Cefradine

What is Cefradine?

• Cefradine (also spelled Cephradine) is cephalosporin antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

File:Cefradine.svg

Fig.1-Cefradine chemical structure

What are the uses of this medicine?

• Cefradine is used to treat infections caused by bacteria, such as upper respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and urinary tract infections.

How does this medicine work?

• Cefradine is a bactericidal medication that kills bacteria by binding to and blocking the activity of enzymes responsible for making peptidoglycan, which is an important component of the bacterial cell wall.
• The bacteria die because they are unable to synthesize the bacterial cell wall.

Who Should Not Use this medicine?

• Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Cephradine or other cephalosporin antibiotics.
• Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Is this medicine FDA approved?

• It is not FDA approved in the United States.

How should this medicine be used?

• Follow your doctor's prescription when taking this medication.
• Do not take more than your doctor recommended and do not use it for longer than your doctor's recommendation.
• Cephradine should be taken with a full glass of water, and can be taken with or without food. However, taking with food may lessen side effects on your stomach.
• Finish the course of your medication and do not stop taking if your symptoms go away to ensure that the infection is fully treated.

What are the  dosage forms and brand names of this medicine?

• Dosage varies based on the type of infection you have and age.
• Therefore, follow your doctor's prescription and the instructions on the medication.

Brand name:

• Velosef.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Common side effects:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, mild diarrhea
• stiff or tight muscles
• joint pain
• dizziness
• feeling restless or hyperactive
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth
• mild itching or skin rash
• vaginal itching or discharge.

Serious side effects (call your doctor if you experience):

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
• tightness in your chest
• unusual bleeding
• seizure (convulsions)
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
• increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, urinating less than usual or not at all.

Other symptoms not mentioned above may occur as well. Call your doctor if you experience any other unusual symptoms.

What special precautions should I follow?

• This medication can cause you to have false results with certain medical tests, including urine glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cephradine.

Before using cephradine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• diabetes; or
• a history of intestinal problems, such as colitis.

What to do in case of emergency/overdose?

• In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline of your country. In the United States, call 1-800-222-1222.

• Overdose related information is also available online at poisonhelp.org/help.
• In the event that the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services. In the United States, call 911.

Can this medicine be used in pregnancy?

• No, this medication should not be used in pregnancy.

Can this medicine be used in children?

• This medication can be used in children above 9 months old.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

• Store this medicine in the container it comes in, and in room temperature away from heat and moisture (avoid storing in bathroom).
• Keep out of reach from children and pets.

• Dailymed label info on Cefradine
• FDA Cefradine