৳ 8.25/unit
Pack: ৳ 8.25
৳ 8.25/unit
Pack: ৳ 8.25
At a glance
Cephalexin is a first generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs, ears, throat, urinary tract, skin, soft tissues, bones, and joints.
Indications
- Respiratory Tract Infections (acute and chronic bronchitis)
- Genito-urinary Tract Infections (nephritis, cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis)
- Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
- Ear, Nose and Throat Infections (otitis media, mastoiditis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis)
- Bone Infections
Pharmacology
Cephalexin is a semisynthetic analogue of Cephalosporin C. It kills bacteria by interfering in the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Peptidoglycan is a heteropolymeric structure that provides the cell wall with mechanical stability. The final stage in the synthesis of peptidoglycan involves the completion of the cross-linking and the terminal glycine residue of the Pentaglycine Bridge is linked to the fourth residue of the pentapeptide (d-alanin). The transpeptidase enzyme that performs this step is inhibited by penicillins and cephalosporins. As a result the bacterial cell wall is weakened, the cell swells and then ruptures. Cephalexin is a first generation cephalosporin that is active by mouth.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
| Infection Type | Dose | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Usual infections | 250-500 mg | Every 6 hours |
| Skin infections, Streptococcal pharyngitis, Uncomplicated cystitis (>15 years) | 500 mg | Every 12 hours |
| Severe infections | 3-6 g/day | Divided doses |
Pediatric Dose: 25-100 mg/kg/day (divided doses), maximum 4 g/day.
| Child's Weight | Recommended Dose |
|---|---|
| 10 kg | 62.5-125 mg qid or 125-250 mg bid |
| 20 kg | 125-250 mg qid or 250-500 mg bid |
| 40 kg | 250-500 mg qid or 500 mg-1 g bid |
Beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections: Continue treatment for at least 10 days.
Otitis Media: 75-100 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses.
Renal Dose: CrCl 40-50: Max 3 g/day; CrCl 10-40: Max 1.5 g/day; CrCl <10: Max 750 mg/day.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Rash
- Allergic reaction
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
Use in pregnancy
[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Cephalexin is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies. Pregnancy Category B. May be used during pregnancy when considered essential.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
- [SAFE] Cephalexin does not usually affect your ability to drive.
- Your doctor has prescribed Cephalexin to cure your infection and improve your symptoms. Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach.
- Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection to come back and harder to treat.
- Discontinue Cephalexin and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
- Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Cephalexin as it may cause increased side effects.
- Cephalexin should be given with caution in patients with renal impairment and dose adjustment may be needed.
- The urine of patients receiving Cephalexin may give a false positive reaction for glucose with copper reduction reagent.
Overdose effects
Information on Cephalexin overdosage is not available.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place.