Why is this medication
prescribed?
Cephalexin
is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused
by bacteria such as pneumonia and bone, ear, skin, and urinary tract
infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral
infections.
This
medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be
used?
Cephalexin
comes as a capsule, tablet, and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually
taken every 6 hours (four times a day) or every 12 hours (twice a day)
for 7-10 days. Follow the directions on your prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do
not understand. Take cephalexin exactly as directed. Do not take more
or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake
the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
The
capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole and taken with a full
glass of water.
Continue
to take cephalexin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking cephalexin
without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions
should I follow?
Before
taking cephalexin,
- tell your doctor and
pharmacist if you are allergic to cephalexin or any other cephalosporin
antibiotic such as cefadroxil (Duricef) or cephradine (Velosef),
penicillin, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and
pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are
taking, especially other antibiotics, anticoagulants ('blood thinners')
such as warfarin (Coumadin), probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have
or have ever had kidney or liver disease, colitis, or stomach problems.
- tell your doctor if you are
pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become
pregnant while taking cephalexin, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery,
including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are
taking cephalexin.
What special dietary
instructions should I follow?
Cephalexin
may cause an upset stomach. Take cephalexin with food or milk.
What should I do if I forget a
dose?
Take
the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular
dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this
medication cause?
Although
side effects from cephalexin are not common, they can occur. Tell your
doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- mild skin rash
If you
experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- severe skin rash
- itching
- hives
- difficulty breathing or
swallowing
- wheezing
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- sore throat
- painful mouth or throat
sores
- vaginal infection
What storage conditions are
needed for this medicine?
Keep
this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of
reach of children. Store the capsules and tablets at room temperature
and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw
away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Keep liquid
medicine in the refrigerator, tightly closed, and throw away any unused
medication after 14 days. Do not freeze. Talk to your pharmacist about
the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case
of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency
services at 911.
What other information should
I know?
Keep
all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will
order certain lab tests to check your response to cephalexin.
If you
are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape (not Clinitest) to test your
urine for sugar while taking this drug.
Do not
let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not
refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish
the cephalexin, call your doctor.
