SKU	200
Generic For	Duricef
Strength	500mg
Manufacturer	Lupin
Active Ingredient	Cefadroxil

Product Description

Odoxil 500mg (Cefadroxil) – Affordable Duricef Alternative

Onoxil 500 mg is a first-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic drug. It belongs to a class of cephalosporins, one of the major classes, and a subgroup of beta-lactam antibiotics derived from fungus Cephalosporium or Acremonium. Cefadroxil has a broad antimicrobial spectrum against gram, and gram- microorganisms. Cefadroxil is the main substance contained in the Onoxil 500 mg tablets.

What is Onoxil 500 mg used for?

Onoxil 500 mg is indicated in the following conditions:

Strep throat
Skin infections
Urinary tract infections

How does Onoxil 500 mg work?

The drug acts on specific penicillin-binding protein, and stops the bacterial cell wall formation. Onoxil 500 mg interferes with the later stages of bacterial cell wall, and interrupts the cross-linking of the peptidoglycan structure. The drug has an active role in the activation of bacterial cell autolysis process contributing bacterial cell lysis.

Precautions

What medications interact with Onoxil 500 mg?

Avoid consuming Onoxil 500 mg, if you are taking the medicines that are given below:

Birth control pills
Anticoagulant drugs
Probenecid used to treat gout
Cholestyramine

You should avoid Onoxil 500 mg in the following conditions:

If you are hypersensitive to the drug, or its components
If you are a woman of childbearing potential. You should discuss the positives and negatives of taking Cefadroxil, at the time of pregnancy
If you are a nursing women. Breastfeeding women are advised not to take Cefadroxil as it may pass into the breast milk and harm the nursing baby

Talk to your doctor before taking Onoxil 500 mg:

If you are suffering from kidney diseases
If you are suffering from colitis
If you are suffering from diabetes mellitus
If you have a history of dry eye problems
If you are suffering from glaucoma

General

The administration of Cefadroxil stops the working of oral typhoid vaccine so avoid taking both the medicines together.
Be careful while giving Cefadroxil to an elderly patient.
Do not forget to see the expiry date of the product.
Store the tablets in a dry place and out of the direct light.
It should be stored at a room temperature.
Place the medicine away from infants.
Do not share your medicines with your near and dear ones.
Always keep the written record of your medications.
Always keep the tablets in its original pack only.

Dosage Instructions

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Onoxil 500 mg?

Like other medicines, Onoxil 500mg may cause adverse effects. Seek medical attention, in case the given troubles arise:

Vomiting
Flu
Stiffness of joints and muscles
Rashes
Nausea
Hives
Chills
Fever
Stiffed muscles and joints
Stomach problems
Discharge from the vagina
Painful sores
Bloody diarrhea
Appearance of rashes on the skin
Swelling of the glands
Yellowing of the skin and eyes
Mild itching

How to Use

Infographics

FAQ

What is Odoxil 500mg used for?

Odoxil 500mg is the standard adult-strength cefadroxil capsule. It is prescribed to treat a wide range of bacterial infections in adults including throat and tonsil infections (streptococcal pharyngitis/tonsillitis), skin and soft tissue infections (cellulitis, infected wounds, impetigo), and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cefadroxil at 500mg is particularly convenient because it can often be taken just once or twice a day, rather than the more frequent dosing required by many other antibiotics, making it easier to maintain a consistent schedule.

Who should not take Odoxil 500mg?

Odoxil 500mg is not suitable for anyone with a known allergy to cefadroxil, cephalosporin antibiotics, or a severe allergy to penicillin. Patients with significantly reduced kidney function will need a dose reduction or a longer interval between doses, as cefadroxil is primarily excreted through the kidneys. Older adults with reduced kidney function should have their kidney function checked before starting this antibiotic. Always inform your doctor about any known drug allergies and other health conditions before starting a new antibiotic.

What is the standard dosing for Odoxil 500mg in adults?

For most infections, the typical adult dose is 500mg to 1000mg (one to two capsules) taken once or twice daily. For uncomplicated urinary tract infections, a single daily dose of 1–2g is often sufficient. For skin infections and strep throat, the dose is usually 1g per day, taken either as a single dose or split into two 500mg doses 12 hours apart. Treatment typically lasts 7 to 10 days. Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding dose and duration, and complete the full course prescribed.

