Cefadroxil for Strep Throat: What You Need to Know

If you’ve been told you have strep throat, the doctor might prescribe Cefadroxyl. It’s a penicillin‑type antibiotic that fights the bacteria behind most sore throats. Knowing how it works, the right dose, and what side effects can pop up helps you finish the course safely and feel better faster.

How Cefadroxil Takes Down Strep Bacteria

Cefadroxyl attacks the cell wall of Streptococcus pyogenes, the bug that causes strep throat. By stopping the bacteria from building a strong wall, the drug makes them burst open and die. This action reduces inflammation in your throat, eases pain, and stops the infection from spreading.

The medicine starts working within a few hours, but you won’t notice full relief until the bacteria load drops significantly – usually after 48‑72 hours of treatment.

Dosage, Side Effects, and Safety Tips

For adults, the typical prescription is 500 mg taken every 12 hours for about 10 days. Kids get a weight‑based dose, often 25‑50 mg per kilogram of body weight split into two daily doses.

Take Cefadroxyl with a full glass of water and try to stay hydrated. Food doesn’t usually interfere, so you can take it with or without meals – whichever is easier for you.

Common side effects are mild: nausea, diarrhea, or a temporary rash. If you develop severe itching, swelling, or trouble breathing, stop the drug and get medical help right away – these could be signs of an allergic reaction.

Avoid alcohol while on this antibiotic because it can worsen stomach upset. Also, tell your doctor about any other meds you’re using, especially blood thinners or other antibiotics, as they might interact.

Finish the entire course even if you feel fine after a few days. Stopping early lets some bacteria survive and may cause the infection to come back, sometimes harder to treat.

When should you call the doctor? If your fever persists beyond 48 hours, throat pain worsens, or you notice pus on your tonsils despite treatment, let a professional know. Those signs could mean the infection isn’t responding and may need a different antibiotic.

In most cases, people feel back to normal within a week of starting Cefadroxyl. Keep up good oral hygiene – gargle with warm salt water and stay away from smoking or heavy talking while your throat heals.

Remember, antibiotics only work on bacterial infections. If your sore throat is caused by a virus, rest, fluids, and over‑the‑counter pain relievers are usually enough.