Sometimes, along with fever, cough, and cold, you may experience pain and infection in various parts of your body, right? At such times, when you go to the doctor, he or she may prescribe you an antibiotic. Cefadroxil is a very commonly used medicine that treats such bacterial infections. So, let's learn more about Cefadroxil today, because it is very important for your well-being to have a good understanding of any medicine that your doctor prescribes.
Simply put, what is Cefadroxil?
Cefadroxil is a type of antibiotic . To be precise, it belongs to the class of drugs called cephalosporins. It kills certain types of bacteria that have entered our bodies and cures infections caused by them. For example, doctors recommend it for skin infections, urinary tract infections, tonsillitis, and respiratory tract infections.
But one thing you need to remember is that this medicine cannot cure viral infections . That means it will not work for things like the common cold or the flu. Because they are often caused by viruses. That's why the doctor prescribed this medicine after confirming that there was a bacterial infection.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, it is very important to give him a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to mention the following in particular:
- If you have previously had an allergy to Cefadroxil, another cephalosporin, penicillin, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you have kidney disease .
- A history of intestinal problems, especially a condition like colitis .
- If you have blood clotting or bleeding problems .
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or not, or whether the dosage needs to be changed.
How to use the medicine correctly?
This medicine is taken by mouth. Take it exactly as your doctor has prescribed, at the right time. If possible, try to take it at the same time every day . This will help keep the concentration of the medicine in your body at the same level.
This can be taken before or after meals. However, some people may experience stomach upset or nausea after taking this. If this happens, take the medicine with a meal . This will greatly reduce the symptoms.
Most importantly: No matter how many days your doctor prescribes, you should finish the entire course of medication. Don't stop taking the medication just because you think you'll feel better in two or three days. Doing so could cause the infection to come back before it's completely gone, or the bacteria could become resistant to the medication (antibiotic resistance).
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose by mistake, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Also, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share your medicine with anyone else .
Side effects that may occur when taking medication
As with any medicine, some people may experience minor side effects when taking Cefadroxil. However, not everyone gets them. Some can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor immediately. | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, chest pain. |
| Serious skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling skin (even inside the mouth), eczema accompanied by fever. |
| Profuse or watery diarrhea | Severe diarrhea with stomach cramps. |
| Other serious symptoms | Dizziness, fever or chills, seizures, sore throat, swollen joints, difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine, and extreme fatigue. |
| If these persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Common diarrhea, flatulence, chest pain, nausea, vomiting. |
Other things to consider when taking medication
What if I forget to take a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose .
Special notice for people with diabetes
If you are diabetic , taking this medication may cause false-positive results when testing for sugar in your urine. Therefore, be sure to talk to your doctor before changing your diabetes medication dosage or diet.
Interactions with other medications
Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (such as other antibiotics, Probenecid), herbal remedies, and vitamins. Some medications can interact with this one. It is also important to tell your doctor if you use alcohol or smoke.
How to store medicine?
Keep the medicine out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius), in a dry place. Discard expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Cefadroxil is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It will not treat viral infections (such as the common cold).
- Take the full dose of medication prescribed by your doctor for the full duration. Do not stop taking it even if your symptoms improve.
- If you experience stomach upset when taking the medicine, take it with a meal.
- If you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (skin rash, blisters, difficulty breathing, swelling) or severe diarrhea, contact your doctor immediately.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other medical conditions you have (especially kidney disease, diabetes).
- This medicine is for you only. Never give it to others.
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