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Cephalexin

Cephalexin is a medication that belongs to the cephalosporin group of antibiotic. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can stop the growth of bacterial cells that causes various bacterial infections like:

  • Skin infection like cellulitis, cystitis, and impetigo
  • Ear, nose, throat infections  like strep throat, otitis media, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis
  • Dental infections
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Respiratory tract infections like community-acquired pneumonia, bronchitis
  • Genital infection such as prostatitis, bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea
  • Osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection that can affect both adults and children
  • Prevention of bacterial endocarditis, an infection in the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valve
  • Pyelonephritis, a type of bacterial infection in the kidney
  • Prosthetic joint infection
  • Prevention of infection in people with prosthetic joint implants undergoing dental procedures
  • Surgical site infection

Since it’s a broad-spectrum antibiotic, it is active against a wide variety of bacteria. It is specifically active against gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria, E. coli, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Haemophilus bacteria.

Cephalexin is suitable for adults, children, and pregnant women with fewer side effects compared with other antibiotics. It comes in a different form and is available as a cheaper generic version. As a first-generation cephalosporin type of antibiotic, this drug works by preventing the bacteria from growing and multiplying. Its action and side effects are similar to penicillin. Cephalexin stops the bacteria from spreading and causing infections. It particularly interferes with the formation of the bacterial cell walls. When this happens, the bond that holds the bacterial cell wall together breaks allowing holes to appear. The wall protects the bacteria from the outside environment and keeps the content of the cell together. Without the cell wall, bacteria will die.

How to Use It

The usual dose for most infection in adults is 250 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days depending on the type of infection. The maximum recommended dose should not exceed 4 grams a day. The dose for children is 25 to 100 mg/kg/ day in divided doses. The dosing interval should be 6 or 12 hours apart depending again on the type and severity of the infection.

Take Cephalexin exactly as you are told. Taking too much may cause the level of the drug to increase in your body. If you are using this medicine to prevent urinary tract infection from recurring, your doctor may prescribe you one dose a day. Take it in the evening. You can take it with or without a meal, although it may start to work a little sooner if you will take it with a meal. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Your medication may not work well if you will not take it on schedule.

Possible Side Effects of Cephalexin

Cephalexin can cause side effects like any other antibiotic. The most common side effects are:

  • Indigestion
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining
  • Vaginal itching or discharge

A mild side effect may go away after a day or a couple of weeks. If they do not go away or they become worse, talk to your doctor.

Serious side effects may include:

  • Allergic reactions with signs like trouble breathing, hives and swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Seizure
  • Unusual tiredness. Short breath or feeling light-headedness
  • Liver problem with signs like jaundice and dark-colored urine
  • Fever, weakness
  • Painful urination and pain in the side or lower back
  • Severe diarrhea that is watery and bloody
  • Unusual bleeding, easy bruising

What should I know before taking Cephalexin?

  • This drug can cause interactions with other medicines. To help prevent drug interactions, tell your doctor what prescription and over-the-counter drugs, nutritional supplements, vitamins, and herbal products you are using. 
  • Use this medicine with caution if you have kidney problems, liver problems, history of kidney disease or you are an older adult. People with these conditions may not be able to clear the drug from the body. This can increase the level of drug and may cause more side effects. Close monitoring of kidney and liver function tests, appropriate dose adjustment is necessary.
  • Finish the entire course of treatment to prevent the infection from coming back. Continue taking Cephalexin even if you feel well or even if the infection may seem to clear up.
  • The use of antibiotics including cephalexin can cause diarrhea and severe inflammation of the colon. Severe cases can even cause death. If you experience diarrhea during your treatment, consult with your doctor right away.

Getting the Best Result from Cephalexin

  • Cephalexin works well in treating a wide variety of bacterial infections. However, it may not work against viral infections. Do not use this drug in treating infections caused by viruses such as common colds and flu.
  • Do not use this if you are allergic to it or any other cephalosporin type of antibiotic.
  • Cephalexin can interfere with the result of some medical tests. In this case, inform your doctor if you have due for an operation or any other medical treatment.
  • If you will experience oral thrush or will develop vaginal itching or redness, speak with your doctor right away.
  • If you have stopped taking your Cephalexin, your infection may not improve, it may even get worse and the bacteria will become resistant to the antibiotic.
  • Cephalexin can stop oral typhoid vaccines from working properly. Tell your doctor about your medications before having a vaccine.

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics such as Cephalexin can lead to a rise of antibiotic resistance where the bacteria are no longer sensitive to the medicine. This can be very dangerous and can increase the risk of death.

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