Cefadroxil
Also known as: Cefa-Drops, Duricef
- **Give with food:** Cefadroxil can cause stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. Giving the medication with a small meal or treat can significantly reduce these side effects. - **Finish the prescription:** Always complete the entire course of antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian, even if your pet seems completely better. Stopping early can lead to resistant infections. - **Liquid storage:** If you were given the liquid suspension, it must be **kept in the refrigerator**. Discard any unused liquid after 14 days. - **Allergic reactions:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as facial swelling, hives, severe rash, or difficulty breathing.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- UTI
- Skin, pyoderma
- Systemic, orthopedic infections
- Susceptible gram-positive infections
- Susceptible gram-negative infections
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections (skin, soft tissue, GU)
- Susceptible Staph infections
- UTI
- Skin, pyoderma
- Systemic, orthopedic infections
- Susceptible gram-positive infections
- Susceptible gram-negative infections
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, fever, eosinophilia, anaphylaxis)
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea/superinfections
- Tachypnea (rare)
- Neurotoxicity (at high doses)
- Neutropenia/thrombocytopenia (rare, prolonged use)
- Hepatitis (rare)
- Nephrotoxicity (rare)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to cephalosporins
- Septicemia, shock, or grave illness (oral absorption is unreliable; parenteral routes required)
- > **Cross-Reactivity Warning:** Use cautiously in patients with documented hypersensitivity to other beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, carbapenems) due to potential cross-reactivity (up to 15% in humans; unknown in veterinary patients). * **Renal Impairment:** Patients with diminished renal function may require dose adjustments and intensified renal monitoring, as the drug is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. * **Laboratory Interference:** * May cause false-positive urine glucose tests when using cupric sulfate solutions (e.g., Clinitest®). * May falsely elevate serum/urine creatinine values when using the Jaffe reaction. * May cause a false-positive direct Coombs' test. * May falsely elevate 17-ketosteroid values in urine.
Drug interactions
- Probenecid: Competitively blocks the tubular secretion of most cephalosporins, thereby increasing serum levels and serum half-lives.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cefadroxil used for in pets?
- **Give with food:** Cefadroxil can cause stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. Giving the medication with a small meal or treat can significantly reduce these side effects. - **Finish the prescription:** Always complete the entire course of antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian, even if your pet seems completely better. Stopping early can lead to resistant infections. - **Liquid storage:** If you were given the liquid suspension, it must be **kept in the refrigerator**. Discard any unused liquid after 14 days. - **Allergic reactions:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as facial swelling, hives, severe rash, or difficulty breathing.
Is Cefadroxil safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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