* Cephalexin is an antibiotic that is used to treat infections caused
by susceptible bacteria.
* Cephalexin belongs to the class of antibiotics known as
cephalosporins.
* Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin and is mainly
effective against gram-positive bacteria.
* Cephalosporins are bactericidal (kill bacteria) and work in a
similar way to penicillins. They bind to and block the activity of
enzymes responsible for making peptidoglycan, an important
component of the bacterial cell wall. They are called
broad-spectrum antibiotics because they are effective against a
wide range of bacteria.
Upsides
* Treats a wide range of infections such as those occurring in the:
* Respiratory tract
* Ear
* Genitourinary area
* Bone
* and on the skin.
* Cephalexin has excellent activity against gram-positive
staphylococci and streptococci bacteria, including susceptible
isolates of: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, S.
pyrogens, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pnumoniae, Moraxella
catarrhalis, and Proteus mirabilis.
* May be given twice daily.
* May be given with or without food.
* Generic cephalexin is available.
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, and nausea are the most
commonly 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.
* The dosage of cephalexin requires adjusting for people with
moderate-to-severe kidney disease.
* Severe diarrhea, caused by overgrowth of a bacteria called
Clostridium difficile, is a potential side effect of almost all
antibacterial agents, including cephalexin. Symptoms include
persistent, watery and sometimes bloody diarrhea.
* May increase the time it takes for blood to clot. People with liver
or kidney disease, who are malnourished, receiving a long course of
therapy, or already on anticoagulants are more at risk.
* May interact with some drugs including metformin, probenecid, and
some urinary glucose tests.
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, [84]click here.
Bottom Line
Cephalexin is a cephalosporin-type antibiotic that may be used in the
treatment of infections caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria.
Approximately 10% of people who are allergic to penicillin will be
allergic to cephalexin.
Tips
* Can be taken with or without food.
* Take exactly as directed and for the duration intended. Do not
finish the course earlier than prescribed, even if you feel better
because this encourages the growth of resistant bacteria. Do not
take cephalexin for any other infection other than the one you have
been prescribed it for. Cephalexin will not treat viral infections
such as the flu.
* Seek medical advice if chronic diarrhea develops during or within a
few months of finishing a course of cephalexin.
* Talk to your doctor if you develop any worrying side effects after
taking cephalexin such as abdominal pain, excessive bruising or
bleeding, or a rash.
Response and Effectiveness
* Peak concentrations of cephalexin are reached one hour after
dosing; however, it may take up to 48 hours before
infection-related symptoms start to abate. Keep taking cephalexin
for the total duration prescribed, even if you feel better.
References
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