Generic Name: cephalexin
Brand Name: Keflex
Drug Class: Cephalosporins, 1st Generation
What is cephalexin and what is it used for?
Cephalexin belongs to a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. They are similar to penicillin in action and side effects.
Cephalosporins 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, and 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. Cephalexin was approved by the FDA in January 1971.
Cephalexin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria that are susceptible to the effects of cephalexin. Common infections that cephalexin is used for include:
- Middle ear infections (otitis media)
- Tonsillitis
- Throat infections
- Laryngitis
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract (UTIs)
- Skin
- Bone infections
What are the side effects of cephalexin?
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. Serious but rare reactions include seizures, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), and low platelet or red blood cell count.
Cephalexin, like almost all antibiotics, may cause mild or severe cases of pseudomembranous colitis, a mild to severe inflammation of the colon. Antibiotics, including cephalexin alter the types of bacteria in the colon and permit overgrowth of a bacterium called Clostridium difficile. Studies indicate that toxins produced by Clostridium difficile are a primary cause of pseudomembranous colitis.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/quiz/tummy-trouble/s4.jpg)
QUESTION
Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day. See AnswerWhat is the dosage for cephalexin?
- The dose of cephalexin for adults is 1 to 4 grams in divided doses.
- The usual adult dose is 250 mg every 6 hours.
- Some infections may be treated with 500 mg every 12 hours.
- Children are treated with 25-100 mg/kg/day in divided doses.
- The dosing interval may be every 6 or 12 hours depending on the type and seriousness of the infection.
Which drugs interact with cephalexin?
Cephalexin may reduce the effect of BCG and typhoid vaccines. Cephalexin should not be combined with BCG or typhoid vaccine unless there are no other options.
Is cephalexin safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Cephalexin is excreted in breast milk. Cephalexin should be used with caution or stopped when breastfeeding.
What else should I know about cephalexin?
- Cephalexin is available in generic form. You need a prescription to obtain cephalexin.
- Keflex is the brand name available for cephalexin in the US.
- Cephalexin is available as:
- Tablets of 250 and 500 mg.
- Capsules: 250, 500 and 750 mg.
- Powder for Suspension: 125 and 250 mg/5 ml.
- Cephalexin tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F). Suspensions should be refrigerated and discarded 14 days after they have been prepared from the powder.
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Summary
Cephalexin is a prescription antibiotic used for treating middle ear infections (otitis media), tonsillitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin infections, bone infections, throat infections, bronchitis, and bone infections. Common side effects of cephalexin include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, headaches, and vaginitis. Dosage of cephalexin depends on the type of infection.
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How Long Does Asthmatic Bronchitis Last?
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What are the Three Major Causes of Pneumonia?
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How Do You Get Rid of Bronchitis Naturally?
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Can Pneumonia Go Away On Its Own?
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Is Bronchitis Contagious Through Kissing?
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Can UTI Go Away by Itself?
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The sensation that the world around you is spinning is called vertigo while infection of the inner ear may cause labyrinthitis. The type of vertigo that is associated with an inner ear infection is called peripheral vertigo.
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How Does a Woman Get a Urinary Tract Infection?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur more frequently in women because they have a shorter urethra, making it easier for bacteria from the anus to travel to the area.
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What Is the Most Common Cause of Septic Arthritis in Kids?
Septic arthritis can be caused by bacterial, fungal or viral infections. Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria, is the most common cause of septic arthritis in infants. Septic arthritis is a general term for any joint pain caused by infection of the joint.
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How Long Does Vertigo Last From an Inner Ear Infection?
Vertigo is a feeling of dizziness or the sensation that the room around you is spinning. An inner ear infection can cause vertigo for a few hours, days, or weeks.
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How Do You Know If You Have Tonsillitis?
What is tonsillitis, and how do you know if you have it? Learn the signs of tonsillitis and what to do if you have it.
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How Do You Know if Your Baby has Bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis, which is sometimes called a chest cold, can develop after your baby has a cold or upper respiratory infection. Bronchitis occurs when the bronchi, the airways that carry air to the lungs, become irritated and inflamed.
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Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, and Colds
If you have a COPD such as emphysema, avoiding chronic bronchitis and colds is important to avoid a more severe respiratory infection such as pneumonia. Avoiding cigarette smoking, practice good hygeine, stay away from crowds, and alerting your healthcare provider if you have a sinus infection or cold or cough that becomes worse. Treatment options depend upon the severity of the emphysema, bronchitis, or cold combination.
