Cephalexin

Generical name: cephalexin
Drug class: First-generation cephalosporins

Brand name

In the U.S.

• Bio-Cef
• Keflex
• Panixine DisperDose

Available Dosage Forms:

• Capsule
• Tablet
• Powder for Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic

Pharmacologic Class: 1st Generation Cephalosporin

Cephalexin is used in a variety of ways.

Cephalexin helps treat infections caused by bacteria that affect numerous organs. It belongs to the category of drugs known as cephalosporin antibiotics. It kills bacteria or delays their growth. However, it does not treat colds, flu or any other viruses¹.

Cephalexin is only available on the prescription of your physician.

Before taking cephalexin, be sure to consult your doctor.

In making a decision to use a medication, the potential risks of using the medication must be evaluated against the good it will bring. This is a choice that both you and your physician will take. Cephalexin is a drug that has many uses. must be taken into consideration:

Allergies

Inform your doctor If you’ve ever experienced an unusual reaction or allergy to cephalexin or other medications. Inform your health care specialist if you suffer from any other allergies, like to dyes, food preservatives, animals, or other substances. For products that are not prescription-only, you must review the label or the ingredient list carefully.

Pediatric

Studies that are appropriate up to now have not yet revealed specific problems for children that could restrict the use of cephalexin for children.

Geriatric

Studies that are appropriate up to now haven’t revealed specific geriatric issues that could hinder the effectiveness of cephalexin for the older. However, patients who are elderly have a higher likelihood to suffer from kidney diseases that are related to age, and this might require caution and adjustment to the dosage for those who are taking cephalexin.

Breastfeeding

Women’s studies suggest it poses no risk to babies while breastfeeding.

Interactions between medicines

Certain medicines shouldn’t be combined in any way In other instances, two medicines can be combined even though there is a chance of interaction. In these instances, your doctor might want to alter the dosage or make other precautions needed. If you’re taking cephalexin, it’s crucial that you let your doctor knows that there are any drugs that are listed below. The following interactions were determined based on their potential importance and may not be all-inclusive.

Cephalexin in conjunction in conjunction with any of these medications is generally not advised, however it may be required in certain instances. If the two medications are prescribed in conjunction the doctor could alter the dosage or frequency you take one or both of the drugs.

• Cholera Vaccine, Live
• Probenecid
• Warfarin

Utilizing cephalexin together with any of the following medications can result in an increased risk of some adverse effects, however, having both medicines in combination could be the most beneficial option for you. If both medications are prescribed in conjunction and your doctor recommends a change in the dose or the frequency you take either or both drugs.

• Cholestyramine

Interactions with alcohol/food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medications shouldn’t be used during or in conjunction with taking food, or eating specific kinds of food, as interactions can happen. Smoking or drinking alcohol in conjunction together with certain medications can result in interactions. Discuss with your physician the interaction of your medication when you are taking it with alcohol, food, or tobacco.

Other medical issues

The presence of medical conditions can influence the effectiveness of cephalexin. Be sure to inform your physician if you suffer from any other medical issues including:

• History of Colitis (inflammation in the gut), Diarrhoea, serious, 
• Seizures history – Use with care. Could make these conditions more severe.

• Kidney disease 
• Liver disease – Use with cautiousness. The effect may be heightened due to the slower elimination of the medication in the human body.

Use of cephalexin in the correct way

Cephalexin should be taken only according to the instructions of your doctor. Do not take more than it, and don’t use it more often and don’t use it for a longer duration than the doctor prescribed.

The shaker should be shaken oral liquid thoroughly before every use. Make sure to measure the medicine using an appropriately marked measure spoon, oral needle or a medicine cup. A standard teaspoon might not be able to hold the correct quantity of liquid.

Continue to take cephalexin for the entire duration of treatment even if are feeling better after the first few doses. Your condition may not heal when you stop taking the medication too soon.

Dosing

The dosage of cephalexin can differ in different people. Follow the doctor’s instructions or the instructions in the prescription. The information below is only the doses that are typical of cephalexin. If your dosage is different, don’t alter it until your doctor advises you to do so.

The amount of medicine you are taking is determined by your strength drug. In addition, the number of doses that you are taking each day, the interval between doses, as well as the amount of time you use the medication are contingent on the medical issue for which you’re taking the medication.

• For oral dosage forms (capsules or suspension):
  • To treat the following infections:
    • Children and adults 15 to older – 1000 up to four thousand milligrams (mg) every day and taken in doses divided.
    • Children aged 1 and over–Dose is determined by body weight and should be determined by your physician. The dosage is typically from 25-100 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) daily that is taken in divided doses.
    • Children less than one year old–Dose and dosage should be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose

If you are missing the dose of cephalexin, make sure to take it as soon as you are able. If it’s close to the time for your next dose, avoid the dose you missed and go back to your normal dose schedule. Do not take double doses.

