Cephra

Indications

Cephradine is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the throat, tonsils, ears, sinuses and chest, the urinary tract, the skin and soft tissue, and bones. The injection is also used to prevent infection around surgery. It does not work for viral infections such as colds and flu.

How It Works

Cephradine is a first-generation cephalosporin. It stops bacteria from building their cell walls, so the bacteria burst and die.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults, by mouth: usually 250 to 500 mg every 6 hours, or 500 mg to 1 g every 12 hours, depending on the infection. The maximum is usually 4 g a day.
• Children: the dose depends on body weight, as prescribed.
• Injection: given by a doctor or nurse into a vein or muscle, as prescribed.
• People with kidney disease may need a lower dose, as the doctor advises.

Can be taken with or without food. Finish the full course even if you feel better.

Interactions

Probenecid raises the level of cephradine in the blood. Taking it with strong water tablets such as Furosemide or with aminoglycosides such as Gentamicin may increase the risk of kidney problems. It may slightly increase the effect of Warfarin. It can give a false positive result in some urine sugar tests.

Contraindications

• Allergy to cephradine or other cephalosporins.
• A past severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a penicillin.

Side Effects

Common: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, mild rash or itching, and vaginal thrush.

Get urgent medical help if you have swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, a widespread rash with blisters or peeling skin, severe or bloody watery diarrhoea (even weeks after finishing the course), or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Cephalosporins are generally considered safe in pregnancy when a doctor prescribes them. Small amounts pass into breast milk; it is usually compatible with breastfeeding, but watch the baby for diarrhoea, rash or thrush.

Precautions and Warnings

Tell the doctor if you are allergic to penicillin, have kidney disease or have had bowel inflammation (colitis) after antibiotics. Long or repeated use can allow resistant bacteria or fungi to grow. Do not use leftover antibiotics or share them.

Overdose

Too much may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain. Very large doses, especially in kidney disease, can cause fits. Get medical help.

Therapeutic Class

First-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.

Storage

Store capsules and dry powder below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Once the suspension is mixed, store it as stated on the pack (often in the fridge at 2 to 8°C) and throw away any left after the stated number of days.