Cephalexin

Urinary Tract Infections, Respiratory Tract Infections, prostatitis + 4 more
Treatment
14 FDA approvals
0 Active Studies for Cephalexin

What is Cephalexin

CephalexinThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryCephalexin is a type of antibiotic that stops bacteria from making and repairing their cell walls. It was the first of its kind approved by the FDA in 1971 and is used to treat bacterial infections.
Keflexis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Cephalexin Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Keflex
Cephalexin
1971
408

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Cephalexin, also known as Keflex, is approved by the FDA for 14 uses like Otitis Media (OM) and Recurrent Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs) .
Otitis Media (OM)
Recurrent Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs)
Genitourinary tract infection
Streptococcus Pneumoniae
Bone Infection
acute Prostatitis
Skin and skin structure infections
Pneumococcal Infections
Respiratory Tract Infections
Urinary Tract Infections
Osteomyelitis
Otitis
Communicable Diseases
prostatitis

Effectiveness

How Cephalexin Affects PatientsCephalexin (also called Cefalexin) is a common antibiotic used to treat skin infections caused by minor wounds or lacerations. It works by interfering with the cell wall of bacteria, causing it to break down and die, which stops the infection from spreading.
How Cephalexin works in the bodyCephalexin is an antibiotic used to fight bacteria. It works by targeting the cell wall of the bacteria, weakening it until it breaks down and the bacteria die. Cephalexin holds up better against certain enzymes that can destroy other antibiotics.

When to interrupt dosage

The quantity of Cephalexin is contingent upon the diagnosed malady, for example, Otitis Media (OM), Respiratory Tract Infections and prostatitis. The amount of dosage can be found in the table below, determined by the method of delivery.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Respiratory Tract Infections
, 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 333.0 mg
, Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral
prostatitis
, 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 333.0 mg
, Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral
Communicable Diseases
, 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 333.0 mg
, Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral
Urinary Tract Infections
, 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 333.0 mg
, Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral
Pneumococcal Infections
, 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 333.0 mg
, Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral
Osteomyelitis
, 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 333.0 mg
, Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral
Otitis
, 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 333.0 mg
, Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral

Warnings

Cephalexin Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Cephalexin.
Common Cephalexin Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The excretion of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Cephalexin.
Neomycin
Major
The risk or severity of nephrotoxicity can be increased when Cephalexin is combined with Neomycin.
Procainamide
Major
The excretion of Procainamide can be decreased when combined with Cephalexin.
Tenofovir
Major
Cephalexin may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir.
Tenofovir alafenamide
Major
Cephalexin may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir alafenamide.
Cephalexin Toxicity & Overdose RiskSymptoms of an overdose on cephalexin may include blood in the urine, diarrhea, nausea, upper abdominal pain, and vomiting. The most toxic dose of cephalexin in rats is over 5000mg/kg and in humans is 14mg/kg. Taking cephalexin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding is generally considered safe, though infants may be exposed to a very small amount of the drug in breast milk. It has not been studied for its effects on fertility or cancer.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Cephalexin Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Cephalexin?

Two investigations are presently being conducted to assess the potential of Cephalexin as a treatment for Otitis Media (OM), Bone Infection and Communicable Diseases.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Osteomyelitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Otitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Respiratory Tract Infections
0 Actively Recruiting
Urinary Tract Infections
0 Actively Recruiting
prostatitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Pneumococcal Infections
0 Actively Recruiting
Communicable Diseases
0 Actively Recruiting

Cephalexin Reviews: What are patients saying about Cephalexin?

5Patient Review
10/23/2021
Cephalexin for Skin Infection
This treatment worked perfectly for me. I followed the instructions and had no issues.
5Patient Review
12/16/2021
Cephalexin for Skin Infection
I was diagnosed with cellulitis and given this medication. I started to feel better just a few hours after taking the first pill, and now three days later I feel great!
5Patient Review
9/5/2022
Cephalexin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection
I had an infection that my doctor originally thought was fungal, but it ended up being bacterial. This product cleared things up in just two days, and I'm finally starting to feel better. My skin is also looking normal again. Thankful for this!
5Patient Review
11/8/2022
Cephalexin for Strep Throat
I understand why some people might be hesitant to take this medication after reading the reviews, but I'm glad I decided to try it anyway. For me, it was completely effective with no side effects.
5Patient Review
2/17/2021
Cephalexin for infection caused by bacteria
I've only been taking this for two days and I can already tell it's working. My arm is much less red and swollen, and the pain has gone down significantly. So far, no negative side effects either!
View All Reviews
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about cephalexin

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is cephalexin 500 mg a penicillin?

"Cephalexin and amoxicillin are two different types of antibiotics. Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic, and amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic."

Answered by AI

What is cephalexin used to treat?

"Cefalexin is an antibiotic that belongs to a group of antibiotics called cephalosporins. It is used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, other chest infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs)."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of cephalexin 500mg?

"The side effects of the medication include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach pain, rectal or genital itching, dizziness, and extreme tiredness."

Answered by AI

Is cephalexin a strong antibiotic?

"Cephalexin is an effective antibiotic against a wide variety of bacteria, making it a broad-spectrum antibiotic."

Answered by AI
Unbiased ResultsWe believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your DataWe only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials OnlyAll of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.
Back to top