Keflex: Overview

Keflex (cephalexin) is an antibiotic in the cephalosporin class. It fights bacteria in the body and is prescribed to treat bacterial infections such as upper respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and bone infections. Keflex is suitable for adults and children over one year of age and is available as a syrup (Keflex syrup) or tablets (Keflex 100 mg).

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Keflex Uses

Keflex treats a wide range of bacterial infections by preventing bacterial growth. It is ineffective against viral infections (like the common cold or flu). Misusing antibiotics can reduce their effectiveness.


How to Use Keflex

  • Administration: Take orally, with or without food, every 6 to 12 hours.
  • Suspension: Shake well before each dose and use a measuring device to ensure the correct dose. Do not use a regular spoon.
  • Dosage: Determined by medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is weight-based.

For the best results, take this antibiotic at regular intervals and complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms disappear. Stopping too soon may cause the infection to return.


Keflex Side Effects

Common side effects include:

  • Abdominal or stomach pain
  • Blistering, peeling of the skin
  • Chills, cough
  • Dark urine, diarrhea
  • Dizziness, fever, tiredness, weakness
  • Headache, itching, rash
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting

Precautions

  • Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to cephalexin, penicillins, or other cephalosporins.
  • Medical History: Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease or stomach/intestinal disease (like colitis).
  • Diabetes: The liquid form may contain sugar; consult your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Pregnancy: Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking during pregnancy.
  • Breastfeeding: This medication may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Interactions

  • Drug Interactions: These can affect how medications work or increase side effects. Keep a list of all products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
  • Laboratory Tests: May interfere with certain tests, like the Coombs' test and some urine glucose tests.

Overdose

If an overdose is suspected, seek medical advice immediately. Never take more than prescribed.


Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose.


Storage

Store away from heat, air, and light to prevent damage. Keep out of reach of children.

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Keflex vs. Amoxicillin

Keflex Amoxicillin
Antibiotic class: Cephalosporin Antibiotic class: Penicillin-like antibiotics
Treats a wide range of bacterial infections Treats middle ear infections, strep throat, pneumonia, skin infections, and UTIs
Works by fighting bacteria in the body Works by stopping the growth of bacteria in the body

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Keflex used for?

This antibiotic is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. This antibiotic is classified as a cephalosporin. It works by preventing bacterial growth. This medication is ineffective against viral infections (such as common cold, flu).

2. Is Keflex the same as amoxicillin?

No, these drugs are classified as different types of antibiotics. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic, whereas Keflex is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

3. Is Keflex penicillin?

Penicillin and Keflex (cephalexin) are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. Keflex and penicillin belong to separate drug classes. Penicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic, and Keflex is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

4. Is Keflex a broad-spectrum antibiotic?

Keflex belongs to the antibiotic class known as cephalosporins. Keflex is a first-generation cephalosporin that works primarily against gram-positive bacteria.

5. Is Keflex stronger than amoxicillin?

Both antibiotics are effective against the organisms they are designed to treat when properly dosed. Cephalexin's organism coverage makes it effective in conditions where amoxicillin is ineffective, such as mastitis and bone and joint infections.

6. What infections does Keflex treat?

Following infections are killed by this medicine

  • Middle ear infections (otitis media)
  • Tonsillitis
  • Throat infections
  • Laryngitis
  • Bronchitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Urinary tract
  • Skin

7. What kind of bacteria does Keflex treat?

Keflex is used for treating respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes isolates.

8. How long does Keflex take to work?

Peak concentrations are reached 1 hour after dosing; however, it takes up to 48 hours for infection-related symptoms to start working.

9. Can Keflex treat sinus infection?

Because of inadequate antimicrobial coverage of the major organisms, penicillin, erythromycin (Suprax), and first-generation cephalosporins such as cephalexin (Keflex, Keftab) are not recommended for treating acute sinusitis.

10. Can I take Keflex every 4 hours?

Every day, four times: once in the morning, once around midday, once in the early afternoon, and once in the evening. These times should ideally be about 4 hours apart, such as 8 a.m., midday, 4 p.m., and 8 p.m.


Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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