Keflex

The active ingredient in Keflex is cephalexin. As mentioned above, it belongs to a wider group of antibiotics called cephalosporins, and these work by stopping the bacteria from forming a protective outer layer (cell wall).

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-approved product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Keflex. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Keflex:

• Take Keflex exactly as your doctor tells you. Follow the instructions on your prescription and read any provided guides or information.
• Only use Keflex for conditions approved by your doctor.
• Finish the full course of the medicine, even if you feel better. Stopping early can make infections harder to treat in the future. Keflex does not work for viral infections like the flu or a cold.
• Never share Keflex with anyone, even if they have similar symptoms.
• Keflex can affect some medical test results. Inform any doctor treating you that you are using it.

The most common side effects of Keflex include:

• Diarrhea.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Indigestion or stomach pain/stomach cramps.
• Dizziness.
• Fatigue or tiredness.
• Headache.
• Confusion.
• Joint pain.
• Yeast infection.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Keflex. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reactions: may include hives, skin rash, blisters, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, and trouble breathing.
• Severe diarrhea caused by C. difficile infection: symptoms can include foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and very frequent bowel movements (up to 15 times a day).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Keflex. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Keflex, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Avoid Keflex if you’re allergic to it or similar antibiotics or have ever had a serious allergic reaction. Let your doctor know if you’re allergic to penicillin or other antibiotics.
• Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or intestinal issues like colitis.
• Take Keflex for the full-time your doctor prescribes, even if you feel better. It doesn’t work for viral infections like colds or the flu.
• If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using Keflex.

Contraindications refer to health conditions or circumstances where taking a medication could be unsafe. Inform your healthcare provider if any of the following apply to you, as Cephalexin may not be safe in these cases:

• A severe allergy to cephalosporin antibiotics or beta-lactam antibiotics.

Keflex typically starts working within 1 to 2 hours after you take it, but you may not feel noticeable improvement for a day or two. For some infections, it may take a few days to see significant results. It's important to finish the full course of medication, even if you start feeling better sooner.

When Keflex is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Metformin.
• Probenecid.
• Blood thinners.

Keflex (cephalexin) is available in capsules, tablets, and liquid dosage forms.

For adults and children over 15 years old, the typical dose is 250 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours. You would typically take it for 7 to 14 days. For more serious infections, you may need a higher dose, up to 4 grams per day. However, your healthcare provider will provide the dose correct for you.

For a missed dose, take the medicine as soon as you remember, but if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Store the medication at room temperature, away from moisture, light, or heat as well as out of reach of children.

Keflex is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company.

There are several generic versions available of Keflex with the active ingredient of cephalexin.

Do not stop taking your medication, even if you feel better. Finish the course your healthcare provider suggested unless they inform you to stop taking the drug.

Keflex (cephalexin) is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. However, it should only be used if deemed necessary by a healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is safe to take Keflex while breastfeeding. Only small amounts of the medication pass into breast milk, so it usually does not cause any side effects in your baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.