KEFLEX

SPECIFICATION

250mg & 500mg

Generics

Cephalexin

About

Cephalexin is an oral broad-spectrum antibiotic. In adequate concentrations it is bactericidal for sensitive proliferating microorganisms by inhibiting the biosynthesis of the cell wall.

Indication

It is indicated for treatment of respiratory tract infections (RTIs), urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin and soft tissue infections, otitis media and other infections due to sensitive organisms.

Dosage

FOR ADULTS TWICE DAILY.

Side Effects

It is generally well-tolerated. The common side effects are gastrointestinal disturbances (diarrhoea), hypersensitivity reactions (skin rashes). Other side effects are nausea and vomiting. Other reactions reported rarely are genital pruritus, genital moniliasis, vaginitis. Sometimes it causes anaphylaxis, erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis, fever, abdominal pain, super infection, renal dysfunction, toxic nephropathy, hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, and hemorrhage. Several cephalosporins have been implicated triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment .

Drug Interactions

Bacteriostatic antibiotics , Uricosuric drugs (e.g. probenecid) , Metformin , ethacrynic acid, furosemide , aminoglycosides, polymyxin, colistin , Oral anticoagulants , Typhoid vaccine , Oral contraceptives , Cytotoxic drugs.

When not to Use

Cephalexin is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics. Severe systemic infections, which require parenteral cephalosporin treatment, should not be treated orally during the acute stage.

Precaution

Cephalosporins should be given with caution to penicillin-sensitive patients, as there is some evidence of partial cross-allergenicity between the penicillins and cephalosporins. Patients have had severe reactions (including anaphylaxis) to both drugs.