What is the use of Cephalexin?

Cephalexin is an antibiotic of the cephalosporins family, which is used to treat various types of bacterial infections. This drug works by inhibiting the growth and development of bacteria by changing the structure of the bacterial cell wall. Cephalexin drug is being produced in different medicinal forms depending on the needs of patients and doctors, which are prescribed by the doctor according to the physical condition, age of the patient (adults, elderly and children) and the type of disease. This antibiotic helps to treat various infections such as urinary, bone, skin, respiratory tract, etc. infections.

Pharmaceutical forms of cephalexin

The pharmaceutical forms of Cefalexin include capsules of 250 mg, 500 mg and 750 mg, oral suspension of 125 mg/5 ml and 250 mg/5 ml, regular tablets of 250 mg and 500 mg.

Cephalexin uses

Cephalexin is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. Cephalexin is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic and works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This drug is not effective for viral infections (such as colds, flu) and unnecessary use or incorrect use of any antibiotic can lead to a decrease in its effectiveness. Some of its uses include genitourinary tract infections, bone infections, uncomplicated cystitis, otitis media, skin infections, respiratory tract infections, streptococcal pharyngitis, cellulitis and mastitis, etc.

Cephalexin uses in adults

1. Genitourinary tract infections
2. Bone infections
3. Uncomplicated cystitis
4. Otitis media
5. Skin infections
6. Respiratory tract infections
7. Streptococcal pharyngitis
8. Cellulite and mastitis

Uses of cephalexin in children

1. Uncomplicated cystitis
2. Genitourinary tract infections
3. Beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections
4. Bone infections
5. Otitis media
6. Skin infections
7. Respiratory tract infections
8. Streptococcal pharyngitis
9. Cellulite and mastitis

Pharmacological effects and mechanism of action of cephalexin drug

The mechanism of action of this drug binds to one or more penicillin-binding proteins, which in turn inhibits the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. This drug has 90% bioavailability with delayed absorption in young children. Cephalexin is widely distributed in most tissues and fluids and poorly penetrates into CSF. It is minimally metabolized in the liver and finally excreted in the urine (80-100% as unchanged drug).

Cephalexin dosage

Take cephalexin by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually every 6 to 12 hours with or without food. If you are using a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose. Measure the dose carefully using a measuring device or special spoon. Do not use a household spoon to measure as you may not get the correct dose. Dosage is based on your medical condition and your response to treatment. Due to side effects and risks, this medicine is used in children only with a doctor’s prescription and based on weight.

Cephalexin tablet time

To get the most benefits, take Cephalexin as directed by your doctor or manufacturer (drug information on the drug package). Continue taking this medicine until the prescribed dose is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Because stopping the medicine early will cause the infection and disease to return in the patient. The time and amount of consumption in adults, the elderly and children are very different and should be determined by examining and prescribing a doctor.

The dosage of cephalexin in adults

1. Cephalexin is prescribed for the treatment of genitourinary tract infections in the amount of 250 mg every 6 hours in the dose range of 1-4 g per day in divided doses.
2. For the treatment of bone infections, 250 mg every 6 hours, 1-4 g per day in divided doses is prescribed.
3. Uncomplicated cystitis 250 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours in the dosage range of 1-4 grams per day in divided doses.
4. Otitis media 250 mg every 6 hours with a dose range of 1-4 g per day in divided doses.
5. Skin infections 250 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours in the dosage range, 1-4 grams per day in divided doses will be prescribed under the supervision of a physician.
6. Streptococcal pharyngitis 250 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours in a dosage range of 1-4 grams per day in divided doses.
7. Cellulite and mastitis 500 mg every 6 hours in the dosage range, 1-4 g per day in divided doses.

The amount of cephalexin used in children

1. For the treatment of uncomplicated cystitis in children under 15 years of age, 25-50 mg/kg per day every 6-8 hours for 10 days, not exceeding 4 grams per day. Also, for people over 15 years of age, 250 mg every 6 hours is prescribed, with a dosage range of 1-4 grams per day in divided doses.
2. Genitourinary tract infections 25-50 mg/kg per day every 6-8 hours for 10 days which should not exceed 4 grams per day.
3. Beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections 25-50 mg/kg/day divided into 6-8 hours for 10 days is recommended. Also, the total consumption per day should not be more than 4 grams.
4. Bone infections 25-50 mg/kg/day every 6-8 hours for 10 days, the total daily amount should not be more than 4 grams.
5. To treat otitis media, 75-100 mg/kg per day every 6 hours for 10 days, the total daily amount should not exceed 4 grams.
6. Skin infection 25-50 mg/kg/day every 6-8 hours for 10 days, the total amount should not exceed 4 grams.
7. Respiratory tract infections: 25-50 mg/kg per day every 6-8 hours for 10 days, the total amount of which should not exceed 4 grams.
8. Streptococcal pharyngitis 25-50 mg/kg/day every 12 hours for 10 days, the total amount should not exceed 4 grams daily.

