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?
Cephalexin tablets are indicated for the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms: Respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes Otitis media due to susceptible isolates of Streptococcu.. pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Moraxella Catarrhalis. Skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible isolates of the following Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes Bone infections caused by susceptible isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus Mirabilis Genitourinary.
What should I know before taking it?
Cephalexin tablets are contraindicated in patients with known allergy to cephalexin or other members of the cephalosporin class of antibacterial drugs.
What important warnings are listed?
Hypersensitivity Reactions Allergic reactions in the form of rash, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported with the use of cephalexin tablets. Before therapy with cephalexin tablets are instituted, inquire whether the patient has a history of hypersensitivity reactions to cephalexin, cephalosporins, penicillins, or other drugs. Cross-hypersensitivity among beta-lactam antibacterial drugs may occur in up to 10% of patients with a history of penicillin allergy. If an allergic reaction to cephalexin tablets occurs, discontinue the drug and institute appropriate treatment. Clostridium difficile-A.
How is this medication usually taken?
Cephalexin tablets are administered orally. Adults and Pediatric Patients at Least 15 Years of Age The usual dose is 250 mg every 6 hours but a dose of 500 mg every 12 hours may be administered. Treatment is administered for 7 to 14 days. For more severe infections larger doses of oral cephalexin may be needed, up to 4 grams in two to four equally divided doses. Pediatric Patients (over 1 year of age) The recommended total daily dose of oral cephalexin for pediatric patients is 25 to 50 mg/kg in equally divided doses for 7 to 14 days. In the treatment of β-hemolytic streptococcal infections, duration of at least 10 days is recommended. In severe infections, a total daily dose of 50 to 100.
What side effects are listed?
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The most frequent adverse reaction was diarrhea. Nausea and vomiting, dyspepsia, gastritis, and abdominal pain have also occurred. As with penicillins and other cephalosporins, transient hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported. Other reactions have included hypersensitivity reactions, genital and anal pruritus, genital candidiasis, vaginitis and vaginal discharge, dizziness, fatigue, headache, agitation, confusion,.
What interactions are listed?
Metformin: Administration of cephalexin tablets 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 tablets and metformin[see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Probenecid:The renal excretion of cephalexin tablets is inhibited by probenecid. Co-administration of probenecid with cephalexin tablets is not recommended. Drug/laboratory Test Interactions: A false-positive reaction may occur when testing for the presence of glucose in the urine using Benedict's solution or Fehling's solutions.
Where can I find the official prescribing information?
Review the full prescribing information on DailyMed: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=36882c6d-7b6f-41e3-8c54-e3b0073b8c07
⚠️ 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.