Cefadroxil

How it works

It is bactericidal, binding penicillin-binding proteins to inhibit cross-linking of bacterial cell-wall peptidoglycan, causing cell death.

Prescribing in practice

• Avoid in patients with a history of immediate or severe hypersensitivity to penicillins or cephalosporins because of the risk of cross-reactivity.
• Dose interval should be extended in renal impairment as it is renally cleared (consult the SPC).
• Like other broad-spectrum agents, it can predispose to Clostridioides difficile and candidal superinfection.

Monitoring

Routine monitoring is not required, though renal function guides dosing in impairment; review for allergy and new diarrhoea.

Counselling the patient

• Take the full course as prescribed even if symptoms improve quickly.
• Seek urgent help for any rash, facial swelling or difficulty breathing.
• Report severe or bloody diarrhoea promptly.

Evidence & guidelines

Cefadroxil is a well-established oral cephalosporin whose use is supported by long clinical experience and the SPC.