Cephalexin
Cephalosporin · Cephalosporin
Indications
Infections of the respiratory tract, ENT, urinary tract, skin, soft tissue and bones. Gynaecological and obstetrical infections. Gonorrhoea and syphilis. Dental procedures.
Dosage
Adults: Usually 1-2 gm daily in two to four divided doses. Children: Under 3 mth, 65.5-125 mg twice daily; 4 mth-2 yr, 250-500 mg daily; 3-6 yr, 1-2 gm daily. All in two to four divided doses. Lower Respiratory Infection: Adults: Usual: 250 mg every 6 hr. Max: 4 gm/day. Children: Usual: 25-50 mg/kg/day in divided doses. Upper Respiratory Infection: Adults: Usual: 250 mg every 6 hr. Streptococcal Pharyngitis: Adults: 500 mg every 12 hr. Max: 4 gm/day. Children: >1 yr: Usual: 25-50 mg/kg/day given every 12 hr Otitis Media: Children: 75-100 mg/kg/day given every 6 hr. Skin Infection: Adults: 500 mg every 12 hr. Max: 4 gm/day. Children: 25-50 mg/kg/day given every 12 hr. Urinary Tract Infection: Adults: Usual: 250 mg every 6 hr. Uncomplicated Cystitis: 500 mg every 12 hr for 7-14 days. Max: 4 gm/day. Children: Usual: 25-50 mg/kg/day in divided doses. Bone Infection: Adults: Usual: 250 mg…
Adverse Effects
Hypersensitivity, GI upset, pseudomembranous colitis, neutropenia, rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, haemolytic anaemia.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: No evidence of risk in humans. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Precautions: Renal impairment. Hypersensitivity to penicillins.
Interactions
Loop diuretics, probenecid, metformin, oral anticoagulants, other antibiotics.
Advice to Patient
Take with or without meals. Preferably taken with meals to reduce abdominal discomfort. Take at regular intervals, as scheduled. Shake oral suspension well before measuring and use a calibrated measuring device to ensure accurate dose. To improve flavour of oral suspension, refrigerate it but do not freeze. Contact prescriber if there is severe unrelieved diarrhoea, unusual bleeding or bruising, changes in urinary pattern, vaginal itching, vaginal drainage, mouth sores, blood in stool or urine occur. Watery or bloody stools can occur 2 or more months after therapy and can be serious, requiring immediate treatment. Complete full course of therapy even if you feel better. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Rapid (90%); delayed in young children and may be reduced up to 50% in neonates. Half-life elimination: Neonates: 5 hrs; Children 3-12 mth: 2.5 hrs. Adults: 0.5-1.2 hrs (prolonged with renal impairment). Time to peak, serum: Approx. 1 hr. Excretion: Urine.
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.