Description
Cephalexin tablets comprise Cephalexin as an active ingredient. Cephalexin is a first generation Cephalosporin – a semisynthetic, beta-lactam antibiotic of a broad spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms.
Indications:
- upper respiratory tract infections (pharyngitis, otitis media);
- skin and skin structure infections (SSTIs) (streptococcal and staphylococcal skin infections);
- bone infections (osteomyelitis);
- genitourinary infections (cystitis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis);
- prevention of endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valve) caused by an infection.
MOA (mechanism of action):
Cephalexin is a bactericidal antibiotic which inhimits the bacteria cell walls synthesis. This results in the cell walls rupture and bacteria eventually die.
Cephalexin is active against aerobes gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase-producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains), Streptococcus pyogenes); aerobes gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis, Proteus mirabilis).
Dosage
Cephalexin is produced either in a form of dispersible tablets or in capsules.
Capsules are normally swallowed whole with water.
Swallow dispersible tablet with a drink of water, or first disperse it in water (5-10 ml), and then swallowed.
Treatment course is administered for 7 to 14 days.
Continue to take Cephalexin even if you feel well.
Do not stop taking Cephalexin suddenly.
For otitis media (middle ear infection):
Adults: The usual dose is 250 mg taken every 6 hours.
Children (ages 1–14 years): 75–100 mg per kg of body weight, taken daily in divided doses.
The doctor may double the dose in case of severe infection.
For skin and skin structure and bone infections:
Adults: 1–4 g per day taken in divided doses. The usual dose is 250 mg taken every 6 hours or 500 mg taken every 12 hours. If you have a severe infection, your doctor may give you a larger dose.
Children (ages 1–14 years): 25–50 mg per kg of body weight, taken daily in 4 divided doses.
The doctor may double this dose for severe cases.
For genitourinary infections and for pharyngitis:
Adults: the usual dose is 250 mg taken every 6 hours. If you have uncomplicated cystitis, you may be given 500 mg every 12 hours.
Children (ages 1–14 years): 25–50 mg per kg of body weight, taken daily in divided doses.
The doctor may double this dose for severe cases.
For endocarditis prevention:
Adults: 2 g taken 30–60 minutes before your procedure.
Children (ages 1–14 years): 50 mg/kg of body weight taken 30–60 minutes before your procedure.
The total child’s dose shouldn’t exceed the adult dosage.
Missing a dose
If you miss a dose you should take it as soon as you remember about your missing. If it is the time for the next dose you should continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of Cephalexin to compensate the missed dose.
Overdose
If an overdose occurs and you are not feeling well, stop taking the medication immediately. You should seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) and away from excess moisture and heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep out of the reach of children.