Cephalexin

Urinary Tract Infections, Respiratory Tract Infections, prostatitis + 4 more

Treatment

14 FDA approvals

0 Active Studies for Cephalexin

What is Cephalexin

Cephalexin

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Cephalexin 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.

Keflex

is 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 Recurrent Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs) and Streptococcus Pneumoniae .

Recurrent Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs)

Streptococcus Pneumoniae

Genitourinary tract infection

Bone Infection

Otitis Media (OM)

Skin and skin structure infections

acute Prostatitis

Pneumococcal Infections

Respiratory Tract Infections

Urinary Tract Infections

Osteomyelitis

Otitis

Communicable Diseases

prostatitis

Effectiveness

How Cephalexin Affects Patients

Cephalexin (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 body

Cephalexin 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 - Oral, Suspension, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Powder, for suspension, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating

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 - Oral, Suspension, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Powder, for suspension, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating

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 - Oral, Suspension, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Powder, for suspension, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating

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 - Oral, Suspension, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Powder, for suspension, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating

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 - Oral, Suspension, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Powder, for suspension, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating

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 - Oral, Suspension, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Powder, for suspension, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating

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 - Oral, Suspension, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Powder, for suspension, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating

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 Risk

Symptoms 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?

5

Patient Review

10/23/2021

Cephalexin for Skin Infection

This treatment worked perfectly for me. I followed the instructions and had no issues.

5

Patient 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!

5

Patient 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!

5

Patient 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.

5

Patient 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!

5

Patient Review

1/6/2022

Cephalexin for infection caused by bacteria

This was prescribed to me when I had an infection from surgery. The pain was unbearable, but after just 24 hours on this medication I noticed a significant reduction in pain levels.

4.7

Patient Review

8/12/2022

Cephalexin for Strep Throat and Tonsillitis

I've had to take this a few times now for strep throat and it's really the only thing that works for me. Amoxicillin does nothing, so I'm grateful to have found something that does the job. The only downside is having to take it four times a day.

3.7

Patient Review

7/19/2022

Cephalexin for Diabetic with Foot Infection due to a Specific Bacteria

I was prescribed this medication for a soft tissue infection in my right hand, which was caused by a dog bite. The infection was very red, sore, and swollen, involving my thumb, forefinger, and middle finger.After taking the medication for two days (500 mg four times per day), I've noticed that the pain is decreasing and the swelling has reduced somewhat. However, I am also experiencing serious diarrhea as a side effect. I may need to reduce the dosage to three times daily and extend the length of time I'm taking it. I'll be checking with my pharmacist about this.

2.7

Patient Review

3/23/2021

Cephalexin for Infection of the Middle Ear caused by Staphylococcus

I had awful side effects from this medication, including heart palpitations, constant headaches and diarrhoea. It also gave me anxiety, which was a new experience for me. Thankfully, all of the symptoms went away as soon as I stopped taking the medication.

2.3

Patient Review

11/11/2021

Cephalexin for infection caused by bacteria

I had a severe allergic reaction to this the first day I took it, including swelling of my face and lips as well as intense itching.

1

Patient Review

3/15/2021

Cephalexin for infection caused by bacteria

I had an allergic reaction to this medication, characterized by severe itching. Definitely not the right treatment for me--I'm seeing a different doctor tomorrow.

1

Patient Review

10/21/2022

Cephalexin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection

I was prescribed this medication for a UTI, but after taking it for only two days I started having really bad heart palpitations. So bad that I had to go to the ER. My whole body was shaking.
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