SKU	199
Generic For	Duricef
Strength	250 mg
Manufacturer	Lupin
Active Ingredient	Cefadroxil

Product Description

Odoxil 250mg (Cefadroxil) – Affordable Duricef Alternative

Odoxil 250mg is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by certain bacteria in the urinary tract, throat, lungs, and skin. Such antibacterial medicines treat only bacterial infections. These should not be used to treat viral infections. Odoxil can treat various sorts of infections:

Chest infections such as bronchitis and some types of pneumonia
Throat infections (pharyngitis or tonsillitis)
Infections in the skin and the layers just under the skin
Uncomplicated infections of the kidneys and bladder

This medicine contains the active ingredient Cefadroxil 250mg, an antibiotic that belongs to a class of medicines known as cephalosporins. This class of medications works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection.

Precautions

Odoxil 250mg is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the cephalosporin class antibiotic medicines and other ingredients in the medicine. It should also be avoided in case of a severe allergic reaction to any penicillin antibiotic. Not everyone hypersensitive to penicillin is also hypersensitive to cephalosporins. However, it is recommended to avoid taking this medicine if you have ever had a severe hypersensitivity reaction to any penicillin. This is because you might also be hypersensitive to this medicine.

Take special care with this antibacterial medicine if:

You have ever been told by a healthcare provider that your kidneys do not work very well? Also, you are receiving any treatment, including dialysis, for kidney failure. A low dose of cephadroxil may be recommended.
You have ever had colitis (inflammation of the bowel) or any other severe disease affecting your gut.
This antibiotic medicine can affect the results of some blood tests. It is important to tell your healthcare provider that you are taking this medicine if you need to undergo any of these tests.
You are being treated with Odoxil for a prolonged period. Your healthcare professional will check your blood regularly. Infections due to cefadroxil resistance may develop.
This antibacterial medicine can also alter the results of urine tests for sugar. So, it is important to tell your healthcare provider about diabetes and routinely test your urine.

Odoxil 250mg should be used with caution in the presence of impaired kidney function. If the medicine is to be used as long-term treatment, kidney and renal functions should be monitored periodically. The safety of this antibacterial agent in treating infections during pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, the use of Cefadroxil during pregnancy is not suggested. If, in the opinion of the healthcare provider, the use of this antibacterial medicine is necessary, its use requires that the benefits be weighed against the possible harm to the fetus. The antibiotic medicine is excreted in breast milk and, therefore, would be ingested by the infant during breastfeeding. A nursing mother using Odoxil should discontinue breastfeeding.

Dosage Instructions

Side Effects

Side effects of Odoxil 250 mg

Like all medicines, this antibiotic medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

If these serious side effects occur, discontinue treatment and inform your healthcare provider immediately, or go to the emergency department. Severe allergic reactions to this medicine can include:

Sudden wheezing and tightness of the chest
Loss of consciousness
Swelling of eyelids, face, or lips
Severe skin rashes that can appear as blisters and may involve the eyes, mouth, throat, and genitals.

All the above allergic reactions require urgent medical attention. If you think you develop any of these infections, discontinue treatment and contact your healthcare professional.

Commonly reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, a swollen, red, sore tongue, and diarrhoea. If you have diarrhoea or if you see blood in your diarrhoea, immediately stop taking the medicine and seek immediate medical help.

How to Use

Your doctor will tell you how many Odoxil tablets to take. Depending on your condition, your dose may be 2 to 4 tablets a day. Odoxil is available as a dispersible tablet. The tablet disperses immediately in the mouth and may be taken before or after food. Taking this antibacterial medicine with food may help reduce intestinal problems. Although you may feel better even after a few days of receiving Cefadroxil, it is important to finish the course.

Note: Misuse or overuse should be avoided, as doing so can lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by Cefadroxil (resistance). This means the antibiotic medicine may not work for you in future.

The antibiotic treatment should be continued for at least 2 to 3 days after acute symptoms have been resolved. Generally, in the case of streptococcal infections, the minimum treatment duration should be ten days. It is important to take an antibiotic in accordance with the healthcare provider. Avoid sudden treatment discontinuation without discussing it with your healthcare professional. Otherwise, symptoms of infection may return.

Infographics

FAQ

What is Odoxil 250mg used for?

Odoxil 250mg contains cefadroxil, a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, at the 250mg strength — typically prescribed for older children or small adults. It is effective against bacterial infections including streptococcal throat and tonsil infections, skin infections (such as infected cuts, impetigo, and cellulitis — an infection of the deeper skin layers), and urinary tract infections. The 250mg strength is commonly the bridge between the infant dose and the full adult dose.

Who should avoid taking Odoxil 250mg?

