Category: Antibacterial
Introduction:
Cephalexin is used to treat various bacterial infections. This drug is called as a Cephalosporin antibiotic. It act by preventing bacterial development. Cephalexin is used to treat several bacterial infections, including pneumonia and respiratory tract infection, bone, skin, ear, genital, and urinary tract infections. Antibiotics like cephalexin do not work against colds, flu, and other viral infections. Using antibiotics when you don't need them increases the risk of later infections that are resistant to antibiotic treatment.
Uses:
How To Consume:
Take cephalexin as directed by your doctor. The dosage form and amount of the drug may vary for each infection. Cephalexin is available in capsules, tablets, and an oral suspension (liquid). Depending on the disease you are treating, take cephalexin with or without meal, typically every 6 or 12 hours for 7 to 14 days. Take cephalexin at particular time each day. Oral suspensions/liquids should be shaken before administration and refrigerated between administrations.
Duration Between Two Dose:
Take Amoxicillin 2 to 3 times daily as directed by your doctor. For adults, the dosage form is divided into 1-4 g, and for children, take 25-50 mg/kg body weight per day in divided doses. The two doses should be taken at interval of minimum 6 hours and a maximum of 12 hours.
Side Effects:
Some common side effects can be seen after taking Cephalexin.
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Heartburn
Stomach Pain
Rectal Or Genital Itching
Dizziness
Extreme Tiredness
Agitation (Restlessness)
Confusion
Headache
Joint Pain
Anaemia (Low Blood Iron)
Drug Mechanism:
Pharmacodynamic:
Cephalexin is an antibiotic effective against most Gram-positive cocci. In addition, cephalexin is effective against Gram-negative bacteria, especially E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumonia.
One of the first types of cephalosporin antibiotics is cephalexin (cefalexin). It is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics and is often used to treat superficial infections that occur as complications from minor cuts and lacerations. Cephalexin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, causing degradation and eventual cell death. It is rapidly absorbed in adults, is acid stable, and can be administered independently of food.
Pharmacokinetic:
Well absorbed from the upper gastrointestinal tract with nearly 100% oral bioavailability. The upper intestine is where cephalexin is absorbed rather than the stomach. Cephalexin is 10-15% bound to serum proteins including serum albumin.
It is not metabolized in the body.
Over 90% of cephalexin is eliminated in the urine by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion after 6 hours.
Safety Measures:
When to See Doctor:
Watery or bloody stools, gastric cramps, or fever during treatment or 2 months or more after discontinuation of treatment
Rash
Itching
Hives
Facial, Throat, Tongue, Lips, and Eyes Swelling
Difficulty in Breathing Or Swallowing
Wheezing
A recurrence of a fever, sore throat, chills, or any infection-related symptom
Hallucinations (seeing things that are not there or hearing voices)
If conditions from this occur you should see the doctor or it can be hazardous for your health if not cured as soon as possible.
Allergic Reaction:
This drug can cause severe allergic reactions. Symptoms include:
Vasculitic rash (Red-White Patches on Skin)
Flu-like symptoms
Anaphylaxis (Whole Body Allergic Reaction)
Arthralgia (Pain in Joint)
Hives
Difficulty in Breathing
Diarrhea
Hematuria
Swelling Of Face, Lips, Tongue, Or Throat
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms. Do not take this medicine again if you ever had an allergic reaction before.
Re-dosing can be fatal (resulting in death).
Available Dosage Form:
Form:
Tablet
Strengths: 125 mg, 250 mg or 500 mg tablets
Form: Capsule
Strengths: 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg
Form: Suspension
Strengths: 125 mg/5ml, 250 mg/5 ml
Child Dosage:
Take 20-50mg/kg orally for infections of bone, ear, genitourinary tract, skin, respiratory tract, and pharyngitis ; and for otitis media (ear infections) 75 to 100 mg/kg/day orally every
6 to 12 hours for 10 days. Do not exceed 1-4 g/day.
Adolescents:
For cellulitis and mastitis, take 500 mg orally every 6 hours, 1- 4 g/day in divided doses.
Ages Below 15 Years:
For cystitis (bladder infection), 25-50 mg/kg/day orally in divided doses every 6-8 hours for 10 days. Do not exceed 4 g/day.
Adult Dosage:
For bone, ear, genitourinary tract, skin, respiratory tract, pharyngitis, and cystitis, take 250 mg orally, every 6 hours or 500mg every 12 hours. For cellulitis and mastitis, take 500 mg orally every 6 hours 1-4 g/day in divided doses.
Note: However, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages, as the effects of drugs vary from person to person. This information does not replace seeking medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for proper dosage.
Important Note:
All treatments should be directed by your doctor. Do not forget to take it during treatment.
Cephalexin oral capsules are short-term medications. There are risks if not taken as prescribed.
Drinking alcohol in moderation with cephalexin is unlikely, but you should consider stopping taking cephalexin with alcohol.
Continue taking cephalexin until you finish, even if you feel better. If you stop taking cephalexin too quickly or miss a dose, your infection may not improve or may get worse.
Older people's kidneys may not work as well, which may slow the body's ability to process medications. As a result, more drugs stay in the body longer. This raises to the possibilities of side effects.
You can have harmful levels of this medicine in your body. Symptoms of overdose include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Pink, Red, or Dark Brown Urine
Stomach Pain
Various Brands:
Ceff -Tablet, Syrup-
Cefter -Tablet, Capsule
Cephadex -Tablet, Capsule, Syrup
Cephalkem- Capsule, Syrup
Cephalexin- Capsule, Syrup, Tablet, Dispersible Tablet
Keflex- Tablet
Nufex -Tablet
Phexin -Tablet, Capsule, Syrup
Sporidex -Tablet, Capsule
References:
Indian Pharmacopeia
Book Of Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis Of Therapeutics (13th Edition)
Book Of Rang & Dale’s Pharmacology (9th Edition)
Book Of Essentials Of Medical Pharmacology – K D Tripathi (8th edition)
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