cephalexin (Rx)

Brand and Other Names:Keflex, Panixine Disperdose

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

capsule

  • 250mg
  • 500mg
  • 750mg

oral suspension

  • 125mg/5mL
  • 250mg/5mL

tablet

  • 250mg
  • 500mg

Genitourinary Tract Infections

250 mg PO q6hr; dosage range, 1-4 g/day in divided doses

Bone Infections

250 mg PO q6hr; dosage range, 1-4 g/day in divided doses

Uncomplicated Cystitis

250 mg PO q6hr or 500 mg PO q12hr; dosage range, 1-4 g/day in divided doses

Otitis Media

250 mg PO q6hr; dosage range, 1-4 g/day in divided doses

Skin/Skin Structure Infections

250 mg PO q6hr or 500 mg PO q12hr; dosage range, 1-4 g/day in divided doses

Respiratory Tract Infections

250 mg PO q6hr; dosage range, 1-4 g/day in divided doses

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

250 mg PO q6hr or 500 mg PO q12hr; dosage range, 1-4 g/day in divided doses

Cellulitis and Mastitis

500 mg PO q6hr; dosage range, 1-4 g/day in divided doses

Renal Impairment

CrCl <10 mL/min: 250-500 mg PO q12-24hr

CrCl 10-50 mL/min: 500 mg PO q8-12hr

Hepatic Impairment

Not studied

Dosing Considerations

Susceptible organisms

  • Gram-positive cocci, gram negative bacilli, gram-positive bacilli, gram-negative cocci, anaerobes

Dosage Forms & Strengths

capsule

  • 250mg
  • 500mg

oral suspension

  • 125mg/5mL
  • 250mg/5mL

tablet

  • 125mg
  • 250mg

Uncomplicated Cystitis

<15 years: 25-50 mg/kg/day PO divided q6-8hr for 10 days; not to exceed 4 g/day  

>15 years: 250 mg PO q6hr; dosage range, 1-4 g/day in divided doses

Genitourinary Tract Infections

25-50 mg/kg/day PO divided q6-8hr for 10 days; not to exceed 4 g/day  

Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal Infections

25-50 mg/kg/day PO divided q6-8hr for 10 days; not to exceed 4 g/day  

Bone Infections

25-50 mg/kg/day PO divided q6-8hr for 10 days; not to exceed 4 g/day  

Otitis Media

75-100 mg/kg/day PO divided q6hr for 10 days; not to exceed 4 g/day  

Skin/Skin Structure Infections

25-50 mg/kg/day PO divided q6-8hr for 10 days; not to exceed 4 g/day  

Respiratory Tract Infections

25-50 mg/kg/day PO divided q6-8hr for 10 days; not to exceed 4 g/day  

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

25-50 mg/kg PO q12hr for 10 days; not to exceed 500 mg q12hr  

Cellulitis and Mastitis

Adolescents: 500 mg PO q6hr; dosage range, 1-4 g/day in divided doses

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Interactions

Interaction Checker

and cephalexin

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              Serious - Use Alternative (4)

              • BCG vaccine live

                cephalexin decreases effects of BCG vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Wait until Abx Tx complete to administer live bacterial vaccine.

              • cholera vaccine

                cephalexin, cholera vaccine. pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration of cholera vaccine with systemic antibiotics since these agents may be active against the vaccine strain. Do not administer cholera vaccine to patients who have received oral or parenteral antibiotics within 14 days prior to vaccination.

              • microbiota oral

                cephalexin decreases effects of microbiota oral by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Microbiota oral contains bacterial spores. Antibacterial agents may decrease efficacy if coadministered. Complete antibiotic regimens 2-4 days before initiating microbiota oral. .

              • typhoid vaccine live

                cephalexin decreases effects of typhoid vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Wait until Abx Tx complete to administer live bacterial vaccine.

              Monitor Closely (20)

              • bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens

                cephalexin will decrease the level or effect of bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • conjugated estrogens

                cephalexin will decrease the level or effect of conjugated estrogens by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • dienogest/estradiol valerate

                cephalexin will decrease the level or effect of dienogest/estradiol valerate by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor. An alternate or additional form of birth control may be advisable during concomitant use.

              • digoxin

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of digoxin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • estradiol

                cephalexin will decrease the level or effect of estradiol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • estrogens conjugated synthetic

                cephalexin will decrease the level or effect of estrogens conjugated synthetic by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • estropipate

                cephalexin will decrease the level or effect of estropipate by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • ethinylestradiol

                cephalexin will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • levonorgestrel oral/ethinylestradiol/ferrous bisglycinate

                cephalexin will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral/ethinylestradiol/ferrous bisglycinate by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor. Antibiotics may decrease hormonal contraceptive efficacy.

              • mestranol

                cephalexin will decrease the level or effect of mestranol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • metformin

                cephalexin increases toxicity of metformin by decreasing renal clearance. Use Caution/Monitor. particularly in patients who may have other risk factors for metformin toxicity. .

