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Cephalexin antibiotic is a medication available on prescription and indicated for the treatment and preventing bacterial infections. It is a member of a class of antibiotic medications called cephalosporins that includes such medications as include Omnicef (cefdinir) and Rocephin. Such infections as middle ear infections, respiratory tract infections, and bone infections can be managed with the help of this antibiotic medication. Cephalexin can also be used to prevent heart valve infections.

Cephalexin is a generic medication that can be found under the trade names Keflex and Biocef and is available in the forms of capsules or liquid.

Conditions that are treated with Cephalexin

Cephalexin antibiotic is prescribed to manage a number of conditions including:
• pneumonia, bronchitis, strep throat, and tonsillitis – respiratory tract infections
• osteomyelitis- bone infections
• otitis media- middle ear infections
• sinusitis- sinus infections
• urinary tract infection
• prostatitis – irritation of the prostate
• cellulitis, folliculitis – skin infections
• heart valve infections
The effects of Cephalexin

Cephalexin acts by preventing bacteria from forming their cell wall, without which they are vulnerable and not able to survive and it stops the spread of infection in the body.

How to use

Cephalexin 500mg medication comes as a capsule or liquid that should be administered typically 2-4 times a day, depending on your infection and some other factors. This medication can be taken regardless of food drinking down with water. For a better action of the medication, it’s recommended to take it at the same time each day.

Make sure you follow the recommendations of your medical provider strictly, as it is very important for the drug to work properly in your body. Take the antibiotic medication the entire period prescribed by your health provider, otherwise your infection might return making your body resistant to this antibiotic medication.

If the shelf life of the medication is over, never use it as it may cause serious conditions to your health.

In fact, there are no dietary restrictions while taking this antibiotic medication. The only recommendation is for people suffering from upset stomach while using this drug is to administer it with food or milk.

Recommended dosage of Cephalexin
The recommended dose depends on the infection that you suffer from as well as its severity. Besides, the medical provider takes into the consideration the following factors:

-patient’s other medical conditions that might present
-age
- kidney disorders
-the use of other medications

Never change the dose on your own without the doctor’s instructions.

If you forget to administer cephalexin as scheduled, you should take it when remember, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the medication intake. Never take two doses at once.

Possible adverse effects

Certain adverse effects are possible to occur during the use of Cephalexin medication, still, not everyone using this drug experiences side effect. As a rule side effects are rare to happen and if they occur they are typically minor and don’t require treatment.

Common side effects of Cephalexin medication are: diarrhea, nausea, stomach disorders, headache,
confusion, dizziness, rash, and yeast infection.

Less common but more severe adverse effects are: hives, watery diarrhea, bloody stools, throat or mouth sores, severe rash, itching, difficult breathing or swallowing, swelling of the throat, unexplained bleeding or bruising, peeling of the skin.

Drug interactions

Before starting the use any medications it’s important to discuss with the medical provider a number of questions. Before using Cephalexin antibiotic notify your doctor about the existing medical conditions, particularly, kidney disorders, allergies (including the allergy to the medications such as cephalexin as well as other cephalosporins, penicillin, or other types of antibiotic medications), pregnancy, or if you are going to undergo a surgical procedures.
It is also important to tell your medical provider about the medicines you are taking at this moment, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, dietary and herbal supplements.

The overdose

The overdose with Cephalexin antibiotic medication can provoke the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, seizures, bloody urine, and some others. If you take the overdose of this medication, seek medical attention without a delay.

How to store

Cephalexin in a capsule form should be stored at ambient temperature and oral suspension should be refrigerated. The shelf life of oral suspension is 14 days after being prepared. Keep Cephalexin away from light, humidity, and heat.

Manufacturers of Cephalexin

There are a number of companies that produce Cephalexin including the following: Advancis Pharmaceuticals, Barr, Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals, and Teva Pharmaceuticals.

Strengths of Cephalexin medication are different depending on the manufacturer