Duricef
Duricef is the brand name for the antibiotic medication Cefadroxil. It is a cephalosporin antibiotic that is commonly prescribed to treat various bacterial infections.
Cefadroxil works by inhibiting the growth and spread of bacteria in the body. It does this by interfering with the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, leading to the destruction of the bacteria.
Duricef is often used to treat respiratory tract infections, including throat infections, tonsillitis, and bronchitis. It can also be prescribed for certain types of skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, and other bacterial infections.
This medication is available in different formulations, including capsules and oral suspensions.
Composition of Duricef
It is a semi synthetic cephalosporin antibiotic and is intended for oral administration.The film-coated tablets, contain the following inactive ingredients:
- Microcrystalline cellulose,
- Polyethylene glycol,
- Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
- Polysorbate 80,
- Simethicone emulsion,
- Magnesium stearate
- Titanium dioxide.
The oral suspension contains the following inactive ingredients:
- FD&C Yellow No. 6,
- Sucrose, and
- Polysorbate 80,
- Sodium benzoate,
- Xanthan gum.
The capsules contain the following inactive ingredients:
- D&C Red No. 28,
- gelatin,
- FD&C Blue No. 1,
- FD&C Red No. 40,
- Stearate,
- Titanium dioxide.
Uses of Duricef
Duricef is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections such as strep throat, urinary tract infection and skin infections.It works only for bacterial infections and not for viral infections. It is also used before dental procedures in patients with artificial heart valves. It is used to prevent any infection of the heart lining.
Dosage
Generally, the typical adult dosage for Duricef is 1 to 2 grams per day, divided into two doses taken every 12 hours.
For children, the dosage is usually based on their body weight.
How to Take
Here are some general guidelines on how to take Duricef:
- Take the medication exactly as prescribed: Do not take more or less than the prescribed amount, and do not stop taking it, even if you start feeling better.
- Take with or without food: Capsules can be taken with or without food. If you experience stomach upset, you can try taking it with a meal or snack to help reduce any gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Swallow the tablets/capsules whole: Take capsules with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets or capsules. This helps ensure the medication is properly absorbed by your body.
- Establish a regular dosing schedule: Try to take Duricef at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day. This helps maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body for optimal effectiveness. You may set reminders or use an alarm to help you remember to take your doses on time.
- Complete the full course of treatment: Even if you start feeling better, it's important to finish the entire prescribed duration of treatment. Stopping the medication early may allow the infection to come back or lead to the development of antibiotic resistance.
- Store the medication properly: Keep capsules in its original packaging or container at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Follow any specific storage instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Side Effects of Duricef
You will need emergency medical help if you develop any of these symptoms:
- Signs of allergic reaction
- Hives
- Unable to breathe
- Swelling of face, lip, throat or tongue
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Body aches
- Flu symptoms
- Seizures
- Pale skin
- Dark colored skin
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Jaundice
- Swollen glands
- Rash
- Joint pain
Interactions
Duricef may interact with certain medications, substances, or medical conditions. Here are some potential interactions to be aware of:
- Probenecid: Probenecid can increase the blood levels of Duricef by reducing its excretion from the body. This interaction may lead to an increased risk of side effects.
- Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): Cefadroxil may enhance the effects of anticoagulant medications, increasing the risk of bleeding. It is important to monitor your blood clotting parameters if you are taking Duricef along with anticoagulants.
- Oral contraceptives: Some antibiotics, including cefadroxil, may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). It is recommended to use alternative methods of contraception while taking Duricef and for a few weeks after completing the course of treatment.
- Other antibiotics: Using Duricef with other antibiotics may alter their effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.
- Diuretics (water pills): Concurrent use of cefadroxil with diuretics may enhance the risk of kidney damage.
Warnings
Here are some important warnings and precautions to be aware of when taking Duricef:
- Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to Duricef can range from mild rashes to severe, life-threatening reactions. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe skin rash.
- Antibiotic resistance: Misuse or overuse of antibiotics, including Duricef, can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Cefadroxil may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Avoid taking antacids or other medications that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours of taking Duricef, as they can reduce its effectiveness.
- Superinfections: Antibiotic treatment can sometimes lead to the development of superinfections. These are new infections that occur due to the overgrowth of resistant bacteria or fungi.
- Interactions: Duricef may interact with other medications, including probenecid, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, and diuretics.
Duricef and Alcohol
When it comes to Duricef and alcohol, it is generally recommended to avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication. While there is no known direct interaction between Duricef and alcohol, it is still advisable to exercise caution for several reasons:
- Effectiveness of treatment: Alcohol can potentially interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics. It may hinder the body's ability to fight off the infection and reduce the medication's effectiveness in killing bacteria.
- Increased risk of side effects: Both Duricef and alcohol can individually cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset. Consuming alcohol while taking Cefadroxil may increase the likelihood of experiencing these side effects or exacerbate their severity.
- Overall health and recovery: Alcohol consumption can have a negative impact on the immune system and delay the healing process. When undergoing antibiotic treatment, it is important to support your body's recovery by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding alcohol consumption.
Contraindications of Duricef
You should not use this medicine if you allergic to it or any other penicillin or if you have any other allergies. This medicine contains inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions in patients. Some medical conditions can interact with Duricef hence it is imperative that the doctor knows about them, especially if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription medicine or any other herbal medicine or any kind of dietary supplements, if you are allergic to any food or other substances, if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or if you are breast feeding, kidney problems, inflammation, bowel problems and blood clotting disorder. Elderly people may be more sensitive to this drug, hence will need more care and special observation.
Pregnancy and Duricef
You need to discuss the possible benefits and risks involved in using Duricef, if you are pregnant. This medicine is found in breast milk, however, no reports of any kind of harm to the infants has been reported as of yet.