Cefadroxil

Like all b-lactams antibiotics it acts by selectively inhibiting the synthesis of muco-peptides in the bacterial cell wall of multiplying bacteria.

Indications

Urinary tract infections caused by E.coli, P. mirabilis and klebsiella spp. skin and skin structure infections caused by staphylococci and/or Streptococci: Pharyngitis and tonsillitis caused by Group A Beta-haemolytic streptococci.

Dosage

1-2 gm daily in two divided doses (500 mg to 1 gm every 12 hours) Children: 25-50 mg/kg body wt in divided doses every 12 hours.

Contra-Indications

Patients with any known allergy to cephalosporins

Special Precautions

Renal impairment, gastro intestinal disease, particularly colitis. Prolonged use can result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms. Use in pregnancy only if clearly indicated

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dysuria, pseudomembranous colitis. Allergies ((Rash, urticaria and Angiodema), genital pruritus, genital moniliasis, vaginitis and moderate transient neutropenia

Drug Interactions

Concurrent use with frusemide increases nephrotoxicity. Potentiates nephrotoxicity of aminoglycosides. Prothrombin time prolonged, caution necessary with anticoagulants. Probenecid prolongs half-life.