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Cephalexin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

Brand names: Keflex

Cephalexin has an average rating of 6.5 out of 10 from a total of 497 reviews on Drugs.com. 52% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 28% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Cephalexin

  • Kristen...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 10, 2016

For Bladder Infection "Commonly known as Keflex. I had burning when urinating, urgency, retention, bloating and went to the ER. The ER MD diagnosed me with bladder cystitis (progression from a run-of-the-mill UTI from -regretfully- ignoring the symptoms). I was prescribed 500MG Keflex 4 times a day, 2000MG/2G daily. Never took Keflex before, but I know it's been around a while, and works wonderfully. This is actually my first day (second dose in). I already feel a difference. It's true - this drug does make you sleepy (for some odd reason). I have not felt nauseous yet. Must take this with food, as always with any antibiotic - plenty of water too. Smells like rotten eggs, so toss it back and swallow."

9 / 10
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  • KatJhn
  • February 21, 2017

For Bladder Infection "Was experiencing pressure in lower abdomen and urge to urinate frequently(approx 2 x's per hour sometimes more) Tried amoxicillin which did nothing. Was given cephalexin 500mg 2x's daily. First 3 days noticed a change. Only issue was a headache. Day 4 urination frequency was decreasing (once every 2-2 and 1/2 hrs) and most pressure/pain was gone. Continued to drink water, cranberry juice and kefir to restore good bacteria and prevent yeast infection/and/or another uti..apparently it's common for it to recur due to wiping out positive bacteria. Will finish 7 day regimen and start taking "Friendly Flora" in hopes of preventing future issues. I believe this antibiotic is working great & hope it knocks out infection completely."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • July 22, 2011

Keflex (cephalexin) for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Works very well for treating the cellulitis I got from an insect bite. But don't drink alcohol while you are on this medication. I had half a beer and started feeling really nauseous, had a migraine and my stomach hurt."

10 / 10
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83 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Amangi
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 14, 2018

Keflex (cephalexin) for Bladder Infection "I have constant battles with UTI’s so I’ve taken a lot of different antibiotics. Keflex is definitely a good one but for me I have to take 500 mg three times a day so I get some side effects, mostly tired, stomach cramps and dizzy. It’s not bad though like some of the other ones I’ve taken. Before I had repeat infections I had the 500 mg twice a day dose and had very minor cramping from that dose. It’s my go to when I can take it. Drink lots of water with it too, it helps flush your system faster and get rid of the infection and it’s side effects quicker."

9 / 10
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  • Sickl...
  • May 24, 2012

Keflex (cephalexin) for Bacterial Infection "I have used this medicine for years for many different conditions including bronchitis, boils, bladder infection, sinusitis among a few others. The problem though, has become since I have used it so many times, I am almost resistant to it and need a larger dose or longer dosing schedule to clear up a more severe case of the ailment. When it works, it works well."

8 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Piedra
  • June 5, 2021

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Prescribed in the ER after a superficial burn infected (4cm). My dose is 500mg x 4 times a day for 5 days and I am on the second day. I called to hospital to ask severe side effects. Been on antibiotics many times but with this drug the side effects are a lot heavier: - Extreme tiredness and weakness that I can’t even open my eyes - sleeping 10-12 hours (getting pill each 6 hour) waking up with severe fatigue and body aches - my anxiety is off to roof - I have ongoing heaviness feeling and breathing spasms on my chest - my stomach is so weird (not burn, not pain) like someone punching me and I have a pressure on my belly, feeling like I had a big meal but I haven’t had anything other than 1-2 small meals in 3 days. - mild sore throat and minor cough - and my infection is not healing fast At this stage I am fighting with antibiotics more than the infection ! + I am on probiotics and having yogurt I hope this helps, other comments helped me to understand what’s going on w my body."

2 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 18, 2013

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I had perioral dermatitis, literally came out of nowhere, originally thought it was a pimple, then the next day just all around my mouth to the point where it hurt to talk, I left it for another day avoiding people, then the next day it got even worse, that is when I panicked. I could barely talk, eating was out of the question (thank God for Ensure and protein shakes). The doctor prescribed Keflex for me, 500mg, four times a day for ten days. It seriously worked wonders. Now I am back on this medication again for the same thing 8 months later, my doctor has no idea what causes it and apparently neither does Google. Anyways, I feel I can rest easy knowing I am on this product again and that it will be cleared up within the 10 days."

10 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Anonymous
  • May 14, 2010

For Bladder Infection "Have been taking this medicine for re-occurring UTI's; I take 500mg four times a day for 10 days. I have noticed that people have put mouth pain as a side effect, to be specific with me my tongue hurt which I found out it was "thrush". Easily taken care of with rinsing mouth out with colloidal silver or you can call your dentist and do what he/she recommends. I have had the abdominal pain and diarrhea however to relieve me of the UTI this was well worth it."

7 / 10
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  • Flint...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 13, 2015

For Kidney Infections "I had back pains for three days and unable to sleep comfortably. By the four day I couldn't even take a deep breath. I tried Salonpas along with back massagers and soaking. Nothing helped! I went to the E.R. urine test revealed elevated white cell .They prescribed me cephalexin 500 mg three times a day. I was in so much discomfort I started the medication immediately! I felt 100% better the very next day. I have been drinking water and cranberry juice."

9 / 10
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  • Green...
  • January 5, 2012

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "After just the 2nd day my energy levels increased dramatically. I was being treated for bronchitis and was also prescribed an inhaler and cough syrup. All three helped my congestion and after about the 4th day I stopped waking up to hacking fits. I would suggest eating something light before taking it because it did make me nauseous."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 27, 2012

Keflex (cephalexin) for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I've been prescribed this antibiotic many times. I just realized that with my current course for a skin infection that I sweat profusely when I take this. The last time I had episodes of profuse sweating was the last time I was on this! I don't see it listed anywhere as a side effect, but it seems to happen to me every time I take it. "

1 / 10
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  • Drs
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 25, 2015

For Bladder Infection "I am 15 weeks pregnant and got my first bladder infection of the pregnancy, and hopefully the last as I'm sure I know what caused it. My OB prescribed Cephalexin 500mg twice a day for 7 days. I took my first dose last night. I took it on a somewhat empty stomach but because I was going to sleep didn't think too much of it. I woke up feeling a little dizzy and nauseated but already NO pain with urination! I'll just make sure to take it with food from now on. Overall this is a great antibiotic for me, someone who is pretty sensitive to medications."

10 / 10
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  • Nancy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 27, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "I'd been fighting a terrible UTI for the last week. Tried several natural methods of D-Mannose, 90 billion CFUs of probiotics, AZO "maximum strength" pills, and too many glasses to count of 100% cranberry juice from trader joe's. Nothing helped my UTI. I finally broke down and called my doctor and was prescribed 500mg of Keflex to be taken every 12 hours for 7 days. Approximately 6 hours after taking my first dose I started to feel great relief from that excruciatingly wicked pain. I'm now on my second day and the relief is continuing to improve with no bad side effects. I'm also continuing my probiotics to prevent yeast infections associated with antibiotics. I can only say for myself that I am incredibly happy I made that phone call to my doc. He is a doctor that believes in natural, holistic healing, but in this case antibiotics were absolutely necessary and I'm so thankful it's working very well."

10 / 10
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  • RxGui...
  • June 2, 2011

Keflex (cephalexin) for Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed Keflex for an infection that occurred after root canal went bad. Evidently the previous dentist had not been able to successfully remove all of the nerve and pulp and over time an infection resulted. Keflex was well tolerated by me and helped to reduce the swelling within the gum until I was able to have a root canal retreatment in order to remove the rest of the nerve and pulp. The rating that I provided is due to the fact that this medication required 4 doses daily which I felt there must have been some other medication available that required less commitment. Still, it did work and I would take it again if prescribed."

7 / 10
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  • Painful...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 11, 2013

For Kidney Infections "Taking two 500mg twice a day for a kidney infection, 28 year old female. I normally get extremely nauseated and dizzy on antibiotics. I do not on these, no side effects as of yet (day 3) I feel an improvement in my kidneys, but not as much as I had hoped at this point. I'm just happy I am not nauseated on these! I am eating Greek yogurt daily to avoid a nasty yeast infection from taking antibiotics. I do have to warn you, every time I open the pill bottle I get a strong bad smell. It's worth it to get some kind of relief from my angry kidneys! "

9 / 10
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  • Annsy
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 5, 2020

Keflex (cephalexin) for Bacterial Infection "Diagnosed with Diverticulitis prescribed Keflex a dose of 500mg three times per day. Infection cleared but I am left with side effects of pains in legs, hands, thighs, toes, fingers and really sore shoulders into spine and ribs. Didn’t have these pains prior to taking this drug. Jaw started clicking as well. Never again."

5 / 10
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  • Myford
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • May 8, 2020

Keflex (cephalexin) for Bacterial Infection "Suffered from osteomyelitis in femur from age 16 ( now aged 80 ) the osteomyelitis became chronic 10 years ago and now take 2 keflex 500 a day full time. Not conscious of any side effects and infection kept under control."

10 / 10
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  • shopp...
  • May 4, 2011

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I have been taking this antibiotic for approximately 1 year for acne. It's absolutely wonderful, no side effects and you can still tan in sun or tanning bed, most antibiotics you cannot. I also have used it in the past for sinus infections and it knocked it out quickly. I hate that I have to take it for so long but I was suffering with cystic acne and this one got rid of it, unfortunately it comes back if I discontinue use."

10 / 10
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  • Never...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 21, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I’ve been on this drug multiple times before for UTI's and had manageable side effects, usually headache and fatigue. This time I was put on it for a suspected bacterial infection. I took it for 3.5 days and increasingly had severe headache, unbearable anxiety and tachycardia requiring beta blocker usage. I don’t even know if anxiety is the right word, I literally feel like I’m on a hallucinogen or something, and sleeping has been impossible because of this feeling and the racing heart, it feels like a constant adrenaline surge I have no control over. Very weak as well, last night I felt like I couldn’t move my legs and almost went to the er. I’ve been off of it for a couple days now and finally slept last night but still don’t feel right in my head. Will never take this again, I feel like I’m in hell."

1 / 10
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  • Ash...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 4, 2020

For Bladder Infection "I was prescribed Keflex 500mg dose 4 times a day for a bladder infection. I’m sensitive to medicine but this seems to be the one that I’m not as bad with compared to others. I’m on my 4th day and I feel like it’s helping the symptoms of my UTI also have e coli in my urine so it treats both. At first I felt so nasty, sluggish, depressed, like I felt like I had the flu or just was really sick. Now in my 4th day I’m still tired, I also had the feeling of nausea that is starting to go away. I feel like even if it give you tiredness and some side effects just ride it out. It’s hard to do I feel like 7 days is just to long to take 4 times a day for an antibiotic but try to stick it out and see if the side effects start to fade as you take it more. I would rather take this instead if something that makes me have heart palpitations. Everything has a side effect so if you can bare it just try to push through it. Good luck to everyone hope I can finish mine"

9 / 10
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  • Peste...
  • April 20, 2020

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Surprised this old antibiotic drug cephalexin still works. I've had good luck with it for my recurrent cellulitis. I had to get a repeat course for my first infection, but that was probably because it was a really bad one (my ankle was the size of an abnormally large grapefruit). Taking it three times a day is a bit of a hassle and the odor of the medication is foul enough to peel wallpaper, but I would rather deal with these trivial inconveniences than end up on IV antibiotics. I'm able to take this medication with or without food, but taking it without food gave me a stomachache. The good news is that it doesn't take a lot of food to blunt its side effects - a PB&J sandwich or a protein bar is enough."

10 / 10
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  • K N
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 11, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "5 weeks 3 days pregnant, prescribed this medicine for a UTI I didn't even know I had on Friday. I had no symptoms, no issues but apparently, they found some bacteria in my urine. I started taking it as prescribed, trusting my doctor. Monday, I started spotting. Tuesday night, it picked up and resembled a period. Wednesday after some blood work, it shows my HCG is declining. I understand how these things can just happen, but I really can't help but wonder how an otherwise healthy pregnancy can just randomly end. Especially so soon after starting a medication I question whether or not I actually needed. Be cautious when taking this during early pregnancy."

2 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • August 4, 2009

Keflex (cephalexin) for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I get recurring cases of impetigo and keflex is always my go-to drug. Keflex clears up the infection quickly, and I've never experienced any side-effects, even if I take it on an empty stomach. Highly recommended!"

10 / 10
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  • MX3
  • September 18, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I went to ER 5 weeks after giving birth cause my husband thought I had infection. Everything was fine but the ER doctor gave me thais cephalexin to "get ahead" of my "infection". I have to take it for 10 days, twice a day. I got side effects of vaginal and anal itching and vaginal discharge. It has been a month and no doctor can help me. I feel like dying. At night time, I can feel that something is poking my genital area like needles. I can't take care of my newborn properly because I'm so tired. This medicine doesn't let me sleep. I CURSE THIS MEDICINE! I feel like I'm being tortured. The itch is the worst. The surface of my vagina is swelling. Im crying at night. I don't know what to do anymore. I went to my Ob doctor and he just gave me a steriod cream. It helped with swelling but made my skin super thin it hurts. I used an over the counter cream, it helps for a few minutes. Im taking benadryl. I took 2 packs of benadryl already. I'm trying to find an allergist that can help me."

1 / 10
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  • lorenda
  • February 28, 2015

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Cleared up my abscess ..Also I kept getting bacterial vaginitis for a year straight. I swear my bacterial vaginitis cleared up! This actually works to clear that up also. I thought my bacterial vaginitis issue was stuck with me forever."

10 / 10
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50 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.