What is Cephalexin (Cephadex)?
Cephadex Capsules contain a medicine called Cephalexin.
Cephalexin comes in 250 mg and 500 mg strengh pills
Cephalexin, also spelled Cefalexin, which is an antibiotic that can treat a number of bacterial infections. It kills gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria by disrupting the growth of the bacterial cell wall. This medication is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This medication will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu).
Recommendations for use of Cephalexin (Cephadex)
Cephalexin is an antibiotic used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections
Cephadex may be prescribed for the treatment and prevention of the following conditions:
Pneumonia and other Respiratory tract infections
Otitis Media (middle ear infections)
Skin And Skin Structure Infections
Bone Infections
Genitourinary Tract Infections
This drug is also used for prevention of endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valve) caused by an infection.
Further it may also be used for many other infections or disease that are not listed above.
Dosage and direction of taking Cephalexin (Cephadex)
Read the Medication Guide and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Cephadex and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Cephalexin (Keflex) capsule orally as prescribed by your doctor with a full glass of water with food. You can take with a glass of milk or food to avoid stomach upsets.
Swallow the whole capsule without chewing or splitting or crushing it.
Your doctor will work out the dosage for you based on your age, medical condition, response to treatment and other medications that you are taking.
Always try to take Cephalexin at evenly paced times.
Take Cephalexin (Cephadex) exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor.
If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is too close to your next dose then skip the missed dose and take the regular dose. Should never double the dose in order to make up for the missed dose.
This is an antibiotic which needs to complete the fully prescribed amount, even if the symptoms improve after a few doses. The bacteria may continue to grow if you stop the medication early resulting in a return of the infection.
Take Cephalexin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor.
Typically the dosage may last between 7 - 14 days depending on the type of infection.
Missed Dose of Cephalexin (Cephadex)
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time to take your next dose. Do not take an dose of medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose of Cephalexin (Cephadex)
If you think you have taken more than the required dose contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
pink, red, or dark brown urine
stomach pain
How does Cephalexin (Cephadex) work?
Cephalexin belongs to a class of drugs called cephalosporins (antibiotics). A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Cephalexin works by interfering with the formation of the bacteria's cell walls. This ruptures the walls and kills the bacteria.
This drug should only be used to treat bacterial infections. You shouldn't use it to treat viruses, such as the common cold.
Precautions before taking Cephalexin (Cephadex)
You should not take Cephadex if you are allergic to Cephadex or to other cephalosporin antibiotic such as cefaclor, cefadroxil cefazolin, cefdinir, cefditoren, cefepime, cefixime, cefotaxime, cefotetan, cefoxitin, cefpodoxime, cefprozil, ceftaroline, ceftazidime, ceftibuten, ceftriaxone, and cefuroxime or penicillin antibiotics or any other medications. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in cephalexin capsules
Before taking Cephadex, tell your doctor if you:
have any allergies to the ingredients or allergies to any other medication
have kidney disease
have stomach/intestinal disease (such as colitis)
have liver disease
Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants such as warfarin, metformin and probenecid.
While you are taking Cephalexin (Keflex) do not take any live bacterial immunizations (such as typhoid vaccine) as it may not work well unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
Inform your doctor or the dentist of all the products that you use (prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, protein shakes, herbal products, vitamin supplements) before having surgery.
Cephalexin (Keflex) should be used if it is absolutely necessary during pregnancy.
If you are breast feeding consult your doctor first as its unknown if this Cephalexin (Keflex) passes into breast milk.
About other prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Taking Cephadex together with certain medicines or products may cause serious, life-threatening side effects.
Side Effects of Cephalexin (Cephadex)
Cephadex may have unwanted side effects in some people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Common cephalexin side effects may include:
Diarrhea
dizziness, feeling tired
headache, joint pain; or
vaginal itching or discharge.
Tell your pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Cephadex.
If you have watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps, or fever during treatment or for up to two or more months after stopping treatment
If you have little or no urination
If you get agitation, confusion, hallucinations
If you get jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
If you are easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin
If you have a severe skin reaction or fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling
Prolonged use of Cephalexin (Keflex) may cause oral thrush or yeast infection. If you notice white patches in your mouth, a vaginal discharge contact your doctor immediately.
The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are very rare. Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients. Do not be alarmed by the lists of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.
Interaction with Cephalexin (Cephadex)
Inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking including prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies. Do not start, stop and change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor's permission.
Side effects from cephalexin: Taking cephalexin with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from cephalexin. This is because the amount of cephalexin in your body is increased. An example of these drugs is probenecid.
Taking metformin and cephalexin together may cause kidney problems. Your doctor may adjust your dose of metformin to reduce this risk.
Some of the medications that may have major interact with Cephalexin is
BCG
Cholera vaccine, live
Typhoid vaccine, live
Other medications that may have interact with Cephalexin is
anisindione
balsalazide
bumetanide
chloramphenicol
dicumarol
entecavir
estradiol
ethacrynic acid
ethinyl estradiol
furosemide
indium oxyquinoline
metformin
mycophenolate mofetil
mycophenolic acid
pemetrexed
probenecid
torsemide
warfarin
Inform your doctor of all the medicine that you are taking at the moment.
Some of the Disease interactions are:
Gastrointestinal diseases, particularly Colitis - Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with most antibacterial agents and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening
Renal dysfunction
Dialysis
Liver disease
Seizure disorders
This list is not complete and there are many other medicines that can interact with Cephadex. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
Storage of Cephalexin (Cephadex)
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Store at 15°C - 30°C (59°F - 77°F); protect drug from excessive light, humidity, and temperature over 30°C (86°F)
Keep Cephadex Capsules in the container that they came in and keep the container tightly closed.
Throw away capsules that are no longer needed or expired (out of date).
Medicines should not be disposed of via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help to protect the environment.
Cephadex should not be used after the given expiration date.
Scientific Information about Cephadex or Cephalexin
Formula: Cephalexin | C16H17N3O4S
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