Cefalexin
Cefalexin (also known as cephalexin and sold under the brand names Keflex and Ceporex) is a type of drug called an antibiotic.
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Pronunciation | /səˈfæzələn/[1] |
Trade names | Ancef, Cefacidal, other |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
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Routes of administration | intravenous, intramuscular |
Drug class | First-generation cephalosporin |
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Bioavailability | NA |
Metabolism | ? |
Elimination half-life | 1.8 hours (given IV) 2 hours (given IM) |
Excretion | kidney, unchanged |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.036.142 |
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It is a type of antibiotic called a cephalosporin.[2] Cefalexin can treat some bacterial infections in areas including the ear, bone, joint, skin, and bladder. It may also be used for some types of pneumonia and strep throat. Like other antibiotics, cefalexin cannot treat viral infections, such as the flu or common cold.[2]
Cefalexin can be used in children and people over the age of 65.[2] Using it during pregnancy[3] or breastfeeding[4] has not been shown to cause harm to the baby.[2] People with kidney problems may need lower doses of cefalexin.[2]
Common side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, and upset stomach. Allergic reactions can occur, such as rash or even trouble breathing.[2] An allergic reaction and infection with Clostridium difficile (C. diff), a severe diarrhea, is also possible.[2]
Cefalexin can interact with some drugs.[5] These interactions are usually mild.[6] BCG can treat cancer and also is a tuberculosis vaccine.[7] Cefalexin and BCG cannot be taken together because the effects of BCG will decrease.[8] Alcohol may affect the absorption of the drug.[9]
This drug can be taken by mouth in the form of a tablet, capsule, or suspension.[5] It is taken with or without food.[5]
References[change | change source]
- ↑ "Cefazolin". Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved 2016-01-21.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Cefalexin at Drugs.com
- ↑ Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database". Australian Government. 3 March 2014. Retrieved 4 March 2015
- ↑ Wendy Jones (2013). Breastfeeding and Medication. Routledge. p. 227.ISBN 9781136178153.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Cephalexin. RxWiki. http://www.rxwiki.com/cephalexin
- ↑ Cephalexin. Lexicomp. http://online.lexi.com/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/6569
- ↑ BCG. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/bcg.html. Accessed March 4, 2015.
- ↑ Interactions. Lexicomp. http://online.lexi.com/lco/action/interact. Accessed March 4, 2015.
- ↑ "Cefalexin (Cefalexin 250mg capsules)". NHS Choices.