Maxan

Indications

Cefadroxil is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections such as sore throat and tonsillitis caused by streptococcus bacteria, skin and soft tissue infections (boils, infected wounds, cellulitis), and urinary tract infections. It does not work against colds, flu or other viral infections.

How It Works

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

Dosage and Administration

• Adults: usually 500 mg to 1 g twice a day, or 1 g once a day for throat and skin infections, depending on the infection.
• Children: the dose is worked out by body weight; give the syrup or drops exactly as prescribed, using the measuring spoon or dropper provided.
• Kidney problems: the doctor will lower the dose or space the doses further apart.

Take with or without food; taking it with food can reduce stomach upset. Finish the whole course even if you feel better. For throat infections caused by streptococcus, treatment usually lasts at least 10 days.

Interactions

Probenecid increases cefadroxil levels. Taking it with strong water tablets (such as Furosemide) or with aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as Gentamicin) may increase the risk of kidney problems. Like other antibiotics, it may slightly lower the effect of the oral contraceptive pill if you have vomiting or diarrhoea; use extra protection in that case. It can also affect some urine sugar tests.

Contraindications

Do not take if you are allergic to cefadroxil or any other cephalosporin antibiotic. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a severe reaction to a penicillin, as some people react to both.

Side Effects

Common: nausea, stomach upset, loose stools, and mild rash or itching. Vaginal thrush (itching and white discharge) can occur.

Get urgent medical help if you have swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, a blistering or peeling rash, or severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea with stomach cramps (this can happen during or up to a few weeks after treatment).

Pregnancy and Lactation

Cephalosporins are generally considered safe in pregnancy and are often used when an antibiotic is needed; take it only if your doctor prescribes it. Small amounts pass into breast milk; it is usually considered compatible with breastfeeding, but watch the baby for diarrhoea, rash or thrush.

Precautions and Warnings

Tell your doctor about kidney disease, past bowel problems such as colitis, or any allergy to antibiotics. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed, or stopping early, helps bacteria become resistant. Do not share your antibiotic with others.

Overdose

Too much may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. Very large overdoses, especially in people with kidney disease, can rarely cause fits. Seek medical advice.

Therapeutic Class

First-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.

Storage

Store capsules, tablets and dry powder below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Once the syrup or drops are mixed with water, keep them as the pack directs (often in a fridge at 2 to 8°C), shake well before each dose, and throw away any left after the number of days shown on the pack.