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GENERIC NAME: cephalexin
BRAND NAME:
Keflex, Keftabs, Biocef
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:
Cephalexin belongs to a class of antibiotics
called cephalosporins. They are similar to
penicillin in action and side effects. They stop
or slow the growth of bacterial cells by
preventing bacteria from forming the cell wall
that surrounds each cell. The cell wall protects
bacteria from the external environment and keeps
the contents of the cell together. Without a
cell wall bacteria are not able to survive.
Bacteria that are susceptible to cephalexin
include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus
pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, E. coli and
several others.
PRESCRIPTION:
Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE:
Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets:
250 and 500 mg, and 1 g. Capsules: 250,
333, 500 and 750 mg. Powder for Suspension:
125, and 250 mg/5 ml.
STORAGE: Tablets and
capsules should be stored at room temperature,
15-30°C (59-86°F). Suspensions should be
refrigerated and discarded after 14 days.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Cephalexin
is used to treat infections caused by bacteria
that are susceptible to the effects of
cephalexin. Common infections that are treated
with cephalexin include infections of the middle
ear, tonsils, throat, larynx (laryngitis),
bronchi (bronchitis) and pneumonia. It also is
used for treating urinary tract, skin and bone
infections.
DOSING: The dose of
cephalexin for adults is 1 to 4 grams in divided
doses. Children are treated with 25-100
mg/kg/day in divided doses.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Serious
interactions of cephalexin with other drugs are
uncommon.
PREGNANCY: There are no
good studies of cephalexin in pregnant women.
Based on limited evidence, cephalosporins,
including cephalexin, appear to be safe when
used during pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Most
cephalosporins are excreted in breast milk.
Nursing mothers should avoid using
cephalosporins or stop breastfeeding while
taking a cephalosporin.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most
common side effects of cephalexin are diarrhea,
nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, headaches,
dizziness, skin rash, fever, abnormal liver
tests and vaginitis. Individuals who are
allergic to penicillin may also be allergic to
cephalexin. | 
