Cefalexin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What medicine is Cefalexin?

What is Cefalexin for?

Cephalexin, or cefalexin, is an antibiotic commonly used in the treatment of various types of bacterial infections. This drug belongs to the class of antibiotics known as cephalosporin which works to stop the growth of bacteria.

Antibiotics such as cefalexin will not affect viral infections such as fever and influenza. Taking unnecessary antibiotics puts you at risk of making your body more susceptible to infections that are resistant to antibiotic treatment in the future. Therefore, use this medication according to your doctor's instructions.

Cefalexin can be used before dental procedures in patients with certain heart conditions, such as prosthetic heart valves, to prevent serious infection of the heart (bacterial endocarditis).

How do I use Cefalexin?

Some of the things you should pay attention to before using cefalexin are:

• Always follow the rules that have been given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.
• You will be prescribed an oral medication that is taken every 6-12 hours, either before or after meals.
• Shake the bottle before use. To make sure you are taking the right dose, use the spoon or glass that is specially provided for the medicine. It is not recommended to measure the dose using a tablespoon. If you do not have a medicated spoon, ask your pharmacist.
• The dosage is always given based on your weight (in pediatric patients), your health condition, and how you respond to therapy.
• Antibiotics work best when the levels of medicines in your body are stable. It is advisable to take this drug in a balanced period of time.
• Take this drug until it runs out according to the consumption period prescribed by your doctor. Stopping the dose too early risks the infection returning due to the growing number of bacteria in the body.
• If your health condition does not improve, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How is Cefalexin stored?

This medication (tablets and capsules) is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Oral cefalexin in the form of a suspension (dissolved by water) should be stored in the refrigerator for a period of 14 days.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Cefalexin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Cefalexin for adults?

To treat adult bacterial infections, cefalexin dosages are:

• 1000 - 4000 mg taken daily in divided doses.

What is the dose of Cefalexin for children?

To treat children's bacterial infections, cefalexin dosages are:

• 25 - 100 mg / kg taken daily in divided doses.

In what dosage is Cefalexin available?

The dosage requirements for cefalexin are:

• Tablet, oral: 250 mg, 500 mg
• Capsules, oral: 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg
• Powder for thawing, reconstitution, orally: 125 mg / 5ml, 250 mg / 5ml

Cefalexin side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Cefalexin?

The most common side effects of using the antibiotic cefalexin are:

• Allergic reactions
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness and headaches
• Get tired quickly
• Pain in the joints
• Itching sensation in the vagina or buttocks

Other side effects that may occur and you should be aware of after taking the antibiotic cefalexin are:

• Diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• Seizures
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headache followed by acute skin blistering
• Peeling and a rash appears on the skin
• Pale or yellowing skin
• Bruising and bleeding
• Confusion, irritability, hallucinations
• Difficulty urinating

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Cefalexin Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Cefalexin?

It is not recommended to take cefalexin if you are allergic to cefalexin or other cephalosporin antibiotics. Some of the antibiotics to avoid if you are allergic to the antibiotic cefalexin are:

• Cefaclor (Ceclor)
• Cefadroxil (Duricef)
• Cefdinir (Omnicef)
• Cefditoren (Spectracef)
• Cefixime (Suprax)
• Cefprozil (Cefzil)
• Ceftazidime (Fortaz)
• Cefuroxime (Ceftin)

To make sure cefalexin is safe for you to take, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following conditions:

• Kidney illness
• Liver disease
• Indigestion, such as colitis
• Diabetes
• Malnutrition

If you have any of the conditions above, it is important that you adjust your dosage or do special tests before undergoing treatment with cefalexin.

Cefalexin in the form of a liquid suspension can contain sugar. This can have an impact on your health condition if you have diabetes.

Is Cefalexin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = Not at risk

B = No risk in several studies

C = Maybe risky

D = There is positive evidence of risk

X = Contraindicated

N = Unknown

Cefalexin Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Cefalexin?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is usually not recommended, your doctor may not recommend that you continue using the drugs below or change your prescription according to your needs.

• Warfarin

Taking this medication with the drugs below may increase your risk of side effects, but in some cases, a combination of these two drugs may be the best treatment. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Cholestyramine
• Metformin

Can food or alcohol interact with Cefalexin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Cefalexin?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Some of the conditions that you should tell your doctor before taking the antibiotic cefalexin are:

• Colitis (abrasions on the stomach)
• Acute diarrhea
• Kidney illness

Cefalexin overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.