Can Odoxil 500mg be taken with food or drink?

Yes — cefadroxil can be taken with or without food, as food does not significantly affect how well it is absorbed. This makes it very flexible compared to some antibiotics that must be taken on an empty stomach. Taking it with a meal or a small snack is a good option if you experience nausea or stomach discomfort. Swallow the capsule with a full glass of water. Avoid alcohol during the course of treatment, as it can worsen some side effects and slow your recovery.

Is Odoxil 500mg safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Cefadroxil 500mg is used in pregnancy when the doctor determines that antibiotic treatment is medically necessary and this is the most appropriate choice. It passes into breast milk in small amounts but is not generally considered harmful to a healthy nursing infant at standard doses. As with any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding, the decision to use it should be made in consultation with your doctor, who will weigh the benefits of treating your infection against any theoretical risk to the baby.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Odoxil 500mg?

There is no serious direct interaction between cefadroxil and alcohol, but drinking alcohol when taking antibiotics for an active infection is not recommended. Alcohol can weaken your immune system, disrupt your sleep, cause dehydration (which is harmful when fighting infection), and worsen certain side effects like nausea or diarrhoea. For best results, avoid alcohol entirely while taking the antibiotic and for a couple of days after completing the course, until you feel fully recovered.

How does Odoxil 500mg compare to cephalexin (Phexin)?

Cefadroxil and cephalexin are both first-generation cephalosporins with similar antibacterial activity and are used for many of the same types of infections. The key practical difference is dosing frequency: cefadroxil (Odoxil) can usually be taken once or twice daily, while cephalexin (Phexin) needs to be taken three to four times a day. This makes cefadroxil easier to manage for most patients. Both antibiotics are similarly effective for skin, throat, and urinary tract infections. Your doctor will choose based on your specific infection and circumstances.

What happens if I miss a dose of Odoxil 500mg?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double up. With once-daily dosing, try to take the capsule at the same time every day — linking it to a fixed part of your daily routine (such as with your morning or evening meal) makes it easier to remember. Consistent antibiotic levels in the bloodstream are key to clearing the infection effectively and preventing resistance.

Does Odoxil 500mg interact with other medicines?

Cefadroxil can increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, so INR (blood clotting) monitoring may be needed if taken together. Probenecid (a gout medicine) blocks the kidney excretion of cefadroxil, raising its blood levels — this is usually not a problem but should be noted. Loop diuretics (water tablets like furosemide) may add to the risk of kidney effects. Cefadroxil does not significantly interact with the oral contraceptive pill, unlike some other antibiotics. Always share a full medication list with your doctor or pharmacist.

Why is completing the full 7–10 day course of Odoxil 500mg important?

Completing the full course is essential because — particularly for streptococcal throat infections — stopping early can allow the bacteria to regrow and the infection to relapse. More importantly, incomplete treatment of strep throat increases the risk of post-infectious complications, including rheumatic fever (which can damage the heart valves) and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (a kidney condition). Even if you feel completely well after 3–4 days, continue taking every capsule to the end of the course as prescribed.

What are the common side effects of cefadroxil?

The most common side effects of cefadroxil are gastrointestinal — nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach discomfort. These are typically mild and manageable, and taking doses with food can significantly reduce them. Oral or vaginal thrush (yeast infections caused by disruption of the body's normal bacterial balance) can occur with cefadroxil, as with any antibiotic. A mild skin rash is also reported by some people, and this should always be shown to a doctor to rule out a true allergic reaction rather than a simple sensitivity.

Which side effects of cefadroxil are serious and need prompt attention?

Seek urgent medical help if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction — a suddenly spreading rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, wheezing or difficulty breathing, or dizziness. Severe, watery, or bloody diarrhoea (especially if accompanied by severe cramping) during or after the antibiotic course may signal a C. difficile gut infection — stop the antibiotic and contact your doctor. Unusual bruising, persistent fatigue, very dark urine, or significant reduction in urine output should also be reported promptly to your doctor.

Odoxil 500mg