Cefalexin

Cefalexin is used for the treatment of various infections that are caused by bacteria. It includes infections in the respiratory tract, bone infections, middle ear infection, urinary tract infection, skin infections and sore throat. It can also be used for preventing endocarditis (heart valve inflammation) that is caused by an infection.

Cefalexin belongs to the drug group known as cephalosporin (antibiotic). It interferes in the formation of the cell walls of the bacteria. This results in the rupturing of the walls and hence kills the bacteria. The medication is available in tablet and liquid form for oral consumption.

The dosage of Cefalexin depends on your age, general health, the condition for which the treatment is being done and its severity, as well as your body’s reaction to the first dose. Take the dosages as directed by the doctor. If you miss a dose, you can have it as soon as you remember about it, but skip it if the time for your next scheduled dose is near. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one as overdosing can lead to nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, diarrhea and blood in urine.

The common side effects of Cefalexin include indigestion, stomach pain and inflammation or irritation in the lining of the stomach. Being mild in nature, they tend to go away in a few days. There are some serious side effects though that may occur, which would require immediate medical help:

• A serious allergic reaction, the symptoms of which may include hives, swelling of the face and lips or trouble breathing
• Oral thrush or a yeast infection; symptoms include white patches inside the mouth and changes in vaginal discharge
• Persistent diarrhea with the presence of blood or mucus in stool

Cefalexin can pass on to a new born baby by the mother through breastfeeding and affect the baby. Therefore it is important to inform your doctor regarding the same before taking the medicine. Pregnant women or those planning to get pregnant must also inform their doctor about their condition beforehand.

Take as directed, at regular intervals around-the-clock (with or without food). Chilling oral suspension improves flavor (do not freeze). Complete full course of medication, even if you feel better. Drink 2-3 L fluid/day.

If diarrhea occurs, yogurt or buttermilk may help. May cause false-positive test with Clinitest®; use another form of testing. May interfere with oral contraceptives; additional contraceptive measures are necessary. Report severe, unresolved diarrhea; vaginal itching or drainage; sores in mouth; blood, pus, or mucus in stool or urine; easy bleeding or bruising; unusual fever or chills; rash; or respiratory difficulty.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Bacterial Infections

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Allergy

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Diarrhoea

• Abdominal Pain

• Dark Or Clay Colored Stools

• Fever

• Itching Or Rash

• Joint Pain

• Dark Urine

• Loss Of Appetite

• Dizziness

• Yellow Colored Eyes Or Skin

• Confusion

• Agitation

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  This medicine is excreted in urine and the effect lasts for a duration of 4 to 5 hours.

• What is the onset of action?

  The peak effect of this medicine can be observed within 1 hour after oral administration.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medicine should be taken during pregnancy only if it is clearly needed under doctor's supervision.

• Is it habit forming?

  No habit forming tendency has been reported.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This medicine is known to excreted in human breast milk. It should be taken only if clearly needed under doctor's supervision. Monitoring of undesired effects like diarrhea or thrush is necessary.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  It is found to be safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  Usually this medicine does not affect the alertness of the patient.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Caution must be taken in patient with kidney disease, Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

• Does this affect liver function?

  Caution must be taken in patient with liver disease, Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Missed Dose instructions

  The missed dose should be taken as soon possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it's already time for your next scheduled dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of overdose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• India

• United States

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Cefalexin as ingredient

• Cephadex 250 MG Capsule

  Cipla Ltd

• Sporidex 250 MG Syrup

  Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd

• Nufex 500 MG Tablet

  Rpg Life Sciences Ltd

• Cephalkem 125 MG Syrup

  Alkem Laboratories Ltd

• Allsafe 250 MG Tablet

  Lincoln Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Lx 500 MG Capsule

  Apex Laboratories Ltd

• Sporidex Redimix 250 MG Syrup

  Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd

• Phexin 250 MG Syrup

  Glaxosmithkline Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Fex 500 MG Tablet

  Wizad Biotech Pvt Ltd

• Phexin Bd 375 MG Tablet

  Glaxosmithkline Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

This medicine works as a bactericidal by inhibiting the bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins which inhibits the growth and multiplication of bacteria. Bacteria eventually lyse due to ongoing activity of cell wall autolytic enzymes (autolysins and murein hydrolases) while cell wall assembly is arrested.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

test

• Interaction with Alcohol

  Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

• Interaction with Lab Test

  Positive direct Coombs', false-positive urinary glucose test using cupric sulfate (Benedict's solution, Clinitest®, Fehling's solution), false-positive serum or urine creatinine with Jaffé reaction, false-positive urinary proteins and steroids.

• Interaction with Food

  Peak antibiotic serum concentration is lowered and delayed, but total drug absorbed is not affected; take on an empty stomach. If GI distress, take with food.

• Interaction with Disease

  • Increased effect: High-dose probenecid decreases clearance.
  • Increased toxicity: Aminoglycosides increase nephrotoxic potential.

• Ques : What is Cefalexin and is used for?

  Ans : Cefalexin is an antibiotic. Cefalexin is used in the treatment of bacterial infection.

• Ques : Can the use of Cefalexin cause diarrhea?

  Ans : Yes, the use of Cefalexin can cause diarrhea. It is an antibiotic which kills the harmful bacteria. However, it also affects the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine and causes diarrhea. If diarrhea persists, talk to your doctor about it.

• Ques : Is Cefalexin safe?

  Ans : Cefalexin is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.

• Ques : What if Cefalexin doesn't work?

  Ans : Talk to your doctor if Cefalexin doesn't seem to work for you. Your doctor may increase the dose of Cefalexin or switch you to an alternate option, which may work for you.

• Ques : What if I don't get better after using Cefalexin?

  Ans : Inform your doctor if you don't feel better after finishing the full course of treatment. Also, inform him if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine.

• Ques : Can I stop taking Cefalexin when my symptoms are relieved?

  Ans : No, do not stop taking Cefalexin and complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured.

• Cefalexin-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 31 May 2022].Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/cefalexin

• Cefalexin-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 31 May 2022].Available from:

  https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00567