Keflex

Cephalexin Drug Information

• Keflex Overview

  Keflex is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. Keflex is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Keflex will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

• How to Use Keflex

  Take Keflex by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually every 6 to 12 hours with or without food. If you are using the suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose. Measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. The Dosage of Keflex is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dose is also based on weight. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take Keflex at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take Keflex until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

• Keflex Precautions

  Before taking cephalexin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to penicillins or other cephalosporins (such as cefpodoxime); or if you have any other allergies. Keflex may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Keflex, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,kidney disease, stomach/intestinal disease (such as colitis). The liquid form of Keflex may contain sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using Keflex safely. Cephalexin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using Keflex unless your doctor tells you to. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, Keflex should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Keflex passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Keflex Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Keflex, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Keflex Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Although most antibiotics are unlikely to affect hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring, a few antibiotics (such as rifampin, rifabutin) can decrease their effectiveness. This could result in pregnancy. If you use hormonal birth control, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Keflex may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including Coombs' test, certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Keflex.

• Keflex Side Effects

  What are Keflex side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Keflex may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Keflex as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Keflex

  The side effects of Keflex may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Keflex. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Keflex may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Keflex, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Keflex.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Keflex, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Keflex and the side effects associated with Keflex are described in the following:

  Common Keflex Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • vulvovaginal candidiasis
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • dyspepsia
  • Acute Abdominal Pain

  Less Frequent Keflex Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • candidiasis
  • gastritis

  Rare or Very Rare Keflex Side Effects

  Severe

  • Clostridium difficile infection
  • hemolytic anemia
  • hypoprothrombinemia
  • agranulocytosis
  • hepatitis
  • renal failure
  • kidney disease with reduction in GFR
  • Erythema Multiforme
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
  • pruritus of skin
  • seizure disorder
  • drug fever
  • skin rash
  • colitis
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • Anaphylaxis
  • angioedema
  • serum sickness
  • urticaria
  • obstructive hyperbilirubinemia
  • hallucinations
  • interstitial nephritis
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • eosinophilia
  • hemorrhage
  • aplastic anemia
  • pemphigus
  • Hyperbilirubinemia
  • Jaundice
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis
  • DRESS syndrome

  Less Severe

  • Paresthesia
  • arthralgias
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • headache disorder
  • vaginitis
  • genital organ pruritus
  • agitation
  • acute confusion
  • pruritus ani

• Keflex Storage

  Store the capsules and tablets at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Store the suspension in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Keep the container tightly closed. Discard any unused portion after 14 days. Different brands of Keflex may have different storage requirements. Read the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements for the product you are using. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Keflex when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.