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Cephalexin is a prescription medication used to treat bacterial infections. Cephalexin belongs to a group of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics, which kill the bacteria that lead to infections.

This medication comes in tablet, capsule, and oral suspension (liquid) forms. Cephalexin is taken up to 4 times a day with or without meals.

Common side effects of cephalexin include upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Cephalexin is a prescription medication used to treat certain bacterial infections. Cephalexin treats bacterial infections of the lung (pneumonia), ear, skin, bone, and urinary tract. 

Cephalexin and other antibiotics will not treat viral infections such as the flu or the common cold.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses.  Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Common side effects of cephalexin include:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• stomach cramps
• fever
• mild skin rash

This is not a complete list of cephalexin side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Serious side effects have been reported with cephalexin. See “Drug Precautions” section.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:

• metformin (Glucophage)
• probenecid (Benemid)

This is not a complete list of cephalexin drug interactions.  Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Serious side effects have been reported with cephalexin including:

Hypersensitivity reaction:  An allergic reaction is possible with cephalexin.  Tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin antibiotics such as amoxicillin (Moxatag) and ampicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics such as cephalexin (Keflex) and cefuroxime (Ceftin). Symptoms of an allergic reaction to cephalexin include:

• skin rash
• itching
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• sore throat
• vaginal infections
• dizziness
• fatigue
• headache
• agitation
• confusion
• hallucinations
• joint pain

Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea:  Cephalexin and other antibiotics can kill the “good” bacteria in the colon leading to a growth of C. difficile bacteria.  C. difficile is “bad” bacteria that can cause diarrhea.

Seizures associated with patients having poor kidney function

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods.  In the case of cephalexin there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving cephalexin.

Before taking cephalexin, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions.  Especially tell your doctor if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to cephalexin, or other cephalosporins
• have had an allergic reaction to penicillin antibiotics
• have decreased kidney function
• have decreased liver function
• have a history of gastrointestinal (digestive tract) diseases
• have been treated with anticoagulant therapies, or blood thinners
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Cephalexin falls into category B.  Studies in animals have failed to demonstrate a risk to the unborn baby and there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.  The active ingredient of cephalexin is excreted in human breast milk.  The effect of cephalexin on the nursing infant is not known.

• Take Cephalexin exactly as prescribed.  Do not change the dose or stop taking Cephalexin without talking to your doctor. 
• This medication comes in tablet, capsule, and oral suspension (liquid) forms. 
• Cephalexin is typically taken 2 to 4 times a day for 7 to 14 days, with or without meals.
• You should finish the entire course of treatment of the antibiotic to ensure your infection is treated appropriately.  It is important not to skip doses of Cephalexin.
• Cephalexin can be taken with or without food.  Food or milk can prevent cephalexin from causing an upset stomach.
• Cephalexin tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole, not chewed, crushed, or split.
• Cephalexin oral suspension should be shaken prior to taking the medication.
• If you are diabetic, Clinitest urine glucose tests may give false results while taking cephalexin.
• If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of cephalexin at the same time.

Take cephalexin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage and schedule of cephalexin depending on the type and severity of your bacterial infection, as well as your age.  For most infections, 250 mg of cephalexin will be taken 4 times a day.  For more severe infections, 500 mg of cephalexin will be taken twice a day.  The usual dosage range of cephalexin is 1 to 4 grams a day, with a maximum dosage of 4 grams a day.

If you take too much cephalexin, call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center, or seek emergency medical attention right away.

• Store cephalexin oral suspension in the refrigerator for up to 14 days.
• Store cephalexin tablets and capsules at room temperature between 68° and 77°F (20° and 25°C).
• Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.