Odoxil 250mg should not be taken by individuals with a known allergy to cefadroxil, other cephalosporins, or penicillin antibiotics. Patients with severe kidney impairment need dose adjustments, as cefadroxil is cleared through the kidneys — your doctor will check your kidney function and adjust the dose accordingly. Anyone who has ever experienced anaphylaxis (a severe, sudden whole-body allergic reaction) to any antibiotic should inform their doctor before starting any new antibacterial treatment.

What is the standard dosing for Odoxil 250mg?

For older children, the typical dose of Odoxil 250mg is calculated based on body weight. For children in the range where 250mg is appropriate, the doctor will advise the number of doses per day. The twice-daily (every 12 hours) regimen is one of cefadroxil's advantages over many antibiotics that need to be taken three or four times daily, making it more convenient for families to maintain a consistent schedule. Treatment typically lasts 7 to 10 days for most infections.

Can Odoxil 250mg be taken with food?

Yes — Odoxil 250mg can be taken with or without food. Cefadroxil's absorption from the gut is not significantly affected by the presence of food. Taking it with a meal is a good option if you or your child experiences stomach upset or nausea with the medicine. Whether given just before a meal, with a meal, or on an empty stomach, the antibiotic reaches effective levels in the blood and at the site of infection regardless.

Is Odoxil 250mg safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Cefadroxil has been used during pregnancy when a doctor determines that treatment is necessary and the benefits outweigh any risks. It passes into breast milk in small amounts but is generally not considered harmful to a breastfed infant at normal doses. As with all medications in pregnancy and breastfeeding, medical supervision is important. Your doctor will evaluate the safest option for treating your infection and confirm whether cefadroxil or an alternative is most appropriate for your situation.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Odoxil 250mg?

There is no direct dangerous interaction between cefadroxil and alcohol. However, alcohol can suppress immune function, worsen dehydration, and interfere with quality sleep — all of which can slow your recovery from a bacterial infection. For children, this question is naturally not relevant. For adults or teenagers taking this strength, it is sensible to limit alcohol during the antibiotic course to give the treatment the best possible chance of working effectively.

How does Odoxil 250mg compare to amoxicillin for treating throat infections?

Both cefadroxil and amoxicillin are commonly used for streptococcal throat infections, but they belong to different antibiotic families. Cefadroxil (a cephalosporin) is sometimes preferred when there is concern about penicillin-resistant streptococcal infections or when a patient has a mild penicillin sensitivity. Both have been shown to be effective for treating strep throat, but cefadroxil's advantage is that it can be taken just once or twice a day, compared to amoxicillin which is typically taken three times daily. Your doctor will choose based on your individual circumstances.

What happens if a dose of Odoxil 250mg is missed?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Never take two doses at once to compensate for a missed one. With twice-daily dosing, try to maintain roughly equal spacing between doses — for example, 8am and 8pm — to keep antibiotic levels steady in the bloodstream. If you find it difficult to remember, a phone alarm or keeping the antibiotic next to something used at the same time daily (like a toothbrush) can help.

Can Odoxil 250mg treat ear infections?

Cefadroxil is sometimes used for mild ear infections caused by susceptible bacteria, but it is less commonly prescribed as a first choice for acute otitis media (middle ear infection) compared to antibiotics like amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate, which have broader coverage of the bacteria most commonly responsible. Your doctor will assess the type and severity of the ear infection and decide which antibiotic provides the best coverage. If the infection does not improve within a couple of days of starting any antibiotic, a review is important.

Does Odoxil 250mg interact with other medicines?

Cefadroxil may interact with anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin, potentially increasing their effect and raising the risk of bleeding. Probenecid can raise cefadroxil levels in the blood by reducing how quickly the kidneys clear it. Loop diuretics (water tablets such as furosemide) may increase the risk of kidney effects when used alongside cefadroxil. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you or your child are taking before starting cefadroxil.

What are the common side effects of cefadroxil?

Digestive side effects are the most common — nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and diarrhoea. These are generally mild and improve as the course progresses or after the antibiotic is finished. Taking doses with food can help reduce stomach-related effects. Some people develop a mild skin rash, which should be reported to a doctor to determine whether it is a true allergy or simply a sensitivity reaction. Oral or vaginal thrush (yeast overgrowth) can occur as antibiotics alter the natural microbial balance of the body.

Which side effects of cefadroxil need urgent medical attention?

Seek immediate care if a severe allergic reaction develops — signs include rapidly spreading hives or rash, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or dizziness. Severe diarrhoea (especially watery or bloody) during or after the antibiotic course may indicate C. difficile infection and requires prompt evaluation. In rare cases, cefadroxil can affect blood cells — unusual bruising, persistent fatigue, or signs of anaemia should be reported to your doctor. Reduced urine output or ankle swelling may indicate kidney involvement and also warrants prompt medical review.

Odoxil 250 mg