Keflex (cephalexin) is an antibiotic that belongs to the cephalosporin class. It works by fighting with the bacteria in the body. Keflex is prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections such as upper respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and bone infections. Keflex is prescribed to treat infections in adults and children over the age of one year. It can be in form of syrup (Keflex syrup) or tablet (Keflex 100 mg).
Keflex Uses
This antibiotic is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. This antibiotic is classified as a cephalosporin. It works by preventing bacterial growth. This medication is ineffective against viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Any antibiotic's effectiveness can be reduced if it is used or misused unnecessarily.
How to use Keflex:
Take this medication orally, with or without food. Usually, it is taken every 6 to 12 hours.
Shake the bottle thoroughly before each dose if you're using the suspension. Use a measuring device to carefully measure the dose. You should not use a regular spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
The dosage is determined by your medical condition as well as your response to treatment. The dose is also weight-based in children.
Take this antibiotic at regular intervals for the best results. Even if your symptoms go away after a few days, keep taking this medication until the full prescribed amount is gone. Stopping the medication too soon may allow bacteria to grow, resulting in a recurrence of the infection.
Keflex Side Effects
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Blistering
- Peeling of the skin
- Chills
- Cough
- Dark urine
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Headache
- Itching
- Rash
- Joint or muscle pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Precautions
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to cephalexin, penicillins, or other cephalosporins (such as cefpodoxime), or if you have any other allergies. Some inactive ingredients present in this product may cause allergic reactions or other problems. For more information, consult your pharmacist.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have kidney disease or stomach/intestinal disease, before using this medication (such as colitis).
This product's liquid form may contain sugar. If you have diabetes, proceed with caution. Inquire with your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product.
During pregnancy, this medication should not be used. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor when you are taking this medicine during pregnancy.
This medication might pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions can change the way your medications function or put you at risk for severe side effects. Maintain a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications without first consulting your doctor.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (such as the Coombs' test and certain urine glucose tests), potentially resulting in false test results.
Overdose
If someone has taken an overdose of this medicine and has serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, seek medical advice. Never take more than what is prescribed to you by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take any dose or by mistake miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is already the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next medicine at the regular time schedule. Do not double the dose.
Storage
The medicine should not come in direct contact with heat, air, light and may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine might cause some harmful effects or serious side effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Keflex vs Amoxicillin
| Keflex (cephalexin) is an antibiotic that belongs to the cephalosporin class. | Amoxicillin is a type of antibiotic. Amoxicillin belongs to a class of drugs called penicillin-like antibiotics. |
| This antibiotic is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. | It is used for treating middle ear infections, strep throat, pneumonia, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. It can be taken orally or, by injection. |
| Keflex works by fighting bacteria in the body. | Amoxicillin works by stopping the growth of bacteria in the body. |
