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Cephradine: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Respiratory Tract Infections Cephradine is an established treatment for susceptible upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including pharyngitis, tonsillitis, otitis media and more.

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About Cephradine

Indications of Cephradine

Respiratory Tract Infections

Cephradine is an established treatment for susceptible upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including pharyngitis, tonsillitis, otitis media, and lobar pneumonia caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci), Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains), and Haemophilus influenzae. For streptococcal pharyngitis/tonsillitis, penicillin or amoxicillin remain the guideline-preferred first-line agents; Cephradine is an alternative for patients who cannot take a penicillin for reasons other than immediate/severe (anaphylactic-type) hypersensitivity.

Skin and Skin Structure Infections

Cephradine is an established treatment for uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible staphylococci and streptococci.

Urinary Tract Infections

Cephradine is an established treatment for uncomplicated and, at higher doses, complicated urinary tract infections, including cystitis and prostatitis, caused by susceptible organisms such as Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Bone and Joint Infections

Cephradine has guideline- and practice-supported use as a treatment option for susceptible bone and joint infections, generally as a narrower-spectrum alternative once causative organism and susceptibility are known; it is not typically first-line empiric therapy for serious bone/joint infection.

Perioperative (Surgical) Prophylaxis

The injectable form of Cephradine is used as an adjunct, short-course perioperative antibiotic to reduce the risk of postoperative infection in contaminated or potentially contaminated surgery; it is given as prophylaxis around the time of surgery rather than as prolonged treatment, consistent with antibiotic stewardship principles.

Cephradine is not effective against methicillin-resistant staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, most Enterococcus species, or viral, fungal, or parasitic infections, and should be reserved for infections known or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.

Dosage & Administration of Cephradine

The dose, frequency, and duration of Cephradine vary by indication, patient age, weight, and kidney function, and must be individualized by a qualified healthcare professional. Antibiotic stewardship is essential: take Cephradine exactly as prescribed by your physician; do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share Cephradine with others without medical advice, even if symptoms improve before the course is finished.

IndicationAdult DosePediatric Dose (over 9 months)
Respiratory tract and skin/soft tissue infections250–500 mg every 6 hours, or 500 mg–1 g every 12 hours25–50 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 6–12 hours
Lobar pneumonia500 mg every 6 hours, or 1 g every 12 hours25–50 mg/kg/day in divided doses
Otitis mediaNot typically an adult indication75–100 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 6–12 hours (not to exceed 4 g/day)
Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (cystitis)500 mg every 12 hours25–50 mg/kg/day in divided doses
Complicated urinary tract infection / prostatitis500 mg every 6 hours, or 1 g every 12 hoursNot established
Injectable (moderate to severe infections)2–4 g/day in divided doses (up to 8 g/day in life-threatening infection, by IM or slow IV)50–100 mg/kg/day in divided doses (up to 300 mg/kg/day in severe infection, under close medical supervision)
Perioperative surgical prophylaxis (injectable)1–2 g given shortly before surgery, as a short courseNot established

For streptococcal pharyngitis/tonsillitis, treatment with Cephradine should continue for at least 10 days to reduce the risk of rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. For most other infections, Cephradine is generally continued for at least 48–72 hours after the patient becomes asymptomatic or evidence of bacterial eradication is obtained (see Duration of Treatment). Dosing of Cephradine must be reduced in patients with renal impairment (see Use in Special Populations).

Side Effects of Cephradine

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal disturbances
  • Abdominal discomfort or loss of appetite
  • Mild skin rash, itching, or urticaria
  • Vaginal itching or discharge (candidal vaginitis)

Less Common Side Effects

  • Glossitis (tongue inflammation) and oral thrush
  • Headache or dizziness
  • Mild, transient changes in blood counts (e.g., eosinophilia, leukopenia)

Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Attention)

  • Severe or persistent watery or bloody diarrhea, which may indicate Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea or colitis — see Precautions and Warnings
  • Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or widespread hives — see Precautions and Warnings
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or unusual tiredness, which may indicate liver involvement
  • Unusual bruising, bleeding, persistent sore throat, fever, or pallor, which may rarely indicate a blood disorder
  • Signs of kidney problems such as decreased urination or swelling, particularly with prolonged or high-dose use

Contraindications of Cephradine

Cephradine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Cephradine or to any other cephalosporin-class antibiotic.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cephradine

What is Cephradine used for?

Cephradine is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms, including respiratory tract infections (such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, otitis media, and pneumonia), skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, and certain bone and joint infections. Cephradine does not treat viral infections such as the common cold or flu.

What is the usual dose of Cephradine?

For most adult infections taken by mouth, Cephradine is typically given as 250–500 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg–1 g every 12 hours; children over 9 months are usually dosed at 25–50 mg/kg/day in divided doses, with higher doses used for otitis media. The exact dose, frequency, and duration of Cephradine depend on the specific infection, the patient's age, weight, and kidney function, and should always be determined by a qualified healthcare professional.

Can I stop taking Cephradine once I feel better?

No. You should take Cephradine exactly as prescribed by your physician and complete the full course, even if your symptoms improve early. Stopping Cephradine too soon, skipping doses, or sharing it with others can allow the infection to return or worsen and contributes to antibiotic resistance; for streptococcal throat infections in particular, a full 10-day course of Cephradine is needed to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever.

Is Cephradine safe if I am allergic to penicillin?

Cephradine belongs to the cephalosporin family, which is chemically related to penicillins, and cross-reactivity can occur. Cephradine should be avoided in patients with a history of a severe or immediate allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis, hives, or breathing difficulty) to a penicillin, and used with caution in patients with milder penicillin allergy history, under medical supervision. Always tell your doctor about any past drug allergies before starting Cephradine.

Can Cephradine be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Cephradine is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category B and is generally considered an acceptable antibiotic option during pregnancy when clearly needed and no suitable alternative exists, but it should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk, under a physician's guidance. Cephradine passes into breast milk in small amounts, so it should be used with caution while breastfeeding, and the infant should be watched for diarrhea or thrush; consult your doctor before use in either situation.

What are the common side effects of Cephradine?

The most common side effects of Cephradine are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and mild skin rash. Less commonly, Cephradine can cause vaginal itching or discharge, oral thrush, or mild changes in blood counts. Severe or persistent diarrhea, signs of a severe allergic reaction, or yellowing of the skin or eyes while taking Cephradine should be reported to a doctor immediately; see the Side Effects section above for full details.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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