This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by interfering with the bacteria's cell wall formation. This weakens the cell wall, causing it to rupture, and kills the bacteria. It is used for treating certain bacterial infections.

How to Take

To treat: throat, skin, and urinary tract infections

The usual adult dosage is 500 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Cystitis (bladder infection) therapy should be continued for 7 to 14 days.

To treat other infections:

The usual recommended dosage is 250 milligrams taken every 6 hours. For more severe infections, larger doses may be needed, as determined by your doctor.

The usual dose for children under 15 years old is 25 to 50 milligrams for each 2.2 pounds of body weight per day, divided into smaller doses.

For strep throat in children over 1 year of age and for skin infections, the dose may be divided into 2 doses taken every 12 hours. For strep infections, the medication should be taken for at least 10 days. Your doctor may double the dose if your child has a severe infection.

For middle ear infection, the dose is 75 to 100 milligrams per 2.2 pounds per day, divided into 4 doses.

Warning and Precautions

If you have a history of stomach or intestinal disease, especially colitis, check with your doctor before taking Cephalexin.

If you have ever had an allergic reaction, particularly to drugs, be sure to tell your doctor.

If you have a kidney disorder, check with your doctor before taking Cephalexin. You may need a reduced dose.

The effects of Cephalexin during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Cephalexin appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Cephalexin hydrochloride is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment immediately. Symptoms of Cephalexin overdose may include: blood in the urine, diarrhea, nausea, upper abdominal pain, vomiting.

Storage

Store Cephalexin at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cephalexin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Side effect may include: diarrhea.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Cephalexin. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.