Description

Cefadroxil is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It belongs to the beta-lactam class of antibiotics, which are known for their broad-spectrum activity against various bacteria. Cefadroxil is a semi-synthetic drug that is administered orally. A key characteristic of cefadroxil is its long duration of action, which allows for once or twice-daily dosing, improving patient adherence compared to other antibiotics with more frequent dosing schedules.

Indications

Cefadroxil is used to treat a variety of mild to moderate bacterial infections. Its main indications include:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Such as cystitis, pyelonephritis, and urethritis, caused by susceptible strains of bacteria.
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Such as impetigo, cellulitis, and erysipelas, caused by susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

• Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis: Infections of the throat and tonsils, caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus pyogenes.

• Other infections: In some cases, it may be used to treat other infections like otitis media (ear infections).

Mechanism of Action

Cefadroxil, like other beta-lactam antibiotics, works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Its mechanism of action is as follows:

1. Bacterial Cell Wall Synthesis: Bacteria require a rigid cell wall, made of a polymer called peptidoglycan, for structural integrity and survival. The final stage of this synthesis involves a cross-linking process carried out by enzymes called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs).

2. Beta-Lactam Ring: The key feature of cefadroxil is its beta-lactam ring. This ring has a similar structure to the D-alanyl-D-alanine portion of the peptidoglycan precursor.
3. Inhibition of PBPs: Cefadroxil acts by binding to and inhibiting these PBPs. By binding to the active site of the enzymes, it prevents them from cross-linking the peptidoglycan strands.
4. Resulting Effect: This inhibition leads to the formation of a weak and defective bacterial cell wall. The weakened wall cannot withstand the internal osmotic pressure of the bacterium, causing the cell to swell and burst, a process known as lysis. This leads to bacterial cell death, making cefadroxil a bactericidal (bacteria-killing) antibiotic.