Registered Malawi · PMRA

CEFRIL 125MG/5ML SUSPENSION

CEPHRADINE

PMPB/PL6/3 SUSPENSION antiinfectives for systemic use INN generic

What it does

Cephradine is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria.

Commonly used for: bacterial infections, respiratory tract infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections

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Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.

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Registration & product details

Registration no.
PMPB/PL6/3
Registration date
08/03/2001
Expiry date
30/06/2001
Status
Registered
Active ingredient
CEPHRADINE
Dosage form
SUSPENSION
Strength
-
Pack size
-
Therapeutic class
-
ATC class (WHO)
J01DB - First-generation cephalosporins
RxNorm RxCUI
2239
Manufacturer / MAH
-
Applicant / LTR
-
Country of origin
-

Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:46 · updated 2026-09-19 04:30:23

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (Malawi). Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication.

About this medicine

Cephradine is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria.

What it treats

  • bacterial infections
  • respiratory tract infections
  • skin infections
  • urinary tract infections

How it works

Cephradine works by stopping the growth of bacteria, helping the body to fight off the infection.

Who it's for

Cephradine is suitable for adults and children who have certain bacterial infections.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

Clinical monograph: cephradine

BNF-referenced

Cefradine is a first generation cephalosporin antibiotic, structurally related to penicillin, and primarily used for the treatment of various bacterial infections. It possesses a spectrum of activity similar to Cefalexin, targeting both gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria. Cefradine is effective due to its ability to inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it suitable for treating infections caused by susceptible organisms.

Indications

  • Bacterial infections of the respiratory tract
  • Skin and soft tissue infections
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Bone infections
  • Otitis media

Dosage

Children: For children aged 1 month and older, the usual dosage is 25 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg daily in divided doses every 8 hours, not exceeding 1 g daily

Adults: The usual adult dosage is 500 mg to 1 g every 8 hours, depending on the severity of the infection. For severe infections, higher doses may be required.

Mechanism of action

Cefradine binds to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located within the bacterial cell wall, inhibiting the third and final stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis. This inhibition leads to cell lysis, which is further facilitated by bacterial autolytic enzymes such as autolysins. It is suggested that Cefradine may also interfere with an autolysin inhibitor, enhancing its bactericidal effect.

Pharmacodynamics

As a beta-lactam antibiotic, Cefradine exhibits bactericidal activity against a range of bacteria, particularly those that are susceptible to first generation cephalosporins. Its effectiveness is largely due to its ability to disrupt the integrity of the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell death. The antibiotic is generally more effective against gram-positive organisms, with moderate activity against gram-negative bacteria.

Pharmacokinetics

Cefradine is absorbed well after oral administration, with bioavailability typically around 90%. It reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1 to 2 hours. The drug is distributed throughout the body, including in tissues and body fluids. Cefradine is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, with approximately 60% to 80% of a dose excreted unchanged in the urine. The half-life ranges from 1 to 2 hours, depending on renal function.

Adverse effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash
  • Allergic reactions
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Nephrotoxicity

Interactions

  • Probenecid may increase the plasma levels of cephradine
  • Increased risk of nephrotoxicity when used with aminoglycosides

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with a history of penicillin allergy
  • Monitor renal function in patients with existing renal impairment
  • Use cautiously in patients with gastrointestinal disease

Pregnancy

Cephradine is classified as category B. Animal reproduction studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus, but there are no adequate studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed.

Breast-feeding

Cephradine is excreted in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to nursing mothers.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

  • Capsules: 250 mg, 500 mg
  • Powder for oral suspension: 125 mg/5 mL, 250 mg/5 mL

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Molecular reference: cephradine

PubChem CID 38103

Molecular formula: C16H19N3O4S

Mechanism of action

Cefradine is a first generation cephalosporin antibiotic with a spectrum of activity similar to Cefalexin. Cefradine, like the penicillins, is a beta-lactam antibiotic. By binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, it inhibits the third and last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cell lysis is then mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes such as autolysins; it is possible that Cefradine interferes with an autolysin inhibitor. Cephalosporins and cephamycins inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis in a manner similar to that of penicillin. /Cephalosporins/ The first generation cephalosporins ... have activity against gram positive bacteria and relatively modest activity against gram negative microorganisms. /Cephalosporins/

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.

This drug in other countries

The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.