Cefadroxil Chemical Structure and Clinical Implications

Introduction to Cefadroxil

Cefadroxil shares its R1 side chain (amino(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetyl) with amoxicillin, which is responsible for potential cross-reactivity between cefadroxil and amoxicillin in patients with penicillin allergies, according to the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1
Cefadroxil is classified as an "aminocephalosporin" due to its side chain structure, as stated by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1

Cross-reactivity with penicillins varies from 16.45% (95% CI: 11.07-23.75) for aminocephalosporins like cefadroxil to 2.11% (95% CI: 0.98-4.46) for cephalosporins with different side chains, as reported by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1
Cefazolin has a unique side chain structure with very low cross-reactivity with penicillins, according to the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1
Ceftibuten also has unique side chains that make cross-reactions with penicillins exceedingly rare, as stated by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1

Cefadroxil is grouped with cephalexin, cefprozil, and cefaclor as sharing similar R1 side chains, according to the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1