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Keflex (Cephalexin) is a cephalosporin antibiotic drug. Cephalexin treat serious infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria infections including those of the skin, respiratory tract, bone, sinuses, ears and urinary tract.
Keflex and Keflin from Eli Lilly marketed under brandnames Sporidex (Ranbaxy Laboratories), Alcephin, Alexin, Betaspore, Blucef, Cefalex, Cefalin, Cefax, Ceff, Cepen, Cephalkem, Cephaxin, Citaceph, Hycef, Mafexin, Melexin, Neocef, Nufex, Oriphax, Oroceph, Phexin, PrilocefReflexin, Roceph, Safexin, Sanceph, Sporen, Winphex and other.
What should I tell my doctor before I take Keflex?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
bleeding problems
diarrhea
kidney disease
stomach or intestinal problems (especially colitis)
other chronic illness
allergy to cephalexin, other cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillin, penicillamine, other foods, dyes or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breastfeeding
How should I take Keflex?
Take cephalexin tablets or capsules orally. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets or capsules with a drink of water. You can take cephalexin with or without food. If cephalexin upsets your stomach it may help to take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of Keflex in children. Special care may be required.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be an interval of at least 4 to 6 hours between doses.
What drugs may interact with cephalexin?
other antibiotics
diuretics ("water pills")
probenecid
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your doctor if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking cephalexin?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible:
difficulty breathing, wheezing
fever or chills, sore throat
pain or difficulty passing urine
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
seizures (convulsions)
severe or watery diarrhea
skin rash, itching
stomach pain or cramps
swollen or tender joints
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual weakness or tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
gas or heartburn
genital or anal irritation
nausea, vomiting
What should I watch for while taking cephalexin?
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days.
If you are diabetic you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your doctor for advice.
Where can I keep Cephalexin?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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