Duricef

Duricef (cefadroxil) is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic indicated for the treatment of a wide range of bacterial infections. It functions by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial cell death. This oral medication is valued for its broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and some Gram-negative organisms, its convenient once- or twice-daily dosing regimen, and its generally favorable tolerability profile. Healthcare providers frequently prescribe Duricef for skin and soft tissue infections, pharyngitis, and urinary tract infections due to its reliable efficacy and patient compliance.

Features

• Active ingredient: Cefadroxil (as monohydrate)
• Drug class: First-generation cephalosporin antibiotic
• Administration: Oral (capsules, tablets, oral suspension)
• Available strengths: 500 mg capsules, 1 g tablets, 125 mg/5 mL, 250 mg/5 mL, 500 mg/5 mL oral suspension
• Mechanism: Bactericidal; inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis
• Spectrum: Effective against Gram-positive cocci (including streptococci and staphylococci) and some Gram-negative bacteria
• Bioavailability: Well-absorbed from gastrointestinal tract, unaffected by food
• Half-life: Approximately 1.5 hours in patients with normal renal function

Benefits

• Provides effective treatment for common bacterial infections including skin/soft tissue infections, pharyngitis, and urinary tract infections
• Offers convenient once- or twice-daily dosing that supports patient adherence to treatment regimens
• Demonstrates reliable bactericidal activity against susceptible pathogens with low incidence of resistance
• Features good oral bioavailability with consistent absorption regardless of food intake
• Presents generally favorable safety profile with most side effects being mild and transient
• Available in multiple formulations (capsules, tablets, suspension) to accommodate different patient populations

Common use

Duricef is commonly prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible strains of microorganisms. Primary indications include skin and skin structure infections caused by staphylococci and/or streptococci, pharyngitis and tonsillitis caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (penicillin is the usual drug of choice in the treatment and prevention of streptococcal infections, including the prophylaxis of rheumatic fever; Duricef is generally effective in the eradication of streptococci from the nasopharynx), and urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella species. Off-label uses may include certain dental infections and prophylactic administration before surgical procedures in penicillin-allergic patients.

Dosage and direction

The dosage of Duricef should be adjusted according to the infection’s severity, the causative organism’s susceptibility, and the patient’s renal function. For adults with normal renal function, the usual dose is 1 to 2 grams per day administered in single or divided doses. For skin and skin structure infections: 1 gram daily or 500 mg twice daily. For pharyngitis and tonsillitis: 1 gram daily for 10 days. For urinary tract infections: 1 to 2 grams daily in single or divided doses.

For children, the recommended daily dosage is 30 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours. For pharyngitis and tonsillitis caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, the recommended dosage is 30 mg/kg/day once daily or in divided doses twice daily for 10 days.

Patients with impaired renal function require dosage adjustment. For creatinine clearance of 10-25 mL/min: 500 mg every 12 hours. For creatinine clearance less than 10 mL/min: 500 mg every 24 hours.

Duricef may be administered without regard to meals. The oral suspension should be shaken well before each use. Patients should complete the entire course of therapy even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.

Precautions

Before prescribing Duricef, carefully consider the patient’s allergy history, particularly regarding penicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics due to possible cross-sensitivity. Use with caution in patients with gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis, as antibiotic use may result in colonization with Clostridium difficile. Monitor renal function periodically during therapy in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Prolonged use may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken. False-positive reactions for glucose in the urine may occur with Benedict’s or Fehling’s solutions but not with enzyme-based tests. As with other broad-spectrum antibiotics, prothrombin time should be monitored in patients at risk and vitamin K administration considered if necessary.

Contraindications

Duricef is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to cefadroxil or other cephalosporin antibiotics. Cross-allergenicity may occur in patients with penicillin allergy; approximately 10% of penicillin-allergic patients will have allergic reactions to cephalosporins. The drug should not be administered to patients who have experienced anaphylactic reactions to penicillins.

Possible side effect

The most commonly reported adverse reactions involve the gastrointestinal system and include diarrhea (2-5%), nausea (1-3%), vomiting (1%), and abdominal pain (1%). Dermatological reactions may occur, including rash (1-2%), pruritus (1%), and urticaria (<1%). Hypersensitivity reactions ranging from maculopapular rash to erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported rarely. Other potential side effects include transient elevations in hepatic enzymes, eosinophilia, vaginitis, dizziness, headache, and fatigue. As with other antibiotics, pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with cephalosporin therapy.

Drug interaction

Probenecid may decrease renal tubular secretion of cefadroxil, resulting in increased and prolonged blood levels. Concurrent use with nephrotoxic drugs (aminoglycosides, potent diuretics) may increase the risk of renal toxicity. Duricef may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives; additional contraceptive methods are recommended during therapy. False-positive Coombs test results have been reported during cephalosporin therapy. The drug may cause false-positive results in urine glucose tests using copper reduction methods (Benedict’s solution, Fehling’s solution).

Missed dose

If a dose of Duricef is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Maintaining consistent blood levels is important for therapeutic efficacy, so adherence to the prescribed schedule is recommended.

Overdose

Symptoms of Duricef overdose may include nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, diarrhea, and hematuria. In cases of significant overdose, especially in patients with renal impairment, seizures may occur. Gastric lavage may be indicated if performed soon after ingestion. Duricef is eliminated primarily by the kidneys, so hemodialysis may be helpful in removing the drug from the body, particularly in patients with renal compromise. Treatment should be supportive and symptomatic with maintenance of hydration, electrolyte balance, and other appropriate measures.

Storage

Store Duricef capsules and tablets at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F) in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture and light. The oral suspension should be stored in the refrigerator (2-8°C or 36-46°F) after reconstitution and discarded after 14 days. Keep all medications out of reach of children. Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Duricef is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. The prescribing physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment decisions. Individual patient responses may vary, and not all side effects or interactions are listed here. Patients should disclose their complete medical history and current medications to their healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Reviews

Clinical studies have demonstrated Duricef’s efficacy in treating various bacterial infections. In comparative trials for skin and soft tissue infections, Duricef showed clinical cure rates of 85-95% with bacterial eradication rates of 90-98% for streptococcal infections and 80-90% for staphylococcal infections. For streptococcal pharyngitis, Duricef achieved bacteriologic eradication rates of 92-97% with a once-daily dosing regimen. In urinary tract infections, clinical success rates of 85-95% have been reported. The once-daily dosing regimen has been particularly praised for improving patient compliance compared to multiple-daily dosing antibiotics. Most adverse events reported in clinical trials were mild and transient, with gastrointestinal symptoms being the most common. Healthcare providers appreciate Duricef’s predictable pharmacokinetics and generally favorable safety profile, making it a valuable option in outpatient antibiotic therapy.