Dosing & Uses
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
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (0)
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.
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
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
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.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)
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.
Patient Handout
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.
Formulary
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Adding plans allows you to:
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