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What Is Cefadroxil?

Cefadroxil is a prescription cephalosporin antibacterial used for susceptible bacterial infections. Current oral capsule labeling includes urinary tract infections, skin and skin structure infections, and pharyngitis or tonsillitis caused by designated susceptible organisms. A common capsule strength is 500 mg. Dose and treatment length depend on the infection, age, kidney function, and clinical response.

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What Is Cefadroxil?

Cefadroxil is a prescription cephalosporin antibacterial used for susceptible bacterial infections. Current oral capsule labeling includes urinary tract infections, skin and skin structure infections, and pharyngitis or tonsillitis caused by designated susceptible organisms. A common capsule strength is 500 mg. Dose and treatment length depend on the infection, age, kidney function, and clinical response.

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How Does Cefadroxil Kill Susceptible Bacteria?

Cefadroxil has bactericidal activity through inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Interfering with cell wall production weakens susceptible bacteria and leads to cell death. Its labeled activity includes selected streptococci, staphylococci, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella species, though treatment depends on the infection and organism susceptibility.

Which Infections Are Treated With Cefadroxil?

Cefadroxil is indicated for susceptible urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, or Klebsiella species. It also treats selected skin and skin structure infections caused by staphylococci or streptococci and pharyngitis or tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Antibiotic use is limited to proven or strongly suspected bacterial infections.

How Is Cefadroxil Dosed?

Adult uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections commonly use 1 g or 2 g daily as one dose or two divided doses. Skin infections and streptococcal pharyngitis or tonsillitis commonly use 1 g daily, with throat infections treated for 10 days. Pediatric dosing is weight based. Kidney impairment requires longer dosing intervals.

What Safety Problems Need Attention With Cefadroxil?

Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur with cefadroxil. Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea can develop during or after antibacterial treatment. Other reported concerns include severe skin reactions, liver dysfunction, blood cell disorders, kidney problems, and seizures, especially when kidney impairment leads to excessive cephalosporin exposure. Known cephalosporin allergy is a contraindication.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cefadroxil

What infections does cefadroxil treat?

Labeled uses include selected urinary tract, skin and skin structure, and streptococcal throat infections.

Can cefadroxil be taken with food?

Yes. Cefadroxil can be taken without regard to meals, and food can lessen stomach upset.

Does kidney function affect cefadroxil dosing?

Yes. Reduced kidney function requires dosing-interval changes to prevent drug accumulation.

Does cefadroxil treat viral infections?

No. Cefadroxil treats susceptible bacterial infections and does not treat viral illnesses such as the common cold.

References

Cefadroxil. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682730.html. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

Cefadroxil. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cefadroxil. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

Cephalosporins. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551517/. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

DailyMed - CEFADROXIL capsule. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=487193e9-b9ab-443e-a1c5-26aa14cb2641. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

DailyMed - CEFADROXIL powder, for suspension. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=6e4111d3-f11b-403c-b340-b216022709df. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.