Cephalexin (brand names include: Keflex / Sporidex / Cephadex) is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics. Cephalexin fights bacteria in the body. It works by interfering with the bacteria's cell wall formation. This weakens the cell wall, causing it to rupture, and kills the bacteria.

Cephalexin can be used to treat infections of:

Respiratory tract (throat, tonsils, chest and lungs)
Nose (sinusitis)
Ears (otitis media)
Skin and soft tissue
Kidneys and bladder (genitourinary tract)
Bone
Genitourinary tract, including acute prostatitis
Dental infections

Recommendations

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take exactly Cephalexin as directed.

Your doctor will tell you how much and how often you should take Cephalexin. This will depend on the type of infection. The dose varies from patient to patient.

Cephalexin can be taken with or without food. It is usually taken every 6 hours (four times a day) or every 12 hours (twice a day) for 7-10 days.

The capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water.

To clear up your infection completely, take Cephalexin for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.

If you miss a dose of Cephalexin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

Precautions

Contact your doctor before taking cephalexin If:
you are allergic to cephalexin or other drugs;
you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, colitis, or stomach problems;
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: cephalexin monohydrate.