Precautions

Before taking cephalexin, if you are allergic to it or to penicillins or other cephalosporins (such as cefpodoxime), avoid using the drug. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities. People with serious medical records such as liver or kidney disorder, heart problems, digestive problems, stomach or intestinal disease (such as colitis), etc. should only take this medicine with a doctor’s prescription.

Cephalexin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as the typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Before getting any immunizations or vaccinations, tell your healthcare professional that you are using this medicine.

1. According to American Heart Association guidelines, endocarditis prophylaxis is only appropriate for at-risk patients.
2. Dose adjustment in severe renal failure (high doses may cause CNS toxicity) should be done carefully.
3. Severe infections and promotion of nonsusceptible organisms may occur with prolonged use or repeated treatment.
4. Long-term treatment, liver or kidney disease, or malnutrition may be associated with an increase in the international normalized ratio (INR).
5. Long-term use is associated with fungal or bacterial infection.
6. Use with caution in patients with a history of penicillin allergy.

Cephalexin contraindications

1. Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cephalosporins, penicillins and their derivatives or penicillamine and porphyria should not use it.
2. In pregnant women and babies, it should be used according to the doctor’s prescription.

Cephalexin side effects

Most people who use this drug do not experience serious side effects. Using this medicine for long or frequent periods may lead to oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Call your doctor if you notice white spots in your mouth, changes in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms. Some of the serious side effects of cephalexin include severe diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain, blood or mucus in stool, severe dizziness, chest pain, etc. Tell your doctor if these serious side effects persist after stopping the medication.

1. stomach ache
2. Headache and dizziness
3. Anemia
4. angioedema
5. confusion
6. diarrhea
7. Indigestion
8. Increased transaminases
9. Epidermal necrolysis
10. Erythema multiforme
11. tiredness
12. Genital itching
13. Hemolytic anemia
14. Hypersensitivity

Cephalexin drug interactions

1. Class X interactions (avoidance): B. G. (intravesical), cholera vaccine
2. Reducing the effects of drugs by cephalexin: aminoglycosides, BTH vaccine (immunogenic), cholera vaccine, lactobacillus and estriol, sodium picosulfate, typhoid vaccine
3. Reducing the effects of cephalexin by drugs: multivitamin/or mineral (containing vitamins A, E and without iron), sucroferic oxyhydroxide, zinc salts

Taking cephalexin tablets during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Available data from published epidemiologic studies and pharmacovigilance case reports over decades of cephalosporin use in pregnant women have not demonstrated drug-related risks for birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Also, animal reproduction studies in mice and rats using oral doses of cephalexin that were 0.6 and 1.2 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) based on body surface area during organogenesis showed no evidence of fetal harm.

Cephalexin drug effects in breastfeeding

Data from a published clinical lactation study report that cephalexin is present in human milk. The relative infant dose (RID) is considered to be less than 1% of the adjusted maternal weight dose. There is no information on the effects of cephalexin on nursing infants or breast milk production.

cephalexin storage conditions

Store capsules and tablets at room temperature and away from light and moisture. Some medicinal forms need to be stored in the refrigerator and some at room temperature (such as tablets or capsules). Look for the storage method of each drug from the pharmacist or its drug information.

The last word about Cephalexin

In this article from the Green Positive Online Pharmacy magazine, we took a detailed look at Cephalexin, one of the key antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial infections in humans. Cephalexin, as one of the cephalosporin drugs, with its unique mechanism of action, has succeeded in controlling and treating various types of bacterial infections. However, all antibiotics should be prescribed to patients under the supervision and examination of a doctor in order to avoid side effects. If you experience some side effects, including fatigue, abdominal pain, headache and dizziness, anemia, angioedema, confusion, etc., see a doctor.

Site source: Medscape