Cefadroxil — What It Treats and How to Use It

Cefadroxil is an oral cephalosporin antibiotic commonly used for strep throat, skin and soft tissue infections, and simple urinary tract infections. It kills bacteria by disrupting their cell wall so they can’t survive. If your doctor prescribes cefadroxil, stick to the dose and finish the full course — stopping early can let the infection return and fuel resistance.

Typical adult dosing ranges from 500 mg every 12 hours to 1 g once daily, depending on the infection. For children, the dose is based on weight and the type of infection — your pediatrician will calculate it. If you have reduced kidney function, doses need lowering; tell your prescriber about kidney disease, dialysis, or any recent lab tests.

Side Effects, Allergies, and Interactions

Most side effects are mild: diarrhea, nausea, stomach discomfort, or a small rash. Watch for signs of a serious reaction — severe rash, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or high fever — and get emergency care if they appear. Also be alert for very bad diarrhea or bloody stools, which can signal C. difficile infection after antibiotics.

If you’ve had a severe penicillin allergy, tell your doctor. Cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins is uncommon but possible. Tell your healthcare team about all drugs you take: some medicines can increase bleeding risk (like warfarin) or affect kidney clearance. Alcohol doesn’t have a major interaction with cefadroxil, but it can worsen stomach upset.

Practical Tips on Taking and Buying Cefadroxil

Take cefadroxil with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, an easy meal can help. Missed a dose? Take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose — then skip the missed one. Don’t double doses.

Get cefadroxil only with a valid prescription. In Canada, licensed pharmacies — including reputable online Canadian pharmacies — will require a prescription and show credentials. Avoid sites that sell antibiotics without a prescription; those products may be fake or unsafe. Check pharmacy reviews and contact details before ordering online.

Store the medicine at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and keep it out of reach of children. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy, discuss risks and benefits with your doctor — cefadroxil is often used in pregnancy but your prescriber will advise based on your situation.

If symptoms don’t begin to improve within 48–72 hours, call your doctor. Sometimes infections need a different antibiotic or a culture to identify the bug. For minor stomach issues during treatment, a probiotic or plain yogurt may help, but check with your prescriber first. Using antibiotics the right way helps you recover faster and protects others from resistant bacteria.