Key facts
- Cephalexin is a first generation cephalosporin (beta-lactam) antibiotic.
- It is a prescription-only medicine in the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia (AU).
- It is used to treat skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections and ear infections.
- It is usually taken orally as capsules, tablets or liquids, at prescribed intervals.
Some of the Cephalexin brands we stock at Prashi Pharma are listed below.
Cephalexin brands and prices
| Brand | Strength | Form | Price from | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cephadex 250 mg Cipla | 250 mg | Capsule | $165.00 90 Capsules | View |
What is cephalexin?
Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic, and its common brand name in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia is Keflex.
The medication is commonly used to treat infections in both outpatient clinics and hospitals as it is usually safe and effective [1].
Cephalexin is available in different strengths and formulations; the choice depends upon the medical condition being treated.
How cephalexin works
Cephalexin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that belongs to the first generation of the cephalosporin group. This medicine works by preventing bacteria from building cell walls. The cell wall protects the bacteria and helps to maintain their shape and strength [2].
It works by binding to specific proteins in bacteria called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). These proteins help to build a strong bacterial cell wall, and by blocking their action, cephalexin makes the cell wall weak, causing the bacteria to break down and die.
What is cephalexin used for?
Cephalexin is used to treat bacterial infections. This includes:
Skin and soft-tissue infections
Cephalexin can treat skin and soft-tissue infections like cellulitis, impetigo, folliculitis, and boils caused by two common bacteria – Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Cephalexin is used to treat infections of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Ear infections
The medication is used for the treatment of otitis media, more commonly known as an ear infection.
Throat and respiratory infections
Cephalexin is also used in the treatment of pneumonia and types of upper respiratory tract infections like pharyngitis (sore throat) or bacterial rhinosinusitis.
Dosage strengths and forms
Our product range includes Cephadex 250 mg in oral capsule form.
Dosage information
The standard recommended dosage of Cephalexin is 250 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours. The treatment is usually given for 7 to 14 days [3].
| Infection | Adult dose |
|---|---|
| Skin and soft tissue infections | 250 mg to 333 mg every 6 hours, or 500 mg every 12 hours depending upon the medical condition |
| Throat infection (pharyngitis) | 250 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours for 10 days depending upon the medical condition |
| Urinary tract infections (UTIs) | 250 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours depending upon the medical condition |
| Ear infection (otitis media) | In adults, depending upon the medical condition; higher, weight-adjusted doses are used in children |
| Infection | Children 1 year and older |
|---|---|
| Skin infection, UTI and throat infection | 25 to 50 mg/kg per day in divided doses (every 6 to 12 hours) |
| Ear infections (otitis media) | Up to 75 to 100 mg/kg per day in divided doses, depending upon the severity of the health condition |
The treatment is usually given for 7 to 14 days depending upon the health condition of the child.
How to take cephalexin
- Check your prescription for dosage strength and treatment duration depending upon your health condition.
- Take the medication as prescribed and space your doses evenly throughout the day.
- Swallow the capsules with water before or after food. In case your stomach gets upset consult with your doctor or pharmacist for the exact dosage direction.
- Complete the course even if you feel better. Do not stop early or extend the treatment without medical advice.
- For urinary tract infection, the dose and number of treatments vary depending upon the health condition.
Missed dose
Take your missed dose when you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed as it can cause severe side effects.
Overdose
If you happen to take more than your prescribed dose and develop severe side effects, seek urgent help.
Seek urgent help if you think you have taken too much.
- USCall 911
- UKNHS 111 or 999
- AU13 11 26 Poisons Information or 000
Side effects
Some of the side effects that may be experienced while taking Cephalexin are:
Common side effects
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Indigestion or abdominal discomfort
- Headache
- Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
Get medical help if you experience
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty or collapse
- Blistering or loosening of the skin
- Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea, particularly with fever or abdominal pain
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark urine
- Unusual bruising, bleeding or severe weakness
These are not all side effects of Cephalexin. Check out the leaflet that came with your medicine or report adverse situations to the US FDA through the FDA MedWatch Program, the UK through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme, or in Australia to the TGA.
Who should avoid taking cephalexin
Avoid taking cephalexin if you have had a severe allergic reaction to cephalexin, penicillin or another beta-lactam antibiotic.
Tell your doctor before taking cephalexin if you are/have:
- Kidney disease or reduced kidney function
- History of colitis or serious antibiotic-associated diarrhoea
- Pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
- History of liver conditions
- History of seizures, as high doses can lower the seizure threshold
Possible interactions
Some medicines and supplements do not mix well with Cephalexin. This includes:
- Metformin
- Probenecid
- Warfarin and other anticoagulants
- Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide/Lasix)
- Zinc and iron supplements
- Live oral typhoid vaccine
Food, drinks and alcohol while taking cephalexin
- Cephalexin can generally be taken with or without food. However taking this medication with a meal or snack helps lower common gastrointestinal effects.
- You can drink alcohol while taking cephalexin, but it may worsen nausea, stomach discomfort or dehydration.
- Avoid overly spicy, greasy or acidic foods if your stomach is sensitive.
Is cephalexin a penicillin? Cephalexin vs amoxicillin
Cephalexin is not a penicillin. It belongs to the cephalosporin class. Amoxicillin and Cephalexin are both beta-lactam antibiotics that work in a similar way, but they differ in the bacteria they cover and the doses prescribed depending on the medical condition.
Cephalexin
A first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Common brand name: Keflex.
Cephalexin in the US, UK and Australia
United States
- Brand names
- Keflex and generic cephalexin
- How it is supplied
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Regulator
- FDA
United Kingdom
- Brand names
- Keflex and cefalexin products
- How it is supplied
- Prescription-only medicine (POM)
- Regulator
- MHRA
Australia
- Brand names
- Keflex, Ibilex and generic cefalexin products
- How it is supplied
- Prescription only (Schedule 4)
- Regulator
- TGA
How to order cephalexin online with a prescription
Below are the steps to order cephalexin online with a prescription:
- Select the dosage on your prescription that matches your medical condition.
- Add the selected product to your cart.
- Enter your contact information, delivery address, and other required details.
- Upload your valid prescription for review.
- Our registered pharmacist will review the information provided in the prescription.
- Once reviewed, our team will process the discreet dispatch of your package.
How to order · Prescription policy · Shipping policy