Common use
Cephalexin is attributed as antibiotic of cephalosporins group which act against bacteria preventing the formation of their cell walls. It is enough resistant to penicillinases of gram-positive microorganisms but can be destroyed by beta-lactamases of gram-negative ones. It shows broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive microorganisms such as Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus epidermidis; Streptococcus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Clostridium, Actinomyces israelii, Bacillus anthracis, gram-negative microorganisms like Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus mirabilis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitides, Shigella, Salmonella. Common infections that are treated with Cephalexin include infections of the middle ear, tonsils, throat, larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis) and pneumonia as well as in urinary tract, skin, and bones.
Dosage and directions
The dose of Cephalexin for adults is 1 to 4 grams in divided doses. The interval between doses maybe 6 or 12 hours depending on the infection.
Precautions
Before using Cephalexin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), have kidney or liver disease, a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis, and diabetes.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to Cephalexin, cephalosporins (Ceclor, Duricef, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, Cefzil, Fortaz, Ceftin) and beta-lactamase antibiotics. Cautiousness should be exercised in patients with kidney disorder, pseudomembranous colitis, pregnancy, breastfeeding and babies younger than 6 months.
Possible side effect
Most common side effects may include:
• signs of allergy (hives, rash, swelling of face and tongue),
• seizure,
• fever,
• sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering,
• peeling, and red skin rash,
• pale or yellowed skin,
• dark colored urine,
• fever,
• hallucinations,
• confusion or weakness,
• easy bruising or bleeding,
• unusual weakness,
• confusion,
• agitation,
• decreased or absent urination.
In case of serious and persistent side effects listed above seek for immediate medical help.
Drug interaction
Inform your doctor about all medications you take and especially about live vaccines, probenecid. Cephalexin may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type contraceptive pills. This medication is able to show false positive results with certain diabetic urine testing products. Cephalexin increases effects of indirect anticoagulants, polphenilbutazone, furosemide. Salicylates and indomethacin slow excretion of cephalexin by kidneys. Medications decreasing secretion in renal tubules increase the concentration of the medication blood serum and slow down its excretion.
Missed dose
If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it almost time of your next dose just skip it and return to your regular schedule. Never double dose this medication.
Overdose
In case of serious and persistent symptoms of nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, and blood in your urine consult your doctor about medical attention.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.
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