Cephradine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 30, 2025.

Applies to cephradine: oral capsule, oral powder for reconstitution.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to cephradine, or to similar antibiotics such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and others.

Before using cephradine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have kidney disease, diabetes, or a history of intestinal problems.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cephradine is usually given for up to 3 days after lab tests show that the infection has cleared. Very severe infections may need to be treated for several weeks.

Cephradine will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking cephradine: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• tightness in your chest;

• unusual bleeding;

• seizure (convulsions);

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or

• increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects of cephradine may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, mild diarrhea;

• stiff or tight muscles;

• joint pain;

• dizziness;

• feeling restless or hyperactive;

• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;

• mild itching or skin rash; or

• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to cephradine: oral capsule, oral powder for reconstitution.

Gastrointestinal adverse events

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and are among the most common side effects associated with cephradine. Several cases of pseudomembranous colitis associated with the use of cephradine have been reported.^[Ref]

Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported in patients receiving cephradine both orally and intravenously. Diarrhea generally starts 1 to 16 days after starting cephradine therapy. If the diarrhea is unresponsive to discontinuation of the drug and/or standard therapy, a diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis should be considered.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions have included rash, urticaria, pruritus, and joint pain.^[Ref]

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included transient and mild eosinophilia, neutropenia and leukopenia.^[Ref]

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included transient elevations of SGOT, SGPT, and bilirubin. Hepatocellular damage has not been reported.^[Ref]

Renal

Renal side effects associated with some cephalosporins have included interstitial nephritis. (Reversible fever, azotemia, pyuria, and eosinophilia are the hallmarks of cephalosporin-induced interstitial nephritis.)^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included vaginal yeast infections.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included dizziness.^[Ref]

Other

Other side effects have included chest tightness.^[Ref]

Further information

Cephradine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

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