              • mycophenolate

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of mycophenolate by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • pivmecillinam

                pivmecillinam, cephalexin. Either increases levels of the other by decreasing renal clearance. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • probenecid

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of probenecid by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • sodium picosulfate/magnesium oxide/anhydrous citric acid

                cephalexin decreases effects of sodium picosulfate/magnesium oxide/anhydrous citric acid by altering metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration with antibiotics decreases efficacy by altering colonic bacterial flora needed to convert sodium picosulfate to active drug.

              • temocillin

                temocillin, cephalexin. Either increases levels of the other by decreasing renal clearance. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • ticarcillin

                ticarcillin, cephalexin. Either increases levels of the other by decreasing renal clearance. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • voclosporin

                voclosporin, cephalexin. Either increases toxicity of the other by nephrotoxicity and/or ototoxicity. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration with drugs associated with nephrotoxicity may increase the risk for acute and/or chronic nephrotoxicity.

              • warfarin

                cephalexin increases effects of warfarin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • zinc

                zinc will decrease the level or effect of cephalexin by cation binding in GI tract. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Consider adminstering oral zinc salts at least 3 hr after cephalexin.

              Minor (56)

              • acyclovir

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of acyclovir by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • aminohippurate sodium

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of aminohippurate sodium by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • aspirin

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of aspirin by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • aspirin rectal

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of aspirin rectal by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • aspirin/citric acid/sodium bicarbonate

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of aspirin/citric acid/sodium bicarbonate by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • balsalazide

                cephalexin will decrease the level or effect of balsalazide by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of balsalazide by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • bendroflumethiazide

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of bendroflumethiazide by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • biotin

                cephalexin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • celecoxib

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of celecoxib by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • chloramphenicol

                chloramphenicol decreases effects of cephalexin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • chlorothiazide

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of chlorothiazide by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • chlorpropamide

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of chlorpropamide by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • chlorthalidone

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of chlorthalidone by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • choline magnesium trisalicylate

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of choline magnesium trisalicylate by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • cyclopenthiazide

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of cyclopenthiazide by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • diclofenac

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of diclofenac by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • diflunisal

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of diflunisal by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • etodolac

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of etodolac by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • fenbufen

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of fenbufen by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • fenoprofen

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of fenoprofen by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • flurbiprofen

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of flurbiprofen by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • furosemide

                cephalexin increases toxicity of furosemide by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.

              • ganciclovir

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of ganciclovir by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • hydrochlorothiazide

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of hydrochlorothiazide by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • ibuprofen

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of ibuprofen by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • indapamide

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of indapamide by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • indomethacin

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of indomethacin by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • ketoprofen

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of ketoprofen by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • ketorolac

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of ketorolac by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • ketorolac intranasal

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of ketorolac intranasal by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • lornoxicam

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of lornoxicam by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • meclofenamate

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of meclofenamate by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • mefenamic acid

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of mefenamic acid by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • meloxicam

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of meloxicam by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • mesalamine

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of mesalamine by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • methyclothiazide

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of methyclothiazide by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • metolazone

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of metolazone by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • nabumetone

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of nabumetone by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • naproxen

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of naproxen by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • oxaprozin

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of oxaprozin by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • pantothenic acid

                cephalexin will decrease the level or effect of pantothenic acid by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • parecoxib

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of parecoxib by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • patiromer

                patiromer, cephalexin. cation binding in GI tract. Minor/Significance Unknown. No observed clinically important interaction. No separation of dosing required.

              • piroxicam

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of piroxicam by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • pyridoxine

                cephalexin will decrease the level or effect of pyridoxine by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • pyridoxine (Antidote)

                cephalexin will decrease the level or effect of pyridoxine (Antidote) by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • rose hips

                rose hips will increase the level or effect of cephalexin by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • salicylates (non-asa)

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of salicylates (non-asa) by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • salsalate

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of salsalate by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • sulfasalazine

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of sulfasalazine by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • sulindac

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of sulindac by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • thiamine

                cephalexin will decrease the level or effect of thiamine by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • tolfenamic acid

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of tolfenamic acid by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • tolmetin

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of tolmetin by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • valganciclovir

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of valganciclovir by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • willow bark

                cephalexin will increase the level or effect of willow bark by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

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              Adverse Effects

              Frequency Not Defined

              Abdominal pain

              Agitation

              Anemia

              Angioedema

              Confusion

              Diarrhea

              Dizziness

              Dyspepsia

              Elevated transaminases

              Eosinophilia hemolytic

              Epidermal necrolysis

              Erythema multiform

              Fatigue

              Gastritis

              Genital pruritus

              Hallucinations

              Headache

              Hemolytic anemia

              Hypersensitivity

              Nephritis

              Neutropenia

              Pseudomembranous colitis

              Thrombocytopenia

              Transient hepatitis

              Toxic epidermal necrolysis

              Urticaria

              Vaginal discharge

              Vomiting

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              Warnings

              Contraindications

              Documented hypersensitivity

              Cautions

              Endocarditis prophylaxis is appropriate only for high-risk patients, per American Heart Association guidelines

