Cephalexin Medication Summary
No separate FDA Medication Guide was found for this label. This summary is based on FDA/DailyMed prescribing information.
What is this medication?
Cephalexin is described in FDA/DailyMed prescribing information. No separate FDA Medication Guide was found for this label. This summary is based on FDA/DailyMed prescribing information.
What is this medication used for?
1 INDICATIONS & USAGE Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibacterial drug indicated for the treatment of the following infections caused by susceptible isolates of designated bacteria: Respiratory tract infection ( 1.1 ) Otitis media ( 1.2 ) Skin and skin structure infections ( 1.3 ) Bone infections (1.4) Genitourinary tract infections ( 1.5 ) To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of cephalexin and other antibacterial drugs, Cephalexin should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. (1.6) 1.1 Respiratory Tract Infections Cephalexin is indicated for the treatment of respiratory tract infections.
What should I know before taking it?
Cephalexin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to cephalexin or other members of the cephalosporin class of antibacterial drugs.
What important warnings are listed?
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Serious hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions : Prior to use, inquire regarding history of hypersensitivity to beta-lactam antibacterial drugs. Discontinue the drug if signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction occur and institute supportive measures. ( 5.1 ) Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD ): Evaluate if diarrhea occurs. ( 5.2 ) Direct Coomb’s Test Seroconversion : If anemia develops during or after cephalexin therapy, evaluate for drug-induced hemolytic anemia. ( 5.3 ) Seizure Potential : Use lower dose in patients with renal impairment. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Allergic reactions in the form of rash, urticaria, angioedema,.
How is this medication usually taken?
250 mg capsules: a white to off white powder filled into size 2 capsules (dark green cap and dark green body) that are imprinted with “220” on the both cap and body in edible black ink. 500 mg capsules: a white to off white powder filled into size 0 capsules (light green cap and light green body) that are imprinted with “219” on the both cap and body in edible black ink. 333 mg capsules: a white to off white powder filled into size 1 capsules (light green cap and light green body) that are imprinted “CEP” on cap and “333” on body in edible black ink. 750 mg capsules: a white to off white powder filled into size '00 Elongated' capsules (dark green cap and dark green body) that are imprinted.
What side effects are listed?
The following serious events are described in greater detail in the Warning and Precautions section: Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warning and Precautions (5.1)] Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Direct Coombs’ Test Seroconversion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Seizure Potential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Effect on Prothrombin Activity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
What interactions are listed?
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Metformin: increased metformin concentrations. Monitor for hypoglycemia. ( 7.1 ) Probenecid- The renal excretion of cephalexin is inhibited by probenecid. Co-administration of probenecid with cephalexin is not recommended. ( 7.2 ) Administration of cephalexin may result in a false-positive reaction glucose in the urine. ( 7.3 ) 7.1 Metformin Administration of cephalexin with metformin results in increased plasma metformin concentrations and decreased renal clearance of metformin. Careful patient monitoring and dose adjustment of metformin is recommended in patients concomitantly taking cephalexin and metformin [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] 7.2 Probenecid The.
Where can I find the official prescribing information?
Review the full prescribing information on DailyMed: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0384c418-b4d4-4c06-9ed9-13e864b1980b
⚠️ Disclaimer
This summary is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other licensed healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medicine. Read full medical disclaimer.