Common Uses

Keflex is a cephalosporin antibiotic that works by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis. It is resistant to penicillinase enzymes produced by gram-positive bacteria but may be inactivated by beta-lactamases from some gram-negative bacteria. This drug targets a wide array of bacteria including Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus species, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Clostridium, Actinomyces israelii, Bacillus anthracis, and gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus mirabilis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis, Shigella, and Salmonella.

Keflex is commonly prescribed for infections of the middle ear, tonsils, throat, larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis), lungs (pneumonia), urinary tract, skin, and bones.

Dosage and Directions

Adults typically receive Keflex in doses ranging from 1 to 4 grams daily, divided into multiple doses. The dosing interval may vary between every 6 to 12 hours based on the severity and type of infection.

Precautions

Before starting Keflex, inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies, especially to penicillin, or suffer from kidney or liver conditions, intestinal disorders like colitis, or diabetes.

Contraindications

• Known allergy to Keflex or other cephalosporins such as Ceclor, Duricef, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, Cefzil, Fortaz, or Ceftin
• Beta-lactam antibiotic hypersensitivity
• Caution advised in patients with kidney problems, pseudomembranous colitis, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in infants younger than six months

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects include allergic reactions like hives, rash, swelling of the face or tongue, seizures, fever, sore throat, and headaches. Severe reactions may involve blistering or peeling skin, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, hallucinations, confusion, weakness, easy bruising or bleeding, and decreased urination. Seek urgent medical care if you experience serious symptoms.

Drug Interactions

Notify your doctor of all medications you are taking, particularly live vaccines and probenecid. Keflex may reduce the effectiveness of combined contraceptive pills. It can also cause false-positive results on certain diabetic urine tests. Keflex increases the effect of indirect anticoagulants, phenylbutazone, and furosemide. Salicylates and indomethacin may slow kidney excretion of cephalexin, increasing its blood concentration. Other drugs that reduce renal secretion can similarly raise Keflex levels.

Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to compensate.

Overdose

If you experience persistent nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, or notice blood in your urine, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Storage

Store Keflex at room temperature between 15-25°C (59-77°F), protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date.

Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only and does not include all possible instructions, interactions, or precautions. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations and discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional. We disclaim liability for any damages arising from the use of this information or self-treatment.