Cephalexin / Cefalexin

Uses	Bacterial infection
Therapy	Antibiotic
Side Effects	Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset

3 Step Quality
Assurance

Cash on delivery
available

NPPA
Regulated

Molecule Description

Cephalexin / Cefalexin is an antibiotic medicine. It is used to treat bacterial infections like infections of the lungs, respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin and pneumonia. Cephalexin / Cefalexin inhibits the cell wall synthesis of bacteria, the absence of a cell wall leads to the death of bacteria and treats the infection by preventing the further spread of infection. Avoid using it if you are allergic to Cephalexin or penicillin antibiotics. Take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Take it with meals to avoid stomach upset. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, as it may lead to treatment failure.

Uses

It is used to treat chest and lungs infection like bronchitis, pneumonia and infections of the skin and urinary tract.

Contraindications

When should one not use Cephalexin / Cefalexin

If you are allergic to Cephalexin or other cephalosporin groups of antibiotics like Ceftriaxone or Cefuroxime.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Diarrhoea
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach pain

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Avoid during pregnancy unless considered essential by the physician. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant, the doctor will tell you about the use of the medicine after assessing the benefits of cefalexin over risks.

Breast Feeding

The medicine passes into the breast milk in a very small amount. So caution must be exercised while giving the medicine to a nursing mother. If you are taking the medicine during breastfeeding, watch for diarrhoea in a newborn baby.

Driving

It does not influence driving ability, but if you experience dizziness after taking the medicine, avoid driving.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption with the medicine increases the side effect like dizziness and nausea. Avoid alcohol while on the treatment.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You suffer from an allergy to the medicine or other antibiotics like penicillin, as much caution is required in patients.
You suffer from liver or kidney problems; the doctor may adjust the dose.
You suffer from allergic reaction like skin rashes etc. which may appear at the start of the treatment; the doctor may discontinue the medicine.
Complete the course even if you are feeling better after a few doses. Not completing the course of antibiotics leads to resistance.
If you get persistent diarrhoea, inform the doctor.
You find other superinfection occurs during the treatment; the doctor must take appropriate measures. It may impair the blood test reports. Inform the doctor before lab tests.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Cephalexin / Cefalexin fights a wide range of bacterial infections by killing the bacteria. It inhibits the bacterial cell wall synthesis, which leads to the death of bacteria.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Cephalexin / Cefalexin may interact with other medicines and produce an altered response. Inform the doctor if you are using other medicines, over-the-counter medicines and herbal preparations.
Medicine used to treat gout like probenecid must be used cautiously. Concomitant use of antibiotics like streptomycin, gentamycin, water pills like furosemide increases the risk of kidney problems.

Dosage

Overdose

An overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or blood in the urine. If you experience the symptoms or have taken an excessive dose of the medicine, contact the doctor or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

Avoid missing a dose of antibiotics, as it may lead to treatment failure.
If you have missed taking a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it's time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dose schedule.
Avoid taking a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Inform the doctor about the detailed medical and surgical history. Inform the physician if you have liver or kidney disease. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.

Yes, the medicine may affect the blood result values. Inform the doctor if you are taking the medicine before doing a blood test.

Yes, Cephalexin / Cefalexin is safe to use when taken under medical supervision. It may show allergic reactions, you must not use the medicine if you are allergic to Cephalexin.

No, avoid stopping on your own, taking the medicine, as this may lead to antibiotic resistance and treatment failure. Complete the course of the medicine.

No, you should not take this medicine for any condition other than what it is prescribed for. This is an antibiotic medicine for bacterial infection not effective in viral infection. And common cold and flu are caused by viruses.

Yes, Cephalexin / Cefalexin is an antibiotic medicine, used to treat various types of bacterial infections like skin, ear, stomach, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, sinusitis, etc.

Cephalexin / Cefalexin can start showing its effect approximately after 1-2 hours of its consumption. However, it varies among individuals and can also vary due to the severity of the infection. As it is an antibiotic medicine, the complete effect of the infection could be seen only after completing the full course of antibiotic treatment.

Cephalexin / Cefalexin is an antibiotic that belongs to the cephalosporin class of medicines.

Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain are a few common side effects that can be seen during the treatment with Cephalexin / Cefalexin. Not everyone experiences the same side effects. If these symptoms are severe or persist, or if you notice an allergic reaction, contact your doctor.