This article describes cefadroxil oral capsule’s dosages and strengths and details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for cefadroxil. To learn more about cefadroxil oral capsule, talk with your doctor.
Cefadroxil oral capsule is a generic medication. It’s not available in a brand-name version. Cefadroxil also comes as an oral liquid and a tablet you take by mouth, but they aren’t described in this article. To learn more about the oral liquid and tablet, talk with your doctor.
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Form and strength of cefadroxil
Cefadroxil oral capsule comes as follows:
- Form: oral capsule, which you’ll take by swallowing
- Strength: 500 milligrams (mg)
Dosage of cefadroxil
Cefadroxil oral capsule is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat certain urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin infections, and infections of the throat or tonsils.
This article describes the recommended dosages for cefadroxil oral capsule. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of cefadroxil oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of cefadroxil in adults
Usually, doctors prescribe a standard dosage of cefadroxil. Dosages are in mg.
Dosage for UTI, skin infection, and other conditions
The usual recommended dosages of cefadroxil for certain bacterial infections in adults are:
| Condition | Recommended dose and frequency |
|---|---|
| simple UTI | 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day as a single dose or divided and taken twice per day |
| all other UTIs | 2,000 mg per day divided and taken twice per day |
| skin infections | 1,000 mg per day as a single dose or divided and taken twice per day |
| throat or tonsil infections | 1,000 mg per day as a single dose or divided and taken twice per day for 10 days |
Simple or uncomplicated UTIs usually only affect the bladder. Most UTIs in males are considered complicated. Complicated UTIs can also describe resistant infections that require stronger medications or infections that affect the kidneys.
Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “male” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Dosages of cefadroxil in children
Usually, doctors prescribe a standard dosage of cefadroxil in children. Dosages are based on the child’s weight in kilograms (kg). One kg equals approximately 2.2 pounds (lb). Dosages are in mg per kg per day.
The usual recommended dosages of cefadroxil for certain bacterial infections in children are:
| Condition | Recommended dose and frequency |
|---|---|
| UTI | 30 mg/kg/day in divided doses taken twice per day (every 12 hours) |
| impetigo | 30 mg/kg/day as a single dose or divided into equal doses taken twice per day (every 12 hours) |
| other skin infections | 30 mg/kg/day divided into equal doses taken twice per day (every 12 hours) |
| throat or tonsil infections | 30 mg/kg/day as a single dose or divided into equal doses taken twice per day (every 12 hours) for at least 10 days |
For example, a child who weighs 74 lb (33.6 kg) and has a skin infection would have a daily dosage of about 1,000 mg. That dosage would be divided into 500 mg taken twice per day.
Dosage adjustments for cefadroxil
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of cefadroxil oral capsule based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated
- your age
- how well your kidneys work
Missed dose of cefadroxil
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of cefadroxil oral capsule. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of cefadroxil oral capsule and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about cefadroxil oral capsule and its dosage.
Does cefadroxil have a 250-mg dose?
Yes, cefadroxil has a 250-mg dose, but not in capsule form. To get a 250-mg dose of cefadroxil, doctors would prescribe the oral liquid form. Cefadroxil oral capsule is only available as a 500-mg dose.
If you have questions about your dosage of cefadroxil, talk with your doctor.
Is cefadroxil taken long term?
No, doctors don’t typically prescribe cefadroxil oral capsule as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use.
If you have questions about how long you should take cefadroxil oral capsule, talk with your doctor.
How cefadroxil is taken
You’ll swallow your dose of cefadroxil oral capsule once or twice per day. You should swallow the capsule whole. You can take cefadroxil oral capsule with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce side effects, such as nausea or upset stomach.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication at evenly spaced intervals. For example, take it around the same time each day if your dosage is once per day. Or take it every 12 hours if your dosage is twice per day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body, which can help the drug work more effectively.
If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
You’ll likely start to feel better before you finish the entire cefadroxil oral capsule prescription. But it’s important to finish the entire treatment with cefadroxil oral capsule even if you feel better. Stopping early could allow the infection to come back and cause complications.
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Get free cardOverdose of cefadroxil
It’s important that you do not take more cefadroxil oral capsule than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
What to do if you take too much cefadroxil
If you think you’ve taken too much cefadroxil, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for cefadroxil oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of cefadroxil oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take cefadroxil oral capsule exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- What should I do if I miss a dose of cefadroxil oral capsule?
- If I have difficulty taking cefadroxil oral capsule, would a different form be easier to take?
- How does the dosage of cefadroxil oral capsule compare with the dosage of other antibiotics that could treat my condition?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.