Storage

Place the medication in a tightly sealed bottle at room temperatures, and away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Avoid getting frozen.

Keep your items out of reach of children.

Don’t keep old medicine or medications that are no longer needed.

Consult your physician to tell you how to dispose of any medicine that you do not make use of.

Keep the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Discard any medicine that is not used within 14 days.

Be aware of the precautions to take when using cephalexin.

If your symptoms don’t improve in a couple of days, or if symptoms get worse, consult your physician.

The risk of serious allergic reactions is high in the presence of cephalexin. Consult your physician right immediately if you experience chest pain or a peeling, blistering, or easily loosened skin, red lesions or hive-like, massive swelling around the eyes, face or lips, tongue hand, leg feet, or sexual organs and severe skin rashes or acne and ulcers or sores in the face, problems swallowing or breathing as well as chills or fever during the time you’re taking cephalexin.

Cephalexin could cause diarrhoea and in some instances, it may be very severe. Don’t take any medication or give medication to your child in order to treat diarrhoea without first consulting your physician. Diarrhoea medications can make the diarrhoea worse or cause it to persist for longer. If you have any concerns about this or if you notice that mild diarrhoea persists or becomes worse, consult your physician.

If either you or the child you are with undergoing any medical tests, inform the medical professional responsible for the test that you’re taking cephalexin. The results of certain tests could be affected by cephalexin.

Don’t take any other medication without discussing them with your physician. This includes prescription and prescription (over-the-counter OTC) medicine, herbal and vitamin supplements.

Cephalexin side effects

In addition to its beneficial effects, medicines can result in unwanted side adverse effects. While not all adverse effects can occur, if they occur, they could require medical attention.

Talk to your doctor immediately in the event that any of these adverse effects happen:

More popular

• Diarrhoea

Rare

• Pain in the stomach or abdomen
• the skin peels, blisters or peeling 
• chills
• Stools made of clay
• cough
• Dark urine that is dark
• diarrhoea
• dizziness
• The fever
• general fatigue and general fatigue and
• headache
• itching or itching or rash
• muscle or joint discomfort
• Light-coloured stools
• Loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• Red skin lesions, usually with a purple-colored centre
• Red, irritated eyes
• sore throat
• ulcers, sores or white spots on either the lips or in the mouth.
• Unpleasant breath smell
• unusual fatigue or weakness
• upper right stomach or stomach abdomen or stomach
• Vomiting of blood
• Yellow eyes or skin

Incidence unknown

• Stomach cramps, abdominal or abdominal tenderness
• Back or leg discomforts
• Black, tarry stool
• bleeding gums
• Bloating
• blood in the urine, or stool
• chest pain
• The coughing up of blood
• diarrhoea, severe and watery that can also be bloody
• difficulties swallowing or breathing
• fast heartbeat
• general body swelling
• Hives
• Vaginal bleeding
• Increased thirst
• A large, hive-like swelling appears on the eyelids, face and lips. It can also be seen on the tongue and throat, hands feet, legs, or organs for sexual pleasure
• Loss of appetite
• nosebleeds
• Pain
• Urination that is painful or difficult to urinate
• pale skin
• paralysis
• Red spots that are specific on the skin
• The bleeding that occurs from cuts can last for a long time.
• Swelling or puffiness on the eyelids, around the eyes the lips, face or the tongue
• black or red stool with tarry or black
• Dark brown or red urine
• swollen or painful glands
• Tightness in the chest
• bleeding or bruising that is unusual
• unusual weight loss
• Watery or bloody diarrhoea

There are some side effects that can occur but they usually don’t require medical treatment. These symptoms may disappear when the body adapts to it. Additionally, your doctor could be able to inform you of ways to avoid or lessen the effects of these adverse effects. Talk to your physician for any of these adverse effects persist or are uncomfortable or if you have concerns regarding these:

The exact cause is not known.

• Acid or a sour stomach
• anxiety
• Belching
• the sensation of burning in the stomach or chest
• chest pain
• problems in difficulty in
• dry mouth
• heartburn
• hyperventilation
• indigestion
• irregular heartbeats
• irritability
• itching of the vagina , or the genital region
• Muscle pain or stiffness
• Nervousness
• pain during sexual intercourse
• inflammation, pain or redness that occurs in the joints
• Redness on the skin
• anxiety
• being able to hear, see or sense things that aren’t being experienced, heard or felt.
• shaking
• stomach upset
• difficulty sleep
• Vaginal discharges that are brownish or white

Other adverse side effects that are not listed could also be present in certain patients. If you experience any other symptoms, consult with your doctor.

More details

Always consult your physician to make sure the information presented on this page is applicable to your particular situation.