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Cephalexin
Cephalexin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections like ear or skin infections, and urinary tract infections too. It belongs to a class of drugs called cephalosporins.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can cephalexin affect my birth control pills?
Some antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. It's wise to use a backup method during your course of antibiotics.
Can I take Cephalexin on an empty stomach?
Yes, you can. But taking it with food can help prevent stomach upset.
Is it okay to drink alcohol while taking cephalexin?
While alcohol doesn't interact with cephalexin, it can add to the medication's side effects like dizziness and upset stomach.
What should I do if I accidentally take too much cephalexin?
If you've taken an extra dose, it's usually okay. But if you've taken several extra, contact your doctor or local poison control center.
What should I do if I miss a dose of cephalexin?
If it's close to your next dose, skip the missed one and get back on your schedule. Don't double up.
Comprehensive Drug Guide
How Does Cephalexin Work?
Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic. Its mode of action involves inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis thereby preventing the growth and proliferation of bacteria rendering them susceptible to osmotic pressure and leading to their eventual cell lysis and death.
What is Cephalexin Used For?
Cephalexin is primarily used to treat bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, bone infections, and urinary tract infections.
Offlabel, Cephalexin may periodically be used for prophylaxis against bacterial endocarditis (a heart infection) and infection prevention in patients with penicillin allergies.
Common Dosages
Cephalexin is most commonly manufactured in the following formulations:
Tablets: Cephalexin tablets are available in 250mg and 500mg strengths.
Capsules: Cephalexin is available in capsule form in 250mg, 500mg, and 750mg strengths.
Liquid: Cephalexin is available in an oral suspension form in 125mg/5ml and 250mg/5ml strengths.
Typical Dosing
FDA Approved Indications
- Respiratory Tract Infections: 250mg to 500mg every 6 to 12 hours for 714 days.
- Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: 250mg to 500mg every 6 to 12 hours for 714 days.
- Urinary Tract Infections: 250mg every 6 hours, or 500mg every 12 hours for 714 days.
Off-Label Uses
- Infection prevention in penicillinallergic patients: Dosages can vary greatly depending on the severity and location of the infection. However, a common dose might be 500mg every 12 hours.
Pediatric Dosing
- Dosing for cephalexin in kids is usually calculated based on their weight. A common dosage is 2550 milligrams per kilogram each day, divided into several doses.
- The medicine is usually given every 612 hours, which might be adjusted based on the kid's response to the medication.
Who Shouldn't Take Cephalexin?
- People allergic to cephalexin or to other cephalosporin antibiotics.
- Those with a history of severe allergic reactions to penicillins.
Advice From The Pharmacist
- Make sure to take cephalexin for the full length of time your doctor prescribed. Stopping early might make the infection come back.
- You can take cephalexin with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking it with a meal or a snack.
- Stay hydrated while you're on cephalexin. It will help your kidneys process the medicine.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Don't double up.
- While on cephalexin, avoid harsh soaps or other skin irritants because the medication can make your skin more sensitive.
- If you're on birth control pills, you might want to use an extra method of birth control while on this antibiotic just to be safe.
Side Effects of Cephalexin
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Feeling tired or dizziness
Uncommon/Severe Side Effects
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Severe skin reactions like blisters, peeling skin, or a rash that spreads
Risks and Warnings of Cephalexin
- People with kidney problems may need a lower dose. The drug goes out of the body through the kidneys, so if they're not working well, the medicine might hang around longer.
- The drug can mess with some lab tests, so if you're getting tested, make sure to tell the lab folks you're taking cephalexin.
- Lastly, if you get severe diarrhea that doesn't go away, get in touch with a healthcare professional. It might be a sign of a more serious gut condition.
Interactions with Cephalexin
Common Drug Interactions
- Metformin
- Warfarin
- Probenecid
- Certain Live Vaccines (Cholera, Typhoid, BCG)
- BCG vaccine live
- Cholera vaccine live
- Typhoid vaccine live
- Allergy to penicillins or other cephalosporins
Alternatives to Cephalexin
- Amoxicillin
- Augmentin (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate)
- Cefdinir
- Cefuroxime
- Doxycycline
- Azithromycin
