- Cephalexin is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections; and infections of the bone, skin, ears, genital, and urinary tract.
- Cephalexin is sidea effects of Abdominal or stomach pain, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, clay-colored stools, general tiredness and weakness, itching or rash, light-colored stools, nausea, and vomiting. red skin lesions.
- ALSO READ: CEFUROXIME.
1. What is Cephalexin?
- Cephalexin is a medication used to treat a variety of infections. It is a penicillin antibiotic. Cephalexin is usually effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those that cause pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.
- Cephalexin is bactericidal and is active against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.
2. Uses of Cephalexin.
- Respiratory tract infections.
- N.T infections.
- Urinary tract infections.
- Gynaecological and obstetric infections.
- Skin and soft tissue infections.
- Dental infections.
3. How to take the dosage of Cephalexin?
- Adults: 1-4 gm daily divided into equal doses 6 hourly.
- Children: 25-50 mg/kg body weight. daily divided doses.
4. Availability of Cephalexin.
- Tablets and syrup.
5. When to avoid Cephalexin.
- Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.
6. Precautions while taking in Cephalexin.
- Cephalexin is well tolerated by patients allergic to penicillin, but cross-reaction has been encountered rarely.
- Paediatrics: safe.
- Pregnancy: use with caution during the early months.
- Lactation: the drug passes into breast milk.
- Elderly: renal impairment may occur.
7. Side effects of Cephalexin.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Reversible neutropenia
- Drug rashes.
8. The drug interaction to be careful about is Cephalexin.
- Concurrent treatment with aminoglycosides or potent diuretics may adversely affect renal function.
9. Frequently Asked Questions about Cephalexin.
Q-1: What should you not use with cephalexin?
A-1: Cephalexin can interact with certain medications and supplements, such as metformin, warfarin, and zinc. It also may interact with live cholera and typhoid vaccines.
Q-2: How long does cephalexin take to work?
A-2: Cephalexin will start working right away to fight the infection in your body. You should start feeling better after 2 days but continue to take the full course of your medicine, even if you feel like you no longer need it.
Q-3: How do you take cephalexin 4 times per day?
A-3: 1-4 g per day is taken in divided doses. The usual dose is 250 mg taken every 6 hours, or a dose of 500 mg may be given every 12 hours. Your doctor may give you a higher dose if you have a serious infection. 1-4 grams per day have been taken in divided doses.
Q-4: How long is cephalexin good for?
A-4: Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.
Q-5: Is Cephalexin 500 mg a strong antibiotic?
A-5: Cephalexin 500 MG Capsule belongs to the drug group known as cephalosporin (antibiotic). It interferes with the formation of the bacterial cell wall. This results in the breakdown of walls and therefore kills bacteria.
Q-6: What is cephalexin used to treat?
A-6: It’s used to treat bacterial infections, such as pneumonia and other chest infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cefalexin is only available on prescription. It comes as capsules, tablets, or as a liquid for children and people who find it difficult to swallow capsules or tablets.
Q-7: Is cephalexin the same as amoxicillin?
A-7: Are Cephalexin and amoxicillin the same? While cephalexin and amoxicillin are beta-lactam antibiotics, they are not the same. Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic, and amoxicillin is a penicillin derivative. While they cover some of the same bacterial organisms, they each cover unique organisms.
Q-8: What are the side effects of Cefalexin?
A-8: Side Effects are
- Abdominal or stomach pain.
- blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin.
- clay-colored stools.
- general tiredness and weakness.
- itching or rash.
- light-colored stools.
- nausea and vomiting.
- red skin lesions.
Q-9: Is cephalexin safe for kidneys?
A-9: For people with kidney problems: If you have kidney problems or a history of kidney disease, you may not be able to clear this drug from your body. This may increase the levels of this drug in your body and cause more side effects. Your doctor may adjust your dose if you have kidney disease.
Q-10: Can cephalexin cause UTI?
A-10: Cephalexin Could Increase The Risk Of Repeated UTIs
(coli), the number one bacteria causing UTIs.
11.Conclusion:
Cephalexin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. While it is generally well-tolerated, some side effects may occur, including nausea and diarrhea. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and report any unusual symptoms. Remember to take precautions, such as completing the full course of medication and avoiding alcohol. If you have any concerns or experience severe side effects, consult your doctor promptly.
Disclaimer: The above information is to the best of our research and knowledge. But, you are advised to consult a physician before consuming the medicine.