Keflex (cephalexin) is an antibiotic in the cephalosporin class. It fights bacteria in the body and is prescribed to treat bacterial infections such as upper respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and bone infections.
Keflex is suitable for adults and children over one year of age and is available as a syrup (Keflex syrup) or tablets (Keflex 100 mg).
Keflex Tablet Uses
Keflex treats a wide range of bacterial infections by preventing bacterial growth. It is ineffective against viral infections (like the common cold or flu). Misusing antibiotics can reduce their effectiveness.
Commonly Used For:
Respiratory tract infections
Skin infections
Ear infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Quick Highlight of Its Benefits:
Effective against many gram-positive bacteria
Well-tolerated with a broad safety profile
Often prescribed when penicillin allergies are present
Conditions Keflex used to Treat:
Strep throat and tonsillitis
Skin and soft tissue infections (e.g., cellulitis)
Urinary tract infections
Otitis media (middle ear infection)
Bone infections (osteomyelitis)
How Does Keflex Work?
Keflex (cephalexin) works by:
Inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis
Binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in bacteria
Causes the bacterial cell wall to weaken and rupture
Simply put, it "punches holes" in the bacterial cell wall, causing the bacteria to die.
How to Use Keflex
Administration: Take orally, with or without food, every 6 to 12 hours.
Suspension: Shake well before each dose and use a measuring device to ensure the correct dose. Do not use a regular spoon.
Dosage: Determined by medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is weight-based.
For the best results, take this antibiotic at regular intervals and complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms disappear. Stopping too soon may cause the infection to return.
Report any severe rash, persistent diarrhea, or allergic symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Precautions and Warnings
Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to cephalexin, penicillins, or other cephalosporins.
Medical History: Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease or stomach/intestinal disease (like colitis).
Diabetes: The liquid form may contain sugar; consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Pregnancy: Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding: This medication may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Use With Caution In:
Patients with kidney disease
Pregnant or breastfeeding women (only under doctor's advice)
People with a history of gastrointestinal disease
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Keflex?
Safe for infants >1 year, children, adults, and elderly
Pediatric dosing must be weight-based
Alcohol or Food Interactions
Food:
No significant food interactions
Taking with food may help reduce stomach discomfort
Alcohol:
No direct interaction, but alcohol may reduce immune response
Best to avoid excess alcohol during treatment
Possible Interactions with Other Medications.
Drug Interactions: These can affect how medications work or increase side effects. Keep a list of all products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
No, these drugs are classified as different types of antibiotics. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic, whereas Keflex is a cephalosporin antibiotic.
Penicillin and Keflex (cephalexin) are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. Keflex and penicillin belong to separate drug classes. Penicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic, and Keflex is a cephalosporin antibiotic.
Keflex belongs to the antibiotic class known as cephalosporins. Keflex is a first-generation cephalosporin that works primarily against gram-positive bacteria.
Both antibiotics are effective against the organisms they are designed to treat when properly dosed. Cephalexin's organism coverage makes it effective in conditions where amoxicillin is ineffective, such as mastitis and bone and joint infections.
Keflex is used for treating respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes isolates.
Peak concentrations are reached 1 hour after dosing; however, it takes up to 48 hours for infection-related symptoms to start working.
Because of inadequate antimicrobial coverage of the major organisms, penicillin, erythromycin (Suprax), and first-generation cephalosporins such as cephalexin (Keflex, Keftab) are not recommended for treating acute sinusitis.
Every day, four times: once in the morning, once around midday, once in the early afternoon, and once in the evening. These times should ideally be about 4 hours apart, such as 8 a.m., midday, 4 p.m., and 8 p.m.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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