How it works
Cephalexin works by stopping the bacteria from forming the cell wall which is vital for its survival. It thus eliminates the bacteria completely from the body.
Guidelines for usage
Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as mentioned in the instruction booklet/product label.
Always use only as prescribed. Never exceed the dosage.
Cