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Cephalexin for Acne User Reviews

Brand names: Keflex

Cephalexin has an average rating of 8.2 out of 10 from a total of 9 reviews for the off-label treatment of Acne. 78% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 11% reported a negative experience.

Cephalexin rating summary

8.2/10 average rating

9 ratings from 9 user reviews.

Compare all 306 medications used in the treatment of Acne.

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11%
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  • Tess
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 8, 2019

Keflex (cephalexin) "I started taking this medication initially for an infection from a bug bite. After three days of being on the medication I noticed all of my skin is clear and appears to be glowing and my pores have shrunk so much . I’m in my early 30s and still suffer from acne occasionally mostly hormonal acne and this is amazing I don’t want to get off of it now. I was on doxycycline for months in my early 20s which also had similar effect. The only side effects from this medication initially was a headache and diarrhea but that went away after one day and I’m staying on probiotics to help regulate ."

10 / 10
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20 Report
  • Addy
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 9, 2019

"I was first put of cephalexin 500mg capsules twice a day for a week to treat a painful cystic acne that appeared inside my nose. After that one week it cleared my entire face! It was amazing. I haven’t seen my face that clear since I was probably 10 years old (I’m 30) the down side is it’s not a long term fix. A few months later I was prescribed it again for 2 weeks because I was breaking out again really bad all over my face. Again it cleared it right up! About a year after that I got another two week prescription. I had plenty of bad breakouts over that year without it but I didn’t want my body to become immune to it—hence the long break. I honestly was amazed at how effective this has been for me but again I emphasize that it is not a long term fix."

9 / 10
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19 Report
  • ArIckP
  • May 11, 2011

Keflex (cephalexin) "After taking doxycycline for a while, my body became resistant to it, so my dermatologist switched me to Keflex for acne. I think I had at least five bowel movements the first day. Eventually, my digestive system became somewhat regular, but then I started getting headaches on a regular basis. It cleared up my acne somewhat, but it was definitely not worth all the side effects. "

2 / 10
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36 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • jas...
  • August 23, 2013

Keflex (cephalexin) "I have been getting these painful boils under my arm since I was 15-16 years old. Now I'm 21. Like a month after I had my baby, my face broke out really, really bad. Cephalexin(Keflex) cleared it right up. I don't get boils any more."

8 / 10
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29 Report
  • TCano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 12, 2020

"This cephalexin clears my acne COMPLETELY when I take it. It even cleared up the seborrheic dermatitis on my scalp! It was first prescribed it for a horrible pimple inside my nose and it cleared up my entire face! A year later I was prescribed it again for a staph infection and same wonderful results for my skin. Everyone is right about it not being a long term fix and you don’t want to take it frequently and become immune to it."

10 / 10
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10 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Sunny
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 7, 2020

"The return of my acne happened about 2.5 months ago when I went to a trusted skin centre here in Vancouver BC. I was advised by a friend to inquiry about ZO skincare by Dr Zein Obagi to get the perfect skin. I spent $320 and was on my journey to amazing skin. WRONG !!!!! My skin broke out and with vengeance. At first I wasn’t too concerned because I thought my skin was purging. But then it just got worse and worse where I was contemplating not leaving the house. One day I got a horrible abscess on my cheek and had to go to the hospital to have it looked at. I was prescribed Cephalexin. Immediately in 24 hours I saw a HUGE improvement!!! I hope this keeps my skin clear as I only have a prescription for 5 days. "

8 / 10
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4 Report
  • Miche...
  • April 22, 2023

"I’ve been taking this medication for five days now. My acne came out of nowhere, doctor said he feels it was due to stress. I feel like my blistery acne is drying up, but every day I wake up with another one to start all over I’m hoping after the 10 days of being on the antibiotic it’ll clear up. I will definitely keep everyone posted. Acne takes away from our every day activities how I feel about ourself. It’s horrible."

7 / 10
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0 Report

More FAQ

  • Anonymous
  • June 6, 2011

Keflex (cephalexin) "This was and continues to be the best, long term option for me. I had very little side effects ... slight headache at first but it went away after a few days."

10 / 10
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28 Report
  • Hlynn
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 22, 2021

"This cured my acne when nothing else did. I don't remember having any side effects, nor do I remember the dosage. It was originally prescribed for a sinus infection."

10 / 10
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2 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.

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