Product Description.:
KEFLEX 500 mg
capsule , green , oblong oblong
OpaqueContains white powderBlack ink
STORAGE: Tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature, 15-30?C (59-86?F). Suspensions should be refrigerated and discarded after 14 days.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Cephalexin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria that are susceptible to the effects of cephalexin. Common infections that are treated with cephalexin include infections of the middle ear, tonsils, throat, larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis) and pneumonia. It also is used for treating urinary tract, skin, and bone infections.
DOSING: The dose of cephalexin for adults is 1 to 4 grams in divided doses. Children are treated with 25-100 mg/kg/day in divided doses. The dosing interval may be every 6 or 12 hours depending on the infection.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Serious interactions of cephalexin with other drugs are uncommon.
PREGNANCY: There are no good studies of cephalexin in pregnant women. Cephalexin should only be used during pregnancy if there are no other safe alternatives.
NURSING MOTHERS: Most cephalosporins are excreted in breast milk. Nursing mothers should avoid using cephalosporins or stop breastfeeding while taking a cephalosporin.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of cephalexin are diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, skin rash, fever, abnormal liver tests and vaginitis. Individuals who are allergic to penicillin may also be allergic to cephalexin.
Cephalexin, like almost all antibiotics, may cause mild or severe cases of pseudomembranous colitis, a mild to severe inflammation of the colon. Antibiotics, including cephalexin alter the normal flora of the colon and permit overgrowth of a bacterium called Clostridium difficile. Studies indicate that a toxin produced by Clostridium difficile is a primary cause of pseudomembranous colitis.
USES: This medication is a cephalosporin-type antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections (e.g., skin, bone and genitourinary tract infections).
OTHER USES: This drug may also be used before dental procedures in patients with artificial heart valves to prevent serious infection of the heart lining (bacterial endocarditis).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually every 6 or 12 hours, or as directed by your doctor. You may take this medicine with food if stomach upset occurs. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping this medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, headache, fatigue, dizziness, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, new signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat or fever), easy bruising/bleeding, change in the amount of urine. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur while receiving therapy or even weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because such products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
