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Cephradine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 3, 2022.

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

Gastrointestinal

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]

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]

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]

References

1. Sankarankutty M, McGeorge D, Galasko CS "Pseudomembranous colitis following cephradine prophylaxis." Postgrad Med J 58 (1982): 726-8

2. Klinger D, Radford P, Collin J "Pneumoperitoneum without faecal peritonitis in a patient with pseudomembranous colitis." Br Med J 288 (1984): 1271-2

3. Roberts AP, Hughes AW "Complications with antibiotics used prophylactically in joint replacement surgery." Int Orthop 8 (1985): 299-301

4. Cannon SR, Dyson PH, Sanderson PJ "Pseudomembranous colitis associated with antibiotic prophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery." J Bone Joint Surg Br 70-B (1988): 600-2

5. "Product Information. Velosef (cephradine)." Apothecon Inc (2002):

6. Kalb RE, Grossman ME "Pustular eruption following administration of cephradine." Cutis 38 (1986): 58-60

7. Filipe P, Almeida RSLS, Rodrigo FG "Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from cephalosporins." Contact Dermatitis 34 (1996): 226

8. Lawson A, McArdle T, Ghosh S "Cephradine-associated immune neutrophenia." N Engl J Med 312 (1985): 651

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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