotic that treats many types of bacterial infections. It is also available as an affordable generic.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Aileen Chu, PharmD, BCPS
reviewer
ThienLy Neal, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 30, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Cefadroxil?

What is Cefadroxil used for?

  • Urinary tract infections (bladder infections)

  • Skin infections

  • Throat infections (strep throat)

  • Tonsil infections (tonsillitis)

How Cefadroxil works

Cefadroxil is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making their own protective covering.

When does Cefadroxil start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsDuricef (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassCephalosporin antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Cefadroxil?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Diarrhea

Other Side Effects

  • Indigestion, nausea, or vomiting
  • Genital problems, including itching and yeast infection
  • Joint pain
  • Fever

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reaction: itching or hives, swelling of your face or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Loose, watery stools (diarrhea), severe stomach pain or cramps, fever, nausea (these are signs of a serious C. difficile infection)
  • Severe skin reactions: painful rash that turn into blisters, skin peeling
  • Liver failure
  • Low blood platelets
When do Cefadroxil possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Risk of diarrhea
Risk of nausea/vomiting

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

blood in the urine or stools

chills

clay-colored stools

cough or hoarseness

dark-colored urine

diarrhea

difficulty with moving

feeling of discomfort

fever

fever with or without chills

flushing or redness of the skin

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

headache

inflammation of the joints

itching

joint or muscle pain

light-colored stools

lower back or side pain

muscle aches

muscle pain or stiffness

painful or difficult urination

pinpoint red spots on the skin

rash

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

stomach pain, continuing

swollen lymph glands

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusually warm skin

vomiting

yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach cramps or tenderness

back, leg, or stomach pains

bloating

chest pain

coughing up blood

diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody

difficulty with breathing or swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

general body swelling

high fever

hives

increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding

increased thirst

itching

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

loss of appetite

nausea

nosebleeds

pain

pale skin

paralysis

prolonged bleeding from cuts

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

seizures

shortness of breath

sudden decrease in the amount of urine

swollen or painful glands

tightness in the chest

unpleasant breath odor

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight loss

vomiting of blood

wheezing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare

Acid or sour stomach

belching

heartburn

indigestion

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

Incidence not known

Hives or welts

itching of the vagina or genital area

itching or pain of the genital area

pain during sexual intercourse

redness of the skin

thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Cefadroxil

thumbs-up

Pros

Treats many types of bacterial infections and has generally few side effects

Taken once or twice a day, compared to some other antibiotics that are taken more often

Can be taken with or without food

Is an affordable generic medication and comes in different forms: tablet, capsule, and suspension

thumbs-down

Cons

May not be a good option if you have colitis or other digestive tract problems

Not recommended to be used for the cold or flu (since these are viral illnesses)

If you're allergic to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics, you might not be able to take this medication.

May have to adjust your dose if you have severe kidney problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Cefadroxil

pharmacist

  • Finish all of the medication your provider gives you, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early can cause the bacteria to develop resistance.

    • You may have diarrhea or an upset stomach when taking this medication, but it should get better soon after finishing the course. Taking cefadroxil with food or a daily probiotic may help with these symptoms. If the diarrhea gets worse, tell your provider.

      • If you have kidney disease, you may need a lower dose than usual to avoid build-up of the medication. Your provider or pharmacist will determine the right dose for you based on your kidney labs.

        • Store the suspension in the fridge and shake well before using. Discard the bottle after 14 days or after you have completed the total number of days that the provider prescribed. Using old, expired antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance and development of other infections.

          • Tell your provider or get medical help right away if you get a rash, itchy skin, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face or throat.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Cefadroxil

            Is cefadroxil the same as amoxicillin?
            Cefadroxil is a cephalosporin antibiotic and amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic. Both antibiotics kill bacteria by preventing the bacteria from making their own protective covering. These antibiotics are often used to treat similar types of infections. However, there are some differences as well, so you cannot substitute one for another. Make sure to use cefadroxil only under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
            Is cefadroxil a strong antibiotic?
            Cefadroxil is used to treat various types of infections. There are other antibiotics that can treat more types of infections or more serious infections. Keep in mind that "stronger" antibiotics are not always the best choice. Your provider will choose the antibiotic that is best for you.
            How long does it take cefadroxil to work?
            Cefadroxil will start working right away to fight the infection in your body. You should start to feel better within the first few days, but continue to take the full course of your medication even if you feel like you don't need it anymore. If you are feeling worse after taking cefadroxil for a few days, check back with your healthcare provider because the cefadroxil might not be working well against the bacteria that's causing the infection.
            How long should you take cefadroxil?
            For throat and tonsil infections, take cefadroxil for a total of 10 days. If you have a urinary tract or skin infection, your provider will determine the right amount of time for you to take this antibiotic.
            What bacteria does cefadroxil kill?
            Cefadroxil is typically used for infections caused by strep, staph, and/or E. coli, as well as some other bacteria.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Cefadroxil?

