Cephalexin

Generic Name: Cephalexin

Brand Name(s): Keflex, Panixine, Biocef, Zartan

This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist

Common Uses:

Cephalexin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria, including upper respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. 

How to use:

Take cephalexin with a full glass of water.

Dissolve the cephalexin dispersible tablet in a small amount of water, about 2 teaspoonfuls. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away. Do not swallow or chew a dispersible tablet. 

Warning and Precautions:

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to cephalexin, or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:cefaclor (Ceclor);cefadroxil (Duricef);cefdinir (Omnicef);cefditoren (Spectracef);cefixime (Suprax);cefprozil (Cefzil);ceftazidime (Fortaz); orcefuroxime (Ceftin).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cephalexin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. 

Important safety information:

Before using cephalexin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have kidney or liver disease, a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis, diabetes, or if you are malnourished.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cephalexin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. 

Overdose:

Almost any medicine taking in excess doses without consultation with your doctor can cause an overdose. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and blood in your urine.

 Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. 

Do not use this medicine:

if you have any allergic reaction to any component of this medicine

Storage conditions:

Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.