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

Quick overview

Cephalexin Tablet contains cephalexin, a first generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory, ear, skin, urinary, bone, and dental infections. It works by destroying the bacteria causing the infection and does not treat viral illnesses like the common cold or flu. It is available as capsules, dispersible tablets, and an oral liquid, with dosing based on age and the type of infection.

What is Cephalexin Tablet

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It fights bacteria in the body but does not work against viral infections like the common cold or flu.

Cephalexin Tablet uses

• Upper respiratory infections (chest, lungs, throat, sinuses)
• Ear infections (otitis media)
• Skin and soft tissue infections such as cellulitis and impetigo
• Urinary tract and bladder infections, kidney infections, and prostatitis
• Bone infections
• Dental infections such as tooth abscesses and gum infections

Benefits of Cephalexin Tablet

• Helps clear bacterial infections by eliminating the bacteria causing them
• Relieves infection-related symptoms such as fever, pain, swelling, and discomfort as the infection comes under control
• The dispersible tablet form is easy to take for children, older adults, and people who have trouble swallowing regular tablets

How Cephalexin Tablet works

Cephalexin kills bacteria by blocking the enzymes bacteria need to build their cell wall, which destroys the bacteria and stops the infection from spreading.

Cephalexin Tablet dosage

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor and follow all directions on your prescription label. Use for the full prescribed length of time, even if symptoms improve quickly; skipping doses can increase the risk of resistant infection. This medicine will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold. Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms.

You can take it with or without food, though taking it with a meal may help prevent stomach upset. Try to take it at the same time every day and at evenly spaced times to keep a steady level of medicine in your body.

If using the dispersible tablet, do not push it through the foil; peel back the foil with dry hands, place the tablet in a small amount of water, let it dissolve, stir, and drink the entire liquid immediately, or let it dissolve on your tongue and swallow with or without water.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for the next dose; do not take two doses at once.

Measure liquid medicine carefully using a dosing syringe or medicine dose-measuring device, not a kitchen spoon. Shake the liquid form before use.

Available forms and strengths

• Capsule
• Tablet (disintegrating/dispersible)
• Oral powder for reconstitution (liquid suspension)

Side effects of Cephalexin Tablet

Common

• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Nausea, vomiting
• Indigestion, stomach pain
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Dizziness
• Tiredness or weakness
• Headache
• Mild skin rash or itching

Serious

• Signs of allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat
• Severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple rash with blistering and peeling
• Severe stomach pain, watery or bloody diarrhea (even months after last dose)
• Unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under the skin
• Seizure
• Pale skin, cold hands and feet
• Yellowed skin, dark colored urine
• Fever, weakness
• Pain in side or lower back, painful urination
• Confusion, memory loss

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to cephalexin or to similar antibiotics such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Omnicef, and others.
• People with a penicillin allergy may also be allergic to cephalosporins, so tell your doctor about any drug allergies, especially to penicillin.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, or intestinal problems such as colitis, before taking this medicine.
• Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection; call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine if diarrhea is watery or bloody.
• This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests, so tell any doctor treating you that you are using it.
• Cephalexin is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, but you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant so they can weigh the benefits and risks.
• Cephalexin can pass into breast milk, so tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• If your kidneys do not work normally, your body may clear this medicine more slowly, so your doctor may need to adjust your dose.
• If you have liver disease, your doctor may need to adjust your dose before you start this medicine.
• It is best to avoid or limit alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can worsen side effects and slow healing.
• This medicine may cause dizziness in some people; avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy after taking it.

Storage

• Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
• Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.
• Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face or throat, or a severe skin reaction with fever, sore throat, burning eyes, or a red/purple rash with blistering and peeling.
• Call your doctor right away if you have severe stomach pain or watery/bloody diarrhea, even if it happens months after your last dose.
• Call your doctor if you feel unusually tired, light-headed, or short of breath.
• Call your doctor if you notice easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or purple or red spots under your skin.
• Call your doctor if you have a seizure.
• Call your doctor if you have pale skin or cold hands and feet.
• Call your doctor if your skin or eyes turn yellow or your urine becomes dark colored.
• Call your doctor if you have fever and weakness.
• Call your doctor if you have pain in your side or lower back, or painful urination.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe stomach pain or severe watery or bloody diarrhea along with fever, especially if this happens weeks after stopping treatment.
• If you experience sudden, severe signs of allergy, stop taking the medicine and go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital.

Alternatives

• Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate)
• Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim)
• Keflex