Cefradine

How it works

It is a beta-lactam that binds penicillin-binding proteins to inhibit bacterial cell-wall synthesis, giving a bactericidal effect with good activity against many Gram-positive organisms.

Prescribing in practice

• Avoid in patients with a history of immediate hypersensitivity to penicillins or other beta-lactams because of the risk of cross-reactivity.
• As a first-generation agent it has limited Gram-negative cover, so it is not suitable for many resistant or hospital-acquired infections.
• Dose adjustment is required in significant renal impairment, in line with the SPC.

Monitoring

Routine monitoring is not generally needed for short courses, but renal function should guide dosing and clinical response should be reviewed.

Counselling the patient

• Complete the full prescribed course even if you feel better.
• Report any rash, swelling, breathing difficulty, or severe or persistent diarrhoea.

Evidence & guidelines

Use is supported by standard UK prescribing references for susceptible infections rather than by a specific landmark trial.