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Information on Keflex

Generic name: Cephalexin hydrochloride
Other brand name: Keftab

Keflex and Keftab are cephalosporin antibiotics. They are prescribed for bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, the middle ear, the bones, the skin, and the reproductive and urinary systems. Because they are effective for only certain types of bacterial infections, before beginning treatment your doctor may perform tests to identify the organisms causing the infection.Keflex is available in capsules and an oral suspension form for use in children. Keftab, available only in tablet form, is prescribed exclusively for adults.

CEPHALEXIN (Keflex®, Keftab®) is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It treats many kinds of infections including those of the skin, respiratory tract, bone, sinuses, ears, and urinary tract. Generic cephalexin tablets and capsules are available.

Keflex Dosage

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.

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.

Uses of Keflex

• This medication is a cephalosporin-type antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections (e.g., skin, bone and genitourinary tract infections). It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
• This drug may also be used before dental procedures in patients with artificial heart valves to prevent serious infection of the heart lining (bacterial endocarditis).

Side Effects of Keflex

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Keflex. Side effects may include:

• Diarrhea
• fever or chills, sore throat
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash, itching
• stomach pain or cramps

Warnings and precautions before taking Keflex:

• If you have a history of stomach or intestinal disease, especially colitis, check with your doctor before taking Keflex.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction, particularly to drugs, be sure to tell your doctor.
• If diarrhea occurs while taking cephalexin, check with your doctor before taking a remedy. Certain diarrhea medications (for instance, Lomotil) may increase your diarrhea or make it last longer.
• Prolonged use of Keflex may result in an overgrowth of bacteria that do not respond to Keflex, causing a secondary infection. Your doctor will monitor your use of Keflex on a regular basis.
• Prescribing Keflex in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
• If you are diabetic, it is important to note that Keflex may cause false results in tests for urine sugar. Notify your doctor that you are taking Keflex before being tested. Do not change your diet or dosage of diabetes medication without first consulting with your doctor.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they get worse, notify your doctor immediately.
• Do not give Keflex to other people or use it for other infections before checking with your doctor.
  

Drug Interaction :- If Keflex is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Keflex with the following:

• Certain diarrhea medications such as Lomotil
  
• Oral contraceptives

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences.If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment immediately. Symptoms of Keflex overdose may include:

• Blood in the urine, diarrhea, nausea, upper abdominal pain, vomiting