Cephalexin Capsules 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.
What is the most important information I should know about cephalexin?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to cephalexin, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Cefzil, Duricef, Fortaz, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, and others. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cephalexin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
What is cephalexin?
Cephalexin is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics. Cephalexin fights bacteria in the body. Cephalexin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria, including upper respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. Cephalexin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Precautions
Do not use Cephalexin Capsules if you are allergic to any ingredient in Cephalexin Capsules or any other cephalosporin antibiotic (eg, cefuroxime).
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Cephalexin Capsules
Some medical conditions may interact with Cephalexin Capsules. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substance
- if you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, dizziness) to a penicillin (eg, amoxicillin) or other beta-lactam antibiotic (eg, imipenem)
If you have stomach or bowel problems (eg, inflammation), blood clotting problems, kidney or liver problems, or poor nutrition.
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cephalexin Capsules. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Metformin because its actions and the risks of its side effects may be increased by Cephalexin Capsules
- Probenecid because it may increase the actions and the risk of Cephalexin Capsules’s side effects
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of side effects such as bleeding may be increased
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Cephalexin Capsules may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Cephalexin Capsules
Use Cephalexin Capsules as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Cephalexin Capsules by mouth with or without food.
To clear up your infection completely, take Cephalexin (Keflex) for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.
If you miss a dose of Cephalexin Capsules, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cephalexin Capsules.
General information
If you have any questions about Cephalexin Capsules, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Cephalexin Capsules is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Cephalexin Capsules. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.