Cefalexin
About
Cefalexin belongs to the group of antibiotics called cephalosporin used to treat various bacterial infections of the nose, lungs, ear, bones, joints, skin, urinary tract, prostate gland, and reproductive system. Besides this Cefalexin is also used to treat dental infections. Bacterial infections are caused due to the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body. Cefalexin does not work against infections caused by the virus, including cold and flu.
Cefalexin is bactericidal in nature. Cefalexin works by blocking the activity of enzymes which are responsible for making peptidoglycan, an important component of the bacterial cell wall. Thereby, kills the bacteria and helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections.
The dose and duration of Cefalexin can vary depending upon your condition and the severity of the infection. Also, it is recommended to complete the course of medicine even if you feel better as it is an antibiotic, and leaving it in between may lead to even severe infection that will, in fact, stop responding to the antibiotic as well (antibiotic resistance). In some cases, Cefalexin may cause common side-effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, stomach pain, and skin rashes. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Before starting Cefalexin, please inform your doctor if you have any allergy (against any antibiotic), kidney or liver problems. Do not take Cefalexin on your own as self-medication may lead to antibiotic-resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cefalexin should not be given to children below 5 years. Cefalexin may affect certain laboratory test results such as blood tests for liver function, glucose test, and coombs test. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Cefalexin.
Uses of Cefalexin
Medicinal Benefits
Cefalexin belongs to the group of antibiotics called cephalosporin used to treat various bacterial infections of the nose, lungs, ear, bones, joints, skin, urinary tract, prostate gland, and reproductive system. Cefalexin is bactericidal in nature. Cefalexin works by blocking the activity of enzymes which are responsible for making peptidoglycan, an important component of the bacterial cell wall. Thereby, kills the bacteria and helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections. Cefalexin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which is effective against a wide range of bacteria such as gram-positive staphylococci and streptococci bacteria, including susceptible isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. pyrogens, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Proteus mirabilis.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cefalexin
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Skin rashes
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Cefalexin if you have polyphria (hereditary metabolic disorder). Before starting Cefalexin, please inform your doctor if you have any allergy (against any antibiotic), kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor if you experience skin rash or prolonged, significant diarrhoea with abdominal pains. Talk to your doctor before taking Cefalexin if you have/had inflammation of the intestine. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cefalexin should not be given to children below 5 years.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cefalexin may have interaction with antibiotics (capreomycin, vancomycin, gentamicin, neomycin, tobramycin, cefuroxime), anti-fungal (amphotericin), anti-gout (probenecid), antidiabetic (metformin), and diuretics (furosemide, bumetanide).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have colitis (inflammation in the lining of the colon), seizure disorders, dialysis, kidney and liver dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Cefalexin.
Pregnancy
cautionCefalexin belongs to pregnancy category B. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe Cefalexin only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionCefalexin passes into breast milk. Please consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding, your doctor will prescribe Cefalexin only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
safe if prescribedCefalexin does not affect your ability to drive or handle machinery.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Cefalexin if you have liver impairment/liver disease.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease before taking Cefalexin.
Children
safe if prescribedCefalexin is safe for children above 5years if prescribed by a doctor. The dose and duration may vary depending upon the child’s weight and severity of the infection.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Antibiotics can alter the useful bacteria in the stomach, which help indigestion. Therefore, you are advised to take foods rich in probiotics such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto and cheese.
- Eat fibre rich food like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas and bananas.
- Avoid foods rich in calcium, grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they might hinder the absorption of antibiotics.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and usage of tobacco.
Special Advise
Cefalexin may affect certain laboratory test results such as blood tests for liver function, glucose test, and coombs test. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Cefalexin.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect our body. Infectious or harmful bacteria can make you sick and reproduce quickly in your body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. It can target any body part and multiply very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms, like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Bacteria are of various forms comprising commonly of spherical, rod, and spiral-shaped. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine are more prone to bacterial infection.
FAQs
Cefalexin works by blocking the activity of enzymes which are responsible for making peptidoglycan, an important component of the bacterial cell wall. Thereby, kills the bacteria and helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Cefalexin. Drink lots of fluids and eat food rich in fibre if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience prolonged diarrhoea with abdominal pain, stop taking Cefalexin and consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
It is recommended to complete the course of Cefalexin even if you feel better as it is an antibiotic, and leaving it in between may lead to even severe infection that will, in fact, stop responding to the antibiotic as well (antibiotic resistance).
Do not take Cefalexin on your own as self-medication may lead to antibiotic-resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections.
Cefalexin may affect certain laboratory test results such as blood tests for liver function, glucose test, and coombs test. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Cefalexin.
Cefalexin might interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). This could lead to an unplanned pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor may suggest an alternate method of contraception.
