Duricef is a brand name for the antibiotic cefadroxil. People take it for skin infections, urinary tract infections, sore throats from strep, and some ear or soft-tissue infections. It kills bacteria by blocking their cell wall, which helps your immune system clear the infection.
Follow your prescriber's instructions. Typical adult doses are between 500 mg and 1 g once or twice a day depending on the infection. For kids, doctors usually dose by weight — often around 30–60 mg per kg per day split into two doses. If you have reduced kidney function, your provider may lower the dose or extend the dosing interval.
Take it with or without food. Finish the full course even if you feel better after a few days. Stopping early can let the infection return and encourages resistance. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose — don’t double up.
Most people tolerate Duricef well. Common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and mild rash. If you get severe diarrhea, high fever, or bloody stools, stop the drug and call your doctor — these could be signs of C. difficile infection. Allergic reactions can happen: hives, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing need emergency care.
If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to penicillin, tell your prescriber. There’s some cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins like cefadroxil, so your doctor will weigh the risks. Also list any other medicines you take — some drugs change how antibiotics work or increase side effect risk.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Many providers consider cefadroxil safe, but confirm with your clinician before starting. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding depends on your situation and the infection being treated.
Store Duricef at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of kids and dispose of leftover antibiotics properly — don’t save them for later use or share them with others.
Buying antibiotics online? Use only licensed pharmacies and require a prescription. Avoid sites that sell antibiotics without a prescription — the meds might be fake, wrongly dosed, or unsafe. If cost or access is an issue, ask your provider about patient assistance programs or local pharmacy discounts.
When should you call a doctor? If symptoms don’t improve in 48–72 hours, if they get worse, or if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, contact your healthcare provider. For repeat infections, your doctor may order tests to find the cause and pick the best antibiotic next time.
Duricef works well for many common bacterial infections when used correctly. Keep clear notes on how you feel while on the medicine and stay in touch with your provider if anything seems off.
Duricef, known by its generic name cefadroxil, is a powerful antibiotic for treating bacterial infections. Learn about its uses, effectiveness, side effects, and tips for safe use.
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