Common Uses

Cephalexin is an antibiotic from the cephalosporin family that works by disrupting bacterial cell wall formation. It resists penicillinase enzymes produced by gram-positive bacteria but can be broken down by beta-lactamase enzymes from some gram-negative bacteria. This medication is effective against a wide range of bacteria including Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Clostridium, Actinomyces israelii, Bacillus anthracis, as well as gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus mirabilis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis, Shigella, and Salmonella.

Cephalexin is typically used to treat infections of the middle ear, tonsils, throat, larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis), pneumonia, urinary tract, skin, and bones.

Dosage and Directions

Adults usually take between 1 to 4 grams of Cephalexin daily, divided into doses spaced every 6 to 12 hours depending on the infection being treated.

Precautions

• Inform your doctor if you have allergies to any medications, especially penicillins.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you suffer from kidney or liver disease, stomach or intestinal disorders like colitis, or diabetes before starting Cephalexin.

Contraindications

Do not take Cephalexin if you are allergic to it or other cephalosporin antibiotics such as Ceclor, Duricef, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, Cefzil, Fortaz, or Ceftin. Exercise caution if you have kidney problems, pseudomembranous colitis, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or treating infants younger than six months.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects may include allergic reactions such as hives, rash, or swelling of the face and tongue. Serious symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include seizures, fever, sore throat, severe skin rash with blistering or peeling, pale or yellow skin, dark urine, hallucinations, confusion, weakness, easy bruising or bleeding, decreased urination, or agitation.

Drug Interactions

• Notify your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially live vaccines and probenecid.
• Cephalexin may reduce the effectiveness of combination birth control pills.
• It can cause false positive results in some diabetic urine tests.
• It may enhance the effects of indirect anticoagulants, phenylbutazone, and furosemide.
• Salicylates and indomethacin may slow the excretion of Cephalexin by the kidneys, increasing its blood levels.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is near, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Overdose

If you experience persistent or severe nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, or blood in your urine, seek medical advice promptly.

Storage

Store Cephalexin at room temperature between 59 and 77°F (15–25°C), away from moisture, light, children, and pets. Do not use the medication past its expiration date.

Disclaimer

This information is for general purposes only and does not include all possible instructions, precautions, or interactions. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider’s directions. We are not responsible for any damages or health issues resulting from the use of this information or self-treatment.