Warnings & Recalls for Cephalexin
In
May of 2008, the FDA approved revisions made regarding the
Safety Label for Cephalexin highlighting the common symptoms of diarrhea and the risk of
severe diarrhea or even
fatal colitis or Clostridium difficile (CDAD).
Cephalexin is a
U.S. Food and Drug Administration pregnancy Category B medication. The FDA
has not examined or tested Cephalexin enough in pregnant women to draw a conclusion on the safety of this medicine.
Talk to your doctor about the possible
risks of taking Cephalexin if you are pregnant, breasfeeding or may become pregnant.
Cephalexin does transfer through breast-milk.
Do not take Cephalexin if you are breastfeeding.
Cephalexin can
increase the risk of a
yeast infection among women.
Let your doctor know about any of the following:
- any allergies you may have
- if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant
- if you have kidney disease
- any other medications you may be taking
- plans to have surgery
What Drugs can Interact with Cephalexin?
Avoid the following while taking Cephalexin:
- blood thinners, especially Warfarin
- medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes
- drugs for treating gout (Probenecid)
Do not take
Cephalexin if it is
expired, it may be extremely
dangerous for your health.
Cephalexin Treatment and Use
Cephalexin | Keflex is a generic cephalosporin class antibiotic originally produced by the Eli Lilly and Company in 1967, used to treat bacterial infections. Cephalexin may be prescribed to treat:
- upper repiratory infections
- ear infections
- skin infections
- bone infections
- urinary tract infections
- laryngitis
- bronchitis
- pneumonia
Cephalexin may be used to kill bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pneumonia), Haemophilus influenzae (Pneumonia or Meningitis) and E. coli(can cause food poisoning or infections).
How does Cephalexin Work?
Cephalexin works by blocking the growth of bacterial cells and preventing the survival of these cells. This action prohibits the bacteria from further infecting the body and fights symptoms of the illness.
Cephalexin Dosage Information
Cephalexin comes in a tablet, capsule or oral suspension form. Typically Cephalexin is taken 4 times a day every 6 hours, or twice a day every 12 hours for 7-10 full days. Doses depend on the infection being treated as well as the patients health and age.
If you are taking the oral suspension, be sure to shake well before measuring. Use a proper dose-measuring device, not a household spoon.
Do not bite or swallow dissolving tablets. The medicine may not work to its full extent.
Follow all instructions on the prescription label and take Cephalexin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not end your prescribed dose cycle earlier than recommended.