              Adjust dose in severe renal insufficiency (high doses may cause CNS toxicity)

              Superinfections and promotion of nonsusceptible organisms may occur with prolonged use or repeated therapy

              Prolonged treatment, hepatic or renal disease, or nutritional deficiency may be associated with increased international normalized ratio (INR)

              Prolonged use is associated with fungal or bacterial superinfection

              Use with caution in patients with history of hypersensitivity to penicillin

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              Pregnancy & Lactation

              Pregnancy

              There are no adequate and well-controlled studies

              Available data from published epidemiologic studies and pharmacovigilance case reports over several decades with cephalosporin use, use in pregnant women have not established drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes

              Animal data

              • Animal reproduction studies with mice and rats using oral doses of cephalexin that are 0.6- and 1.2-times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) based on body surface area during organogenesis revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus; estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for indicated population is unknown

              Lactation

              Data from a published clinical lactation study reports that cephalexin is present in human milk; relative infant dose (RID) is considered to be <1% of maternal weight adjusted dose; there are no data on effects of cephalexin on breastfed child or on milk production

              Development of health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with mother’s clinical need for therapy and any potential adverse effects on breastfed child from therapy or from underlying maternal condition

              Pregnancy Categories

              A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

              B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

              C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

              D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

              X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

              NA: Information not available.

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              Pharmacology

              Mechanism of Action

              Binds to one or more of the penicillin binding proteins, which in turn inhibits synthesis of bacterial cell wall

              Absorption

              Bioavailability: 90%; absorption delayed in young children

              Peak serum time: 1 hr

              Peak plasma concentration: 10-18 mcg/mL (500-mg dose)

              Distribution

              Distributed widely into most tissues and fluids; penetrates CSF poorly

              Protein bound: 6-15%

              Metabolism

              Minimally metabolized in liver

              Elimination

              Half-life: 0.5-1.2 hr

              Excretion: Urine (80-100% as unchanged drug)

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              Images

              BRAND FORM. UNIT PRICE PILL IMAGE
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              500 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              750 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg/5 mL suspension
              cephalexin oral
              -
              500 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              500 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg/5 mL suspension
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg/5 mL suspension
              cephalexin oral
              -
              500 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              500 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              125 mg/5 mL suspension
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg/5 mL suspension
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg/5 mL suspension
              cephalexin oral
              -
              125 mg/5 mL suspension
              cephalexin oral
              -
              500 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg tablet
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg tablet
              cephalexin oral
              -
              500 mg tablet
              cephalexin oral
              -
              500 mg tablet
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              125 mg/5 mL suspension
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg/5 mL suspension
              cephalexin oral
              -
              125 mg/5 mL suspension
              cephalexin oral
              -
              125 mg/5 mL suspension
              cephalexin oral
              -
              750 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg/5 mL suspension
              cephalexin oral
              -
              500 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg/5 mL suspension
              cephalexin oral
              -
              125 mg/5 mL suspension
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              125 mg/5 mL suspension
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              500 mg capsule
              cephalexin oral
              -
              250 mg capsule

              Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

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              Patient Handout

              Patient Education
              cephalexin oral

              CEPHALEXIN - ORAL

              (sef-a-LEX-in)

              COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Keflex

              USES: This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This medication will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

              HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually every 6 to 12 hours with or without food.If you are using the suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose. Measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dose is also based on weight.For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

              SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

              PRECAUTIONS: Before taking cephalexin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to penicillins or other cephalosporins (such as cefpodoxime); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, stomach/intestinal disease (such as colitis).The liquid form of this product may contain sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.Cephalexin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using cephalexin before having any immunizations/vaccinations.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

              DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.A product that may interact with this drug is: dofetilide.This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (including Coombs' test, certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

              OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: vomiting that is severe or doesn't stop, blood in the urine, seizures.

              NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, cultures) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

              MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

              STORAGE: Store the capsules and tablets at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the container tightly closed. Discard any unused portion after 14 days.Different brands of this medication may have different storage requirements. Read the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements for the product you are using. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

              Information last revised September 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.

              IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

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              Formulary

              FormularyPatient Discounts

              Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.

              To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.

              Adding plans allows you to:

              • View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
              • Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
              • Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
              • Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.

              The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

              Tier Description
              1 This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
              2 This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
              3 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
              4 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              5 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              6 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              NC NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.
              Code Definition
              PA Prior Authorization
              Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
              QL Quantity Limits
              Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
              ST Step Therapy
              Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
              OR Other Restrictions
              Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.
              Additional Offers
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              Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.