Cephradine Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects Guide

Introduction to Cephradine

Cephradine is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including upper respiratory, ear, skin, and urinary tract infections. As a beta-lactam antibiotic, cephradine works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell death and the control of infection. This article provides a comprehensive overview of cephradine, its uses, dosage, side effects, and other essential information for healthcare professionals and consumers.

armacology”> armacology/”>Ph armacology

Cephradine‘s mechanism of action involves binding to and inactivating penicillin-binding proteins, which are essential for bacterial cell wall synthesis. This leads to the weakening and eventual rupture of the cell wall, causing bacterial cell death. Cephradine is absorbed orally, with a bioavailability of approximately 90%. It is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, with an elimination half-life of about 0.9 to 2.3 hours in patients with normal renal function [1].

Clinical Uses

Cephradine is indicated for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including:

• Upper respiratory infections
• Ear infections
• Skin infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Pharyngitis
• Other bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms

Off-label uses of cephradine may include the treatment of other infections caused by susceptible bacteria [2].

Dosage and Administration

The recommended dosage of cephradine for adults is 250 to 500 mg every 6 hours, depending on the severity of the infection. For children, the dosage is based on body weight, typically ranging from 25 to 50 mg/kg/day in divided doses. Cephradine can be administered orally as capsules or liquid suspensions, or intravenously in severe cases. Dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with renal impairment [1].

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

Common side effects of cephradine include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Rash

Severe side effects, although rare, may include allergic reactions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea [3].

Warnings and Precautions

Cephradine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to cephalosporins or penicillins. Precautions should be taken when using cephradine in patients with renal impairment, as dose adjustments may be necessary. Cephradine may interact with other medications, such as probenecid and aminoglycosides, so monitoring and dose adjustments may be required [1].

Cephradine in Specific Populations

Cephradine is generally considered safe for use in pediatric patients, with dosage adjustments based on body weight. In geriatric patients, dose adjustments may be necessary due to age-related changes in renal function. Cephradine is classified as a pregnancy category B drug, indicating that animal studies have not shown a risk to the fetus, but there are no adequate human studies. Cephradine is excreted in breast milk, and caution should be exercised when administering the drug to nursing mothers [4].

Resistance and Efficacy

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern with cephradine and other antibiotics. Some bacterial strains, particularly gram-negative organisms, have developed resistance to cephradine over time. Strategies to mitigate resistance include using cephradine only when necessary, following appropriate dosing guidelines, and practicing good infection control measures [5].

Brand Names and Availability

Cephradine is available under various trade names, such as Intracef and Velocef. Generic versions of the drug are also widely available. The availability of cephradine may vary by region and country.

Patient Education and Counseling

When prescribing cephradine, healthcare providers should educate patients about the proper use of the medication, including dosage, duration of treatment, and potential side effects. Patients should be advised to complete the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. Proper storage and disposal of the medication should also be discussed [1].