Cefalexin

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Brand Name :

Eldoxine 125mg Syrup , CEFACURE REDIMIX 250mg/5ml Oral Liquid ... show more

Approved Treatment Indication :

Human Bites, Infectious Skin Diseases ... show more

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Summary

What conditions is Cefalexin used for?
Cefalexin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in your skin and other body tissues. It is effective against certain bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is commonly used for skin and soft tissue infections like boils or cuts.
How does Cefalexin work in the body?
Cefalexin works by disrupting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. It inhibits specific proteins, which leads to the death of the bacteria. Your body absorbs it quickly and most of it leaves your body through your urine within a few hours.
What are the usual dosages and routes of administration for Cefalexin?
For adults with skin or soft tissue infections, Cefalexin is typically taken either 250mg four times a day or 500mg twice a day. For children aged 5 to 12, the usual dose is 250mg three times a day. The medicine is not safe for children under 5.
What are the most commonly observed adverse effects of Cefalexin?
Common side effects of Cefalexin include mild gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In rare cases, it may cause headaches, dizziness or difficulty concentrating. It is not associated with weight gain or sexual dysfunction.
What are the important safety warnings and contraindications for Cefalexin?
You should not take Cefalexin if you're allergic to penicillin or other similar medicines called cephalosporins. People with certain sugar problems should also avoid it. It can sometimes cause a serious bowel problem called colitis and long-term use can lead to other infections. If your kidneys aren't working well, you might need a lower dose.

Approvals

US(FDA), UK(BNF)

Essential Medicine

YES

Teratogenicity

Unlisted

Pharmaceutical Class

Cephalosporin Antibacterial

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Drug Ingredient

Cefalexin

Know More About This Medicine -

Summary

What conditions is Cefalexin used for?
Cefalexin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in your skin and other body tissues. It is effective against certain bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is commonly used for skin and soft tissue infections like boils or cuts.
How does Cefalexin work in the body?
Cefalexin works by disrupting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. It inhibits specific proteins, which leads to the death of the bacteria. Your body absorbs it quickly and most of it leaves your body through your urine within a few hours.
What are the usual dosages and routes of administration for Cefalexin?
For adults with skin or soft tissue infections, Cefalexin is typically taken either 250mg four times a day or 500mg twice a day. For children aged 5 to 12, the usual dose is 250mg three times a day. The medicine is not safe for children under 5.
What are the most commonly observed adverse effects of Cefalexin?
Common side effects of Cefalexin include mild gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In rare cases, it may cause headaches, dizziness or difficulty concentrating. It is not associated with weight gain or sexual dysfunction.
What are the important safety warnings and contraindications for Cefalexin?
You should not take Cefalexin if you're allergic to penicillin or other similar medicines called cephalosporins. People with certain sugar problems should also avoid it. It can sometimes cause a serious bowel problem called colitis and long-term use can lead to other infections. If your kidneys aren't working well, you might need a lower dose.

Indications and Purpose

What is Cefalexin used for?

Cefalexin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria causing skin and soft tissue infections like boils or cuts. It only works on certain bacteria, so it's important to make sure it's the right medicine for your infection. Doctors follow guidelines to ensure antibiotics are used correctly to prevent resistance, meaning the bacteria become harder to treat in the future.

How does Cefalexin work?

Cefalexin disrupts bacterial cell wall synthesis by inhibiting specific proteins, leading to bacterial death.

Is Cefalexin effective?

Cefalexin is highly effective against a variety of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Clinical studies support its efficacy in treating infections when used as prescribed.

How does one know if Cefalexin is working?

Doctors test cefalexin in labs and on people to figure out the right dose and how well it works against infections like skin infections. They check how much of the medicine is in the blood after you take it and how much comes out in your urine to make sure it's working and safe. The medicine stays at a helpful level in your body for about 6-8 hours.

Directions for Use

What is the usual dose of Cefalexin?

For adults with skin or soft tissue infections, the medicine is taken either 250mg four times a day, or 500mg twice a day. Kids aged 5 to 12 take 250mg three times a day; the doctor might give a bigger dose if the infection is really bad. It's not safe for children under 5.

How do I take Cefalexin?

You can take cefalexin anytime, with or without food. It works a little better on an empty stomach, but it's fine either way. There's nothing special you need to avoid eating.

For how long do I take Cefalexin?

The duration varies based on the infection being treated, generally lasting 7 to 14 days. For severe or recurrent infections, the course may extend beyond this period.

How long does it take for Cefalexin to start working?

The medicine cefalexin shows up in your blood within an hour, reaching its highest level then. It stays at a helpful level in your blood for 6 to 8 hours. You can still find some of the medicine in your blood 6 hours after taking it.

How should I store Cefalexin?

Keep it cool. Don't let the temperature go above 30 degrees Celsius (that's about 86 degrees Fahrenheit).

Warnings and Precautions

Who should avoid taking Cefalexin?

Cefalexin is an antibiotic, but you shouldn't take it if you're allergic to penicillin or other similar medicines called cephalosporins. Also, people with certain sugar problems (galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption) should avoid it. If you have a serious allergic reaction, stop taking it right away. It can sometimes cause a serious bowel problem (colitis), and taking it for a long time can lead to other infections. If your kidneys aren't working well, you might need a lower dose. Finally, it can sometimes give a false positive result on a certain blood test (Coombs' test).

Can I take Cefalexin with other prescription drugs?

Probenecid: Increases Cefalexin levels by inhibiting renal excretion.
Metformin: May elevate metformin levels slightly, but clinical significance is unclear.
Concurrent use with aminoglycosides or potent diuretics may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.

Can I take Cefalexin with vitamins or supplements?

There are no major interactions with vitamins or supplements. Consult your doctor for specific advice.

Can Cefalexin be taken safely while pregnant?

Although tests haven't shown cefalexin harms unborn babies, doctors are careful prescribing it during pregnancy. Its effects on fertility aren't known. It passes into breast milk, but the amount is low and disappears quickly. Doctors take extra care when giving it to breastfeeding mothers.

Can Cefalexin be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Cefalexin, a medicine, passes into breast milk. A typical dose leaves a small amount in the milk for a short time (4 hours), then it's gone. While it's a small amount, mothers who are breastfeeding should talk to their doctor before taking it.

Is Cefalexin safe for the elderly?

Older adults with kidney problems need to be careful with medicine doses. Their kidneys might not work as well as younger people's, so the usual adult dose might be too much. Doctors need to watch them closely and do tests to find the right, smaller dose that's safe.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Cefalexin?

Exercise is safe unless the underlying infection or side effects like dizziness restrict activity.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Cefalexin?

Moderate alcohol consumption is generally safe but may worsen side effects like nausea. It's best to avoid alcohol while recovering from an infection.