Cephalexin (Cefalexin 250mg) Capsules

Cephalexin general information

What is Cephalexin used for?

Cephalexin capsules 250mg are a broad spectrum antibiotic used to treat common infections caused by a variety of bacteria in different parts of the body, including, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and pharyngitis; ear infections (otitis media); bacterial sinusitis; genitourinary tract infections, including acute prostatitis; infections of the skin, soft tissue and bone; dental infections.  Cephalexin capsules 250mg are also used as prophylaxis (to prevent) rheumatic fever. 

How does Cephalexin work?

Cephalexin capsules 250mg contain cephalexin, which is a semi-synthetic, first generation cephalosporin antibiotic, belonging to a sub group of the beta lactam group of antibiotics (which include penicillins).  Cephalexin in Cephalexin capsules 250mg inhibits the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall, which is important for the structural integrity of the cell wall.  Blocking formation of the bacterial cell wall in susceptible bacteria kills the bacteria.  Unlike other beta lactam antibiotics like penicillins, cephalosporins are less susceptible to destruction by beta-lactamase found in some resistant bacteria.  Cephalexin capsules 250mg are effective against a wide range of common bacteria found in general practice and in hospitals including: Streptococci, Staphylococci (including penicillinase-producing strains and non-resistant strains); Haemophilus influenzae; Klebsiella pneumonia, among others. 

What does Cephalexin contain?

Cephalexin capsules 250mg contain the active ingredient cephalexin monohydrate, a cephalosporin antibiotic belonging to a sub group of the beta lactam group of antibiotics, which is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections.  They also contain: microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, gelatin, water, sodium lauryl sulphate, sunset yellow, quinoline yellow, titanium dioxide, and patent blue.

Treating bacterial infection with Cephalexin

Cephalexin capsules 250mg contain cephalexin, a cephalosporin antibiotic belonging to a sub group of the beta lactam group of antibiotics (which include penicillins).  Cephalexin in Cephalexin capsules 250mg works by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall in susceptible bacteria, which kills the bacteria.  Cephalexin capsules 250mg is effective for a wide range of bacterial infections, including, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and pharyngitis; ear infections (otitis media); bacterial sinusitis; genitourinary tract infections, including acute prostatitis; infections of the skin, soft tissue and bone; dental infections.  Cephalexin capsules 250mg are also used as prophylaxis (to prevent) rheumatic fever. 

What are the side effects of Cephalexin?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Cephalexin capsules 250mg include: gastrointestinal upset, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, skin rash, urticaria (hives), genital and anal pruritis (itching). 

What is an allergic reaction to antibiotics like Cephalexin?

Some people are allergic to penicillin-like antibiotics and may develop a hypersensitivity reaction, which can be a mild to severe skin reaction, with symptoms like rash, itching, blotchy red patches, hives (urticaria), dermatitis.  A more serious reaction may give you symptoms like swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing.

When should Cephalexin not be used?

You should not use Cephalexin capsules 250mg if you:

• are allergic to Cephalexin or any other beta-lactams antibiotic, including penicillins, or any ingredients in Cephalexin
• are pregnant
• breastfeeding without discussion with your doctor
• have kidney disease without discussion with your doctor
• have a history of gastrointestinal disease particularly pseudomembranous colitis
• are taking medicines that interact with Cephalexin, including probenecid for gout, metformin for diabetes, oral contraceptives, anticoagulants like warfarin

What medications interact with Cephalexin?

Several medications interact with Cephalexin and should either not be taken while you are taking Cephalexin or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that affect Cephalexin: probenecid for gout
• Drugs that are affected by Cephalexin: metformin for diabetes, oral contraceptives, anticoagulants like warfarin

How should Cephalexin be taken?

You should take your Cephalexin capsules 250mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, with or without food.  The dose you take and how often, depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation, which may be 1-2 capsules every 6-12 hours, usually for up to 5-10 days, or longer.  For some infections you will be given a higher dose for a shorter time.  Always finish your course of capsules even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return.

How long should you take Cephalexin?

You should complete the course of Cephalexin capsules 250mg as prescribed by your doctor, usually for up to 5-10 days, depending on what you are being treated for.  Always finish your course of capsules even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return.

Missed dose of Cephalexin

If you miss a dose of Cephalexin capsules 250mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Cephalexin be stored?

You should store your Cephalexin below 30°C in a cool dry place.