Cephalexin Patient Tips

How it works

• Cephalexin is an antibiotic that is used to treat certain types of bacterial infection. It belongs to a class of medicines known as cephalosporins.
• Cephalexin is a first generation cephalosporin and is mainly effective against gram-positive bacteria.

Upsides

• Treats a wide range of infections such as those occurring in the respiratory tract, ear, on the skin, in the genitourinary area, and in bone.
• Cephalexin has excellent activity against gram positive staphylococci and streptococci.

Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

• Diarrhea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, nausea, have been reported. May alter some laboratory tests. Seizures have been reported rarely.
• About 10% of people who are allergic to penicillin are also allergic to cephalosporins. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergy to antibiotics.

Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all side effects, click here.

Bottom Line

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin-type antibiotic that may be used in the treatment of gram positive cocci infections. However, it should be used with caution in people with a penicillin allergy.

Tips

• Can be taken with or without food.
• Take exactly as directed and for the duration intended.
• Only use when prescribed by a doctor to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria as improper use increases the chance of resistant bacteria developing.
• Seek medical advice if chronic diarrhea develops during or following a course of cephalexin.

Response and Effectiveness

Peak concentrations are reached one hour after dosing; however, it may take up to 48 hours before infection-related symptoms start to abate.