Cefalexin General Information
What is Cefalexin used for?
Cefalexin capsules 250mg are a broad spectrum antibiotic used to treat common infections caused by a variety of bacteria in different parts of the body, including, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and pharyngitis; ear infections (otitis media); bacterial sinusitis; genitourinary tract infections, including acute prostatitis; infections of the skin, soft tissue and bone; dental infections. Cefalexin capsules 250mg are also used as prophylaxis (to prevent) rheumatic fever.
How does Cefalexin work?
Cefalexin capsules 250mg contain Cefalexin, which is a semi-synthetic, first- generation cephalosporin antibiotic, belonging to a sub group of the beta lactam group of antibiotics (which include penicillins). Cefalexin in Cefalexin capsules 250mg inhibits the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall, which is important for the structural integrity of the cell wall. Blocking formation of the bacterial cell wall in susceptible bacteria kills the bacteria. Unlike other beta lactam antibiotics like penicillins, cephalosporins are less susceptible to destruction by beta-lactamase found in some resistant bacteria. Cefalexin capsules 250mg are effective against a wide range of common bacteria found in general practice and in hospitals including: Streptococci, Staphylococci (including penicillinase-producing strains and non-resistant strains); Haemophilus influenzae; Klebsiella pneumonia, among others.
What does Cefalexin contain?
Cefalexin capsules 250mg contain the active ingredient Cefalexin monohydrate, a cephalosporin antibiotic belonging to a sub group of the beta lactam group of antibiotics, which is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. They also contain: microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, gelatin, water, sodium lauryl sulphate, sunset yellow, quinoline yellow, titanium dioxide, and patent blue.
Treating bacterial infection with Cefalexin
Cefalexin capsules 250mg contain Cefalexin, a cephalosporin antibiotic belonging to a sub- group of the beta lactam group of antibiotics (which include penicillins). Cefalexin in Cefalexin capsules 250mg works by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall in susceptible bacteria, which kills the bacteria. Cefalexin capsules 250mg is effective for a wide range of bacterial infections, including, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and pharyngitis; ear infections (otitis media); bacterial sinusitis; genitourinary tract infections, including acute prostatitis; infections of the skin, soft tissue and bone; dental infections. Cefalexin capsules 250mg are also used as prophylaxis (to prevent) rheumatic fever.
What are the side effects of Cefalexin?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Cefalexin capsules 250mg include: gastrointestinal upset, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, skin rash, urticaria (hives), genital and anal pruritis (itching).
What is an allergic reaction to antibiotics like Cefalexin?
Some people are allergic to penicillin-like antibiotics and may develop a hypersensitivity reaction, which can be a mild to severe skin reaction, with symptoms like rash, itching, blotchy red patches, hives (urticaria), dermatitis. A more serious reaction may give you symptoms like swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing.
When should Cefalexin not be used?
You should not use Cefalexin capsules 250mg if you:
- are allergic to Cefalexin or any other beta-lactams antibiotic, including penicillins, or any ingredients in Cefalexin
- are pregnant
- breastfeeding without discussion with your doctor
- have kidney disease without discussion with your doctor
- have a history of gastrointestinal disease particularly pseudomembranous colitis
- are taking medicines that interact with Cefalexin, including probenecid for gout, metformin for diabetes, oral contraceptives, anticoagulants like warfarin
What medications interact with Cefalexin?
Several medications interact with Cefalexin and should either not be taken while you are taking Cefalexin or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that affect Cefalexin: probenecid for gout
- Drugs that are affected by Cefalexin: metformin for diabetes, oral contraceptives, anticoagulants like warfarin
How should Cefalexin be taken?
You should take your Cefalexin capsules 250mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, with or without food. The dose you take and how often, depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation, which may be 1-2 capsules every 6-12 hours, usually for up to 5-10 days, or longer. For some infections you will be given a higher dose for a shorter time. Always finish your course of capsules even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return.
How long should you take Cefalexin?
You should complete the course of Cefalexin capsules 250mg as prescribed by your doctor, usually for up to 5-10 days, depending on what you are being treated for. Always finish your course of capsules even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return.
Missed dose of Cefalexin
If you miss a dose of Cefalexin capsules 250mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Cefalexin be stored?
You should store your Cefalexin capsules 250mg below 30°C in a cool dry place.