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How Do I Know if My Child has Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a lung infection that affects many children. Learn the signs of pneumonia in children, what causes pneumonia in children, how doctors diagnose pneumonia in children, and what you can do to treat pneumonia in children.
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What Is the Most Common Cause of Urinary Tract Infection?
E. coli bacteria are the most common cause of urinary tract infection (UTI).
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Urinary Tract Infection or Urinary Infection
The urinary system of your body includes two kidneys, two tubes (ureters), a urine sac (bladder) and an opening to expel the urine from the body (urethra). An infection of this system due to germs is called a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTI may be treated with antibiotics, especially if a kidney infection is involved.
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Can You Get UTI Antibiotics Over the Counter?
Currently, no urinary tract infection (UTI) antibiotics are available over the counter (OTC) in the United States. A person must consult a doctor to get the UTI treated with an antibiotic.
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How Do You Know if You Have a Urinary Tract Infection?
Urinary tract infections can occur in both women and men. Learn the signs of urinary tract infection, what causes it, how doctors diagnose it, and what you can do to treat it.
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Can COVID-19 Cause Pneumonia?
In some cases, COVID-19 can cause life-threatening lung complications such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and sepsis.
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Do All Patients With COVID-19 Get Pneumonia?
According to the CDC, about 3%-17% of patients with COVID-19 develop lung-related complications that require hospitalization, such as pneumonia.
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How Do You Get Rid of a UTI at Home?
What is a UTI? Learn whether you need antibiotics and what other home remedies can help to relieve your symptoms.
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How Do You Know If Your Child Has Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is a common problem that affects many children. Learn the signs of bronchitis, what causes it, how doctors diagnose it, and what you can do to treat it.
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How Do You Get Rid of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
Learn what medical treatments can help treat your urinary tract infection symptoms and help you manage this condition.
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Bronchitis vs. Pneumonia
Bronchitis and pneumonia both affect breathing and cause coughing, but there are key differences between causes, symptoms, and treatment.
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What Helps When You Have Bronchitis?
Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the air-carrying tubes in the lungs (bronchioles). The condition is often associated with persistent, nagging cough with mucus. The condition often starts as an infection of the nose, throat, ears, or sinuses that later moves to the bronchi.
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Laryngitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Laryngitis is the inflammation of the voice box (larynx). If caused by a virus or bacteria, laryngitis may be contagious.
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What Causes a Urinary Tract Infection in a Child?
What is a urinary tract infection, and how does it affect children? Learn the signs of urinary tract infection in kids, what causes it, and what you can do to treat it.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Leg Sores
- Bronchitis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Strep Throat
- Mastitis
- Pneumonia
- Laryngitis
- Reflux Laryngitis
- Folliculitis
- Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
- Inner Ear Infection (Otitis Interna)
- Cellulitis
- Impetigo
- Scarlet Fever
- Boil
- Viral Pneumonia
- Diverticulosis
- Urinary Tract Infections in Children
- Urinary Tract Infection FAQs
- Pneumonia FAQs
- Strep Streptococcal Throat Infection FAQs
- Ear Infection FAQs
- Bronchitis FAQs
- Ear Health FAQs
- Kidney Infections During Pregnancy
- Pneumonia ... Quick New Urine Test
- How To Reduce Your Medication Costs
- Pharmacy Visit, How To Get The Most Out of Your Visit
- Indications for Drugs: Approved vs. Non-approved
- Strep Throat Diagnosis & Treatment
- Drugs: The Most Common Medication Errors
- Pneumonia Vaccination: Who Should Have One?
- Gonorrhea Treatment Recommendations Update
- Medication Disposal
- Dangers of Mixing Medications
- Drugs: Buying Prescription Drugs Online Safely
- What Is Cryptic Tonsillitis?
- How Long Does Bronchitis Cough Last?
- What Is the Difference Between a Bladder Infection vs. UTI?
- What Causes an Ear Infection?
- How Do You Get an Ear Infection?
- Should I Get the Pneumonia Vaccine Every Year?
- How Long Is Pneumonia Contagious?
- Is there Over-the-Counter Ear Infection Medicine?
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms
- Acute Bronchitis Treatment Treatment Medications and Home Remedies
- Pneumonia Symptoms
- Pneumonia Treatment
- Antibiotics 101
- Pneumonia vs. Walking Pneumonia
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment
- Acute Bronchitis: How Long Do Symptoms Last?
- Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand-Names?
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
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