General Information and Indications:
Cephalexin, Keflex, 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.
Information For Users:
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 physician 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
Health provider.
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..
special precautions:
Call your physician or pharmacist if you are
allergic to cephalexin or any other cephalosporin antibiotic such as
cefadroxil (Duricef) or cephradine (Velosef), penicillin, or any other
drugs.
Call your physician or pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics, anticoagulants
('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), probenecid (Benemid), and
vitamins.
Call your physician if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease,
colitis, or stomach problems.
Call your physician if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking cephalexin, Call your
physician.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the physician or
dentist that you are taking cephalexin.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Although adverse effects from cephalexin are
not common, they can occur. Call your physician if any of the following
symptoms are severe or long lasting:
upset stomach
diarrhea
vomiting
mild skin rash
If you experience any of the following symptoms, Call your physician
immediately:
severe skin rash
itching
hives
difficulty breathing or swallowing
wheezing
unusual bleeding or bruising
sore throat
painful mouth or throat sores
vaginal infection
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