            Cefadroxil can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Allergic reaction

            • Risk factors: History of allergy to penicillin or other cephalosporin antibiotics

              If you've had an allergic reaction from taking penicillin-type or cephalosporin antibiotics, such as trouble breathing or swelling of your face and throat, let your provider know before taking this medication. Cefadroxil may not be right for you and your provider may prescribe another antibiotic. If you experience those allergic reactions after starting on cefadroxil, seek medical attention immediately.

              risk-warning

              C. Difficile diarrhea

              • Risk factors: Taking cefadroxil for a long time | Recent use of other antibiotics

                In rare cases, taking antibiotics like cefadroxil can increase your chance of getting a serious bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea. This can happen up to two months after you finish taking antibiotics. If you develop severe diarrhea with watery stools after you finish the medication, talk to your provider.

                risk-warning

                Kidney problems

                • Risk factors: History of kidney problems | Age 65 and older

                  Your body removes cefadroxil through the kidneys. If your kidneys are not working properly, you are more likely to have a build-up of cefadroxil in your body which can lead to other problems. Your provider or pharmacist will determine the right dose for you based on your kidney labs.

                  risk-warning

                  Drug-resistant bacteria

                  • Risk factors: Taking cefadroxil for a non-bacterial infection

                    You should only take cefadroxil for bacterial infections. Using cefadroxil or other antibiotics when they are not necessary can lead to drug-resistant bacteria, which are much harder to treat.

                    risk-warning

                    New infection

                    • Risk factors: Taking cefadroxil for too long

                      Since cefadroxil doesn't kill all bacteria, some bacteria may survive, multiply, and cause a new infection known as a "superinfection". If you develop a new fever, or get sicker while taking cefadroxil, or you find that you're not feeling better after you're done with the medication, talk to your provider right away.

                      dosage

                      Cefadroxil dosage forms

                      The average cost for 14 capsules of 500mg of Cefadroxil is $5.32 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 85.73% off the average retail price of $37.28.
                      capsule
                      Capsule
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      500mg14 capsules$5.32$0.38
                      ml of oral suspension
                      Ml of oral suspension
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      250mg/5ml100 ml$20.62$0.21
                      500mg/5ml75 ml$22.59$0.30
                      tablet
                      Tablet
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      1g14 tablets$32.97$2.35

                      Typical dosing for Cefadroxil

                      Adults:

                      • Urinary tract infection: The typical dose is 1-2 grams by mouth per day, taken once daily or divided into 2 equal doses and taken two times a day. The specific dose will depend on the type of urinary tract infection that you have.

                      • Skin infection: The typical dose is 1 gram by mouth once daily or 500 mg by mouth twice daily.

                      • Throat and tonsil infection: The typical dose is 1 gram by mouth once daily or 500 mg by mouth twice daily for 10 days.

                      Children:

                      • Urinary tract infection: The typical dose is 30 mg/kg/day total, divided into 2 equal doses and taken by mouth every 12 hours.

                      • Skin infection: The typical dose is 30 mg/kg/day total, divided into 2 equal doses and taken by mouth every 12 hours. If it's for impetigo (school sores), your child may be able to take the dose once a day.

                      • Throat and tonsil infection: The typical dose is 30 mg/kg/day total, taken by mouth once daily or divided into 2 equal doses and taken by mouth every 12 hours.

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Cefadroxil and other drugs

                      Cefadroxil may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Cefadroxil. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      drug-cost

                      How much does Cefadroxil cost?

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                      Cefadroxil (generic)
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                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Cefadroxil?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Cefadroxil. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Cefadroxil
                      Used for:

                      • Urinary tract infections (bladder infections)

                      • Skin infections

                      • Throat infections (strep throat)

                      • Tonsil infections (tonsillitis)

                      $5.32 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Cephalexin
                      Used for:
                      $9.52 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Cefuroxime
                      Used for:
                      $11.62 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      images

                      Cefadroxil images

                      Orange And White 93 3196 93 3196 - Cefadroxil 500mg Capsule
                      This medicine is Orange And White Capsule Imprinted With "93 3196 93 3196".Orange And White 93 3196 93 3196 - Cefadroxil 500mg Capsule
                      Maroon And White C 97 - Cefadroxil 500mg Capsule
                      This medicine is Maroon And White Capsule Imprinted With "C 97".Maroon And White C 97 - Cefadroxil 500mg Capsule
                      White And Red C 500 - Cefadroxil 500mg Capsule
                      This medicine is White And Red Capsule Imprinted With "C 500".White And Red C 500 - Cefadroxil 500mg Capsule
                      Brown And White Barr 582 And C 582 - Cefadroxil 500mg Capsule
                      This medicine is Brown And White Capsule Imprinted With "C 582" And "Barr 582".Brown And White Barr 582 And C 582 - Cefadroxil 500mg Capsule
                      Maroon And White Lu F11 - Cefadroxil 500mg Capsule
                      This medicine is Maroon And White Capsule Imprinted With "Lu F11".Maroon And White Lu F11 - Cefadroxil 500mg Capsule

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