Duricef (cefadroxil) is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic designed to combat a wide range of bacterial infections with reliable efficacy and convenient once- or twice-daily dosing. As an oral medication, it offers a practical treatment option for both community and outpatient settings, targeting common pathogens responsible for skin, urinary tract, respiratory, and other soft tissue infections. Its bactericidal action disrupts bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it a trusted choice for clinicians seeking a well-tolerated antibiotic with a established safety profile.

Features

• Active ingredient: cefadroxil (500 mg or 1 g per capsule/tablet; 250 mg/5 mL or 500 mg/5 mL oral suspension)
• Drug class: first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic
• Administration: oral (tablet, capsule, suspension)
• Mechanism: bactericidal; inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis
• Spectrum: effective against Gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, and some Gram-negative organisms
• Half-life: approximately 1.5 hours, allowing for less frequent dosing

Benefits

• Provides broad-spectrum coverage against common bacterial pathogens
• Convenient dosing regimen supports patient adherence
• Well-absorbed orally, with or without food
• Demonstrates high tissue penetration, including skin and urinary tract
• Lower incidence of gastrointestinal side effects compared to some alternatives
• Established safety profile with decades of clinical use

Common use

Duricef is commonly prescribed for the treatment of mild to moderate bacterial infections, including:

• Pharyngitis and tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes
• Skin and soft tissue infections such as impetigo, cellulitis, and wound infections
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (e.g., cystitis)
• Otitis media (in pediatric populations, when appropriate)
• Prophylaxis against bacterial endocarditis in high-risk patients undergoing dental or surgical procedures (off-label use in certain guidelines)

Dosage and direction

Dosage should be individualized based on infection severity, pathogen susceptibility, and patient factors such as renal function.

Adults:

• For most infections: 1–2 g daily, administered once daily or in divided doses (e.g., 500 mg BID or 1 g once daily)
• For uncomplicated UTIs: 1–2 g once daily or in divided doses
• For streptococcal pharyngitis: 1 g once daily for 10 days

Pediatric patients:

• 30 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours
• For otitis media: up to 30 mg/kg/day in two divided doses

Dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with impaired renal function (creatinine clearance <50 mL/min). Take with or without food; suspension should be shaken well before use.

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis
• May result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi
• Prolonged use can lead to secondary infections
• Use in pregnancy only if clearly needed (Category B)
• Exercise caution in nursing mothers; cefadroxil is excreted in human milk
• Monitor renal function in elderly patients or those with preexisting renal impairment

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to cefadroxil or other cephalosporin antibiotics
• Patients with a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics due to cross-reactivity risk

Possible side effect

Common side effects are generally mild and may include:

• Gastrointestinal disturbances: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
• Dermatological reactions: rash, pruritus, urticaria
• Headache, dizziness
• Transient elevations in liver enzymes

Less common but serious adverse effects:

• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
• Severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Hematologic effects: neutropenia, thrombocytopenia
• Interstitial nephritis

Drug interaction

• Probenecid may decrease renal excretion of cefadroxil, increasing serum levels
• Concomitant use with nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides) may increase risk of renal toxicity
• Oral anticoagulants: cephalosporins may potentiate anticoagulant effect
• False-positive reactions for glucose in urine may occur with certain tests

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, and diarrhea. Management is supportive; hemodialysis may aid in removal of the drug.

Storage

• Store at room temperature (15–30°C)
• Keep container tightly closed
• Oral suspension: discard unused portion after 14 days
• Keep out of reach of children

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Do not self-medicate.

Reviews

Duricef has been widely used since its introduction and is generally regarded as effective and well-tolerated for indicated infections. Clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance support its role in treating susceptible bacterial infections, particularly in outpatient settings. Patient adherence is often high due to its convenient dosing.