Common use

Cephalexin is attributed as an antibiotic of the cephalosporins group, which acts against bacteria, preventing the formation of their cell walls. It is resistant to penicillinases of gram-positive microorganisms but can be destroyed by beta-lactamases of gram-negative ones. It shows broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive microorganisms such as Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus epidermidis; Streptococcus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Clostridium, Actinomyces israelii, Bacillus anthracis, gram-negative microorganisms like Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus mirabilis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis, Shigella, Salmonella. Common infections that are treated with Cephalexin include infections of the middle ear, tonsils, throat, larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis), and pneumonia as well as in the urinary tract, skin, and bones.

Dosage and directions

The dose of Cephalexin for adults is 1 to 4 grams in divided doses. The interval between doses may be 6 or 12 hours depending on the infection.

Precautions

Before using Cephalexin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), have kidney or liver disease, a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis, and diabetes.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Cephalexin, cephalosporins (Ceclor, Duricef, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, Cefzil, Fortaz, Ceftin), and beta-lactamase antibiotics. Cautiousness should be exercised in patients with kidney disorder, pseudomembranous colitis, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and babies younger than 6 months.

Possible side effect

The most common side effects may include signs of allergy (hives, rash, swelling of the face and tongue), seizure, fever, sore throat, and headache with severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash, pale or yellowed skin, dark-colored urine, fever, hallucinations, confusion, or weakness, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, confusion, agitation, decreased or absent urination. In case of serious and persistent side effects listed above, seek immediate medical help.

Drug interaction

Inform your doctor about all medications you take, especially live vaccines and probenecid. Cephalexin may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type contraceptive pills. This medication is able to show false positive results with certain diabetic urine testing products. Cephalexin increases the effects of indirect anticoagulants, polphenilbutazone, and furosemide. Salicylates and indomethacin slow excretion of cephalolexin by the kidneys. Medications decreasing secretion in renal tubules increase the concentration of the medication in the blood serum and slow down its excretion.

Missed dose

If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, just skip it and return to your regular schedule. Never double dose this medication.

Overdose

In case of serious and persistent symptoms of nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and blood in your urine, consult your doctor about medical attention.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration term.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim the reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, and also for consequences of self-treatment.