cefradine

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

Actions: 

cefradine, like other cephalosporins, exerts its antibacterial effect by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It does this by binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) involved in cell wall formation. This disruption in cell wall synthesis leads to the death of susceptible bacteria. 

Spectrum: 

cefradine has a relatively broad spectrum of activity, meaning it is effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.  

Gram-Positive Bacteria: 

• Streptococcus spp. (including Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae) 
• Staphylococcus aureus (limited activity, as many strains are resistant) 

Gram-Negative Bacteria: 

• Escherichia coli (E. coli) 
• Klebsiella pneumoniae 
• Proteus mirabilis 
• Haemophilus influenzae 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Diarrhea 

Vomiting 

Nausea 

Eosinophilia 

Neutrophilia 

Dizziness 

Leukopenia 

Interstitial nephritis  

Yeast infections 

Chest tightness 

CNS toxicity 

Convulsions 

Hepatic dysfunction 

Pain at the site of injection 

Thrombophlebitis 

Convulsions 

Nephrotoxicity 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Allergy 

Caution: 

• Renal impairment 
• Gastrointestinal disorders 
• Superinfection 
• Hemorrhage 
• Drug interactions 
• Pregnancy 
• Breastfeeding 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Pregnancy Category: B 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

cefradine is excreted in the breastmilk in the least amount. 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: Well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the initial or later trimester. 

Category B: There was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: There was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence, these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

• cefradine, like other cephalosporin antibiotics, inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in the bacterial cell wall. 
• By binding to PBPs, cefradine disrupts the formation of peptidoglycan, a crucial component of the bacterial cell wall. 
• This disruption weakens the bacterial cell wall, causing it to become more susceptible to osmotic pressure and ultimately leading to cell lysis and bacterial death. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Bacterial Cell Wall Inhibition: 

• cefradine, as a cephalosporin antibiotic, primarily exerts its pharmacological effects by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis. 
• It accomplishes this by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in the bacterial cell wall, further inhibiting the formation of peptidoglycan, a critical component of the cell wall. 

Bactericidal Action: 

• cefradine is bactericidal, killing susceptible bacteria rather than inhibiting their growth. 
• By disrupting the bacterial cell wall, cefradine weakens the cell’s structure, making it more susceptible to osmotic pressure changes, leading to cell lysis and bacterial death. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

cefradine is administered orally and is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. 

Distribution 

It is distributed widely in the body tissues, including the respiratory tract, soft tissues and the skin. 

Metabolism 

cefradine is minimally metabolized in the liver. 

Elimination and Excretion 

The majority of cefradine is excreted unchanged in the urine.

Adminstartion

Administration: 

• Dosage varies based on the infection and patient factors, so follow your healthcare provider’s prescription. 
• Take cefradine with a full glass of water, usually with or after meals. 
• Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication. 
• Patients with kidney issues may require dosage adjustments. 
• Avoid interactions with certain foods and drugs; consult your healthcare provider for guidance. 
• Store cefradine as directed on the medication packaging. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: cefradine 

Pronounced as: sef-rah-deen 

Why do we use cefradine? 

cefradine is a cephalosporin antibiotic used for the treatment of various bacterial infections. It is effective against a range of both Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria. Here are common reasons why cefradine is used: 

• Respiratory Tract Infections: cefradine can be prescribed to treat respiratory tract infections, such as pharyngitis (sore throat) and tonsillitis, caused by susceptible bacteria like Streptococcus pyogenes. 
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: It is used for skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including cellulitis, wound infections, and furuncles (boils). 
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): cefradine is sometimes prescribed to treat urinary tract infections that occurs due to susceptible bacteria like Escherichia coli. 
• Gastrointestinal Infections: In some cases, it may be used to treat certain bacterial gastroenteritis infections. 
• Prophylaxis: cefradine can be used prophylactically before surgical procedures to prevent postoperative infections.