DURICEF (CEFADROXIL)

About Duricef

Duricef may be prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial infections of various areas of the body, including: the lungs and airways (sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia), ear, nose and throat (otitis media, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis), the urinary tract, kidneys, bones, joints and skin. This is a first generation cephalosporin medication that contains Cefadroxil, the active ingredient of this broad spectrum antibiotic.

How Duricef Works Inside Your Body

When taken as directed, Duricef or generic Cefadroxil works by interfering with the bacteria’s ability to form a strong and safe cell wall so they can grow and multiply. This action impairs the bonds that holds the cell walls together, causing them to burst and leak the contents out as other substances seep in. The bacteria cannot grow or multiply and their numbers dwindle until your immune system takes care of any that survive. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Conditions Treated by Duricef

Bacterial respiratory infections are far less common than viral infections such as colds and flu. Bacterial infections may develop after a viral illness and tend to be local to one area, such as the sinuses and throat in the upper respiratory system or pneumonia in the lower area. Antibiotic medications such as Duricef should only be used once a bacterial infection is strongly suspected or confirmed.

Duricef may also be prescribed before dental procedures for patients who have artificial heart valves to prevent bacterial endocarditis, which is a serious infection of the lining of your heart.

Before Duricef is Prescribed

Ask your doctor if Duricef is safe to take if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or are breast feeding. Caution should be used when taking Duricef if you have a history of kidney disease or intestinal problems. Explain other current medical conditions or allergies you have and list any OTC or Rx drugs you take or use to be certain there are no contraindications that could occur.

Duricef Precautions and Recommendations

Duricef will not treat viral infections such as a cold or the flu. It is important to finish the prescribed course of this antibiotic medicine; stopping the course early increases the chance that the infection will come back and that the bacteria will grow resistant to the antibiotic.

All medications should be safely stored out of children’s reach and never share these meds with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms.

Possible Side Effects of Duricef

• Joint pain
• Stiff or tight muscles
• Mild itching or skin rash
• Feeling restless or hyperactive
• Unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, mild diarrhea

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of these more serious side effects: unusual bleeding or bruising; jaundice; seizures; flu-like symptoms; watery or bloody diarrhea; swollen glands; confusion.