Cephalexin Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Cephalexin Capsule is a prescription cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria, such as chest, throat, ear, skin, bone, and urinary tract infections. It will not work against colds, the flu, or other viral infections. It can be used in adults and children 1 year and older. It works by damaging bacterial cell walls, which kills the bacteria causing the infection.

What is Cephalexin Capsule

Cephalexin is a prescription antibiotic in a group of medicines called cephalosporins. It treats infections caused by bacteria. It will not treat colds, the flu, or other infections caused by viruses.

Cephalexin Capsule uses

• Chest and lung infections (respiratory tract infections)
• Throat and sinus infections
• Ear infections (middle ear infections)
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Bone infections
• Kidney and bladder infections (urinary tract infections)

Benefits of Cephalexin Capsule

• Kills certain types of bacteria that cause infections
• Can be used in adults and children 1 year and older

How Cephalexin Capsule works

Cephalexin works by damaging the walls that surround the bacteria. This breaks open the walls and kills the bacteria causing the infection.

Cephalexin Capsule dosage

Take this medicine by mouth as directed on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. If you are prescribed capsules or tablets, swallow with a glass of water. If you are prescribed the liquid form, shake the bottle before taking it.

Try to take it at the same time every day so it works effectively. Finish the full course of treatment, even if you feel better, unless your care team tells you to stop early.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

Talk to your care team about using this medicine in children, as precautions apply.

Available forms and strengths

• Capsule
• Tablet
• Oral liquid / suspension

Side effects of Cephalexin Capsule

Common

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Indigestion
• Irritation or inflammation of the stomach lining
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tiredness or weakness
• Oral or vaginal thrush (a yeast infection)

Serious

• Allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Trouble breathing, shortness of breath or wheezing
• Rash, itching or hives on the skin
• Severe skin reactions with blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin
• Confusion, seizures or memory loss
• Severe or watery diarrhea, fever
• Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to it or to other cephalosporin or beta-lactam antibiotics. If you are allergic to penicillin, check with your doctor or pharmacist first, as some people may also react to cephalosporins.
• Almost all antibiotics, including cephalexin, can cause diarrhea and severe inflammation of the colon. Severe cases can be fatal. Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter products without speaking to your doctor.
• This medicine may cause serious skin reactions that can happen weeks to months after starting it. Contact your care team right away if you notice a fever or flu-like symptoms with a rash, or a rash that blisters or peels.
• Finish the full course of treatment. If you do not finish it, your infection may not improve and could get worse. If you miss doses, the medicine may not work as well.
• This medicine is only for you. Do not share it with others.
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about whether cephalexin is safe for you. Animal studies have not shown harm, but there are not enough studies in pregnant people.
• Cephalexin passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in a breastfed child. Talk with your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• If you have kidney problems or a history of kidney disease, your body may not clear this drug as well, which can raise the levels in your body and cause more side effects. Your doctor may adjust your dose.
• Tell your care team before taking this medicine if you have liver disease.
• Tell your care team if you drink alcohol, as some items may interact with your medicine.

Storage

• Store the capsules at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F).
• Do not store this medicine in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

When to see a doctor

• Stop taking the medicine and go to your nearest emergency department if you have sudden, severe signs of an allergy such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing.
• Contact your doctor right away if you develop severe stomach pain, or severe watery or bloody diarrhea with a fever, especially if this happens weeks after stopping treatment. Do not take diarrhea medicine in this situation without talking to your doctor.
• If you think you have taken too much, contact your doctor or a poison control center. If symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency room. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, diarrhea, and blood in your urine.

Alternatives

• Cefuroxime
• Cefixime
• Cefpodoxime
• Cefdinir
• Amoxicillin
• Amoxicillin-Clavulanate