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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-.

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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet].

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Cefadroxil

Last Revision: January 18, 2021.

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

CASRN: 50370-12-2

image 135000887 in the ncbi pubchem database

Drug Levels and Effects

Summary of Use during Lactation

Limited information indicates that cefadroxil produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant's gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Cefadroxil is acceptable in nursing mothers.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. After a single 500 mg oral dose of cefadroxil in 5 women, peak milk levels ranged from 0.6 to 0.9 mg/L. Peak levels occurred from 5 to 6 hours after the dose with an average of 0.65 mg/L at 5 hours and 0.68 mg/L at 6 hours after the dose.[1]

After a single 1 gram oral dose of cefadroxil in 6 women who were 2 days postpartum, peak levels occurred 6 to 7 hours after the dose and averaged 1.83 mg/L (range 1.2 to 2.4 mg/L).[2]

After a single 500 mg oral dose of cefadroxil in 2 or 3 women, peak milk levels of 0.4 mg/L occurred 4 hours after the dose.[3]

In all of the above studies, cefadroxil was undetectable in most women's milk for the first hour after the dose.

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

References

1.
Takase Z, Shirafuji H, Uchida M. Experimental and clinical studies of cefadroxil in the treatment of infections in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Chemotherapy (Tokyo). 1980;28 Suppl 2:424–31.
2.
Kafetzis DA, Siafas CA, Georgakopoulos PA, et al. Passage of cephalosporins and amoxicillin into the breast milk. Acta Paediatr Scand. 1981;70:285–8. [PubMed: 7246123]
3.
Matsuda S. Transfer of antibiotics into maternal milk. Biol Res Pregnancy. 1984;5:57-60.. [PubMed: 6743732]

Substance Identification

Substance Name

Cefadroxil

CAS Registry Number

50370-12-2

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Anti-Infective Agents

Antibacterial Agents

Cephalosporins

Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.

Copyright Notice

Attribution Statement: LactMed is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Bookshelf ID: NBK501292PMID: 30000351

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