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Cefalex500 mg
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Cephalexin: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh
Cephalexin is a first-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic that is FDA-approved and guideline-supported for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria and more.
About Cephalexin
Indications of Cephalexin
Cephalexin is a first-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic that is FDA-approved and guideline-supported for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including:
- Respiratory tract infections - such as bronchitis and pneumonia caused by susceptible organisms (established use)
- Otitis media - middle ear infection in children and adults (established use)
- Skin and skin structure infections - including cellulitis, abscesses, and wound infections caused by susceptible Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species (established use)
- Bone and joint infections - osteomyelitis caused by susceptible organisms (established use)
- Genitourinary tract infections - including cystitis and other urinary tract infections; note prostatitis is not consistently covered by Cephalexin's spectrum and is generally considered an off-label/less-preferred use
- Streptococcal pharyngitis/tonsillitis - as an alternative agent in penicillin-tolerant patients, requiring a minimum 10-day course for eradication (guideline-supported use)
Cephalexin is not effective against infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas species, or most Enterococcus species, and should only be used for infections proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.
Dosage & Administration of Cephalexin
Adults and children ≥15 years (or ≥40 kg)
| Indication | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mild to moderate infections (skin, respiratory, urinary tract) | 250 mg every 6 hours OR 500 mg every 12 hours | 7-14 days |
| Streptococcal pharyngitis | 500 mg every 12 hours | Minimum 10 days |
| Severe infections/bone infections | 500 mg every 6 hours (up to 4 g/day in divided doses) | As directed by physician |
Pediatric patients (>1 year)
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| Standard infections | 25-50 mg/kg/day in divided doses (every 6-12 hours) |
| Otitis media | 75-100 mg/kg/day in divided doses |
| Severe infections | 50-100 mg/kg/day in divided doses (max 4 g/day) |
Renal impairment
Dose or dosing interval adjustment is required in patients with creatinine clearance below 60 mL/min; consult a physician for individualized renal dosing.
Administration
Cephalexin may be taken with or without food; taking it with food may help reduce gastrointestinal upset. Oral suspension should be shaken well before each use.
Take exactly as prescribed by your physician; do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share this medicine with others without medical advice. Completing the full prescribed course is essential even if symptoms improve early, to prevent recurrence and antibiotic resistance.
Side Effects of Cephalexin
Most patients tolerate Cephalexin well. Reported side effects include:
Common
- Diarrhea (most common)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort or dyspepsia
- Headache
Less common / rare
- Skin rash, urticaria, and other hypersensitivity reactions
- Angioedema and, rarely, anaphylaxis
- Eosinophilia
- Transient elevation of liver enzymes
- Genital and oral candidiasis (yeast overgrowth)
- Reversible interstitial nephritis (rare)
- Blood dyscrasias including neutropenia and hemolytic anemia (rare)
- Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, which can range from mild diarrhea to severe, life-threatening colitis and may occur during treatment or up to two months after stopping Cephalexin
Seek prompt medical attention for severe or watery diarrhea, signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing), or unusual bleeding/bruising while taking Cephalexin.
Contraindications of Cephalexin
Cephalexin is contraindicated in:
- Patients with known hypersensitivity (allergy) to Cephalexin or to any other cephalosporin-class antibiotic.
Patients with a history of severe, immediate-type hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to penicillins should use Cephalexin with caution due to a low but recognized rate of cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins; this is a precaution rather than an absolute contraindication in patients without a history of severe penicillin reaction.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cephalexin
What is Cephalexin used for?
Cephalexin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, ear, skin and soft tissue, bone, and urinary tract caused by bacteria that are susceptible to it. It only works against bacterial infections, not viral illnesses like the common cold or flu.
Can I stop taking Cephalexin once I feel better?
No. You should take Cephalexin exactly as prescribed by your physician and complete the full course, even if you start feeling better after a few days. Stopping early, skipping doses, or sharing this medicine with others can allow the infection to return and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Can I take Cephalexin if I am allergic to penicillin?
Cephalexin is contraindicated in anyone with a known allergy to Cephalexin or other cephalosporin antibiotics. If you have a history of severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis) to penicillin, there is a small but recognized risk of cross-reaction with Cephalexin, so you should inform your physician before starting treatment.
Is Cephalexin safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Cephalexin is classified as pregnancy category B and animal studies have not shown fetal harm, but it should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed, based on your physician's assessment of benefit versus risk. Cephalexin passes into breast milk in small amounts; consult your physician before using it while breastfeeding, and watch the infant for diarrhea or thrush.
What should I do if I get severe diarrhea while taking Cephalexin?
Contact your physician promptly if you develop watery or bloody diarrhea, as this could indicate Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, a rare but serious complication of antibiotic use including Cephalexin. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine without first consulting your physician.
Can I take Cephalexin with food?
Yes, Cephalexin can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset without significantly affecting how well it works.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.