Cephalexin 500mg

Antibiotic, First Generation Cephalosporin

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

Cephalexin/Keflex prevents bacteria from properly building cell wall eventually resulting in cell lysis (cell break down).

Cephalexin/Keflex is used on and off label for various infections depending on your common local bacterial strains for various infections and based on local resistance patterns.  Not all antibiotics work for all infections and efficacy can vary from area to area and vary with time.  It is common in North America for various soft tissue infections, and some urinary tract infections.

Before starting Cephalexin/Keflex make sure your physician is aware of any allergies (especially penicillin allergy) or medications you currently take, if you have kidney disease, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.  Cephalosporins are structurally related to the penicillin class of antibiotics and cross reactivity can occur in terms of allergies.

Average of 250-1000mg every 6, 8, or 12 hours depending on intended use

How to Take: Follow instructions provided by physician/pharmacy label, swallow whole, take consistently at same times each day unless otherwise directed, store at room temperature

You Need to Avoid: There is no direct interaction with alcohol however alcohol can reduce immune function which can be problematic when fighting an infection so alcohol is not normally recommended

Headache, diarrhea, nausea, dyspepsia (indigestion), vulvovaginal infection, rash, hives

Note this is not a complete list of side effects, only common ones

1. What do I do if Cephalexin/Keflex really upsets my stomach?
   Try taking it after meals.  It is not required however it may lower risk of upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea.
2. I had a penicillin allergy from childhood, but my physician told me to try Cephalexin/Keflex anyways, what should I do?
   Penicillin allergies are commonly misdiagnosed as rash can be a regular side effect.  There is also evidence that penicillin allergies can reduce or go away after 10 years.  If you have reacted severely in the past make sure your physician was aware and if still told to try the medication take your first few doses in the physicians office just to make sure you do not have another serious reaction.