Cephalexin (Keflex – Ceff) 500 mg capsule is a first generation cephalosporins, an antibiotic that contains a beta lactam and a dihydrothiazine that is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the nose, throat, lungs, teeth, ears, bones, joints, skin, kidney, bladder and genitals.
Cephalexin may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Drug = Cephalexin
Strength = 500 mg
Manufacturer = Lupin
Quantity per sleeve = 150 Caps (for the price quoted)
How To Take Cephalexin (Keflex – Ceff) 500 mg Capsule
This medicine may be taken with or without food. To reduce any stomach discomfort, you may take Cephalexin with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Cephalexin is available as a capsule, tablet, or as a powder for oral suspension.
Take Cephalexin at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don’t, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take Cephalexin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instruction on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Dosage of Cephalexin (Keflex – Ceff) 500 mg Capsule
Skin and soft tissue infections; Uncomplicated urinary tract infections: 250 mg 6 hourly or 500 mg 12 hourly. Maximum: 4,000 mg/day in 2-4 divided doses.
Respiratory tract infections; Bone and joint infections; Genitourinary infections; Acute prostatitis; Acute dental infections: 1,000-4,000 mg/day in divided doses; most infections respond to 500 mg 8 hourly.
Streptococcal pharyngitis: 250 mg 6 hourly or 500 mg 12 hourly for at least 10 days. Maximum: 4,000 mg/day in divided doses.
Missed Cephalexin (Keflex – Ceff) 500 mg Capsule
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double a dose under any circumstances.
Overdose
Signs of overdose may include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Epigastric distress
- Diarrhea
- Hematuria
Seek medical help immediately.
Contraindications
People with the following medical conditions should not take Cephalexin:
- Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins
- Acute porphyria
Side Effects of Cephalexin (Keflex – Ceff) 500 mg Capsule
Cephalexin may have the following side effects:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Angioedema
- Erythema multiforme
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Diarrhea
- Pseudomembranous colitis
- Positive Coombs’ test
- Seizures (in patient with renal impairment)
- Acute intravascular hemolysis
- Elevated INR
- Eosinophilia
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Hemolytic anemia
- Dyspepsia
- Abdominal pain
- Gastritis
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Transient hepatitis
- Cholestatic jaundice
- Slightly elevated AST and ALT
- Arthralgia
- Arthritis
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Nervousness
- Hyperactivity
- Interstitial nephritis (reversible)
- Genital and anal pruritus
- Vaginitis
- Genital moniliasis and candidiasis
- Vaginal discharge
Potentially Fatal:
- Anaphylaxis
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)
Warnings of Cephalexin (Keflex – Ceff) 500 mg Capsule
Alert your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction to Cephalexin or any other similar antibiotics such as cefaclor, cefuroxime or cefixime.
Do not use Cephalexin in people with the following conditions:
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- Amphotericin
- Capreomycin
- Gentamicin
- Vancomycin
- Furosemide
- Torsemide
- Bumetanide
- Probenecid
- Metformin
- Birth control pills with estrogen
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Cephalexin.
How Does It Work?
Cephalexin works by binding to 1 or more of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) which in turn blocks the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell wall, thus inhibiting its biosynthesis and arresting cell wall assembly resulting to bacterial cell death.
Uses
Cephalexin is used to treat the following conditions:
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections
- Respiratory tract infections
- Bone and joint infections
- Genitourinary infections
- Acute prostatitis
- Acute dental infections
Special Precautions and Connected Warnings
Take special precautions if you have the following conditions:
- Patients with history of carbapenem or penicillin allergy (especially IgE-mediated reactions)
- Seizure disorder
- Children
- Renal impairment
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Avoid alcohol
Storage Conditions
- Cap/tab: Store between 20-25°C.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
- Do not use Cephalexin that is expired or out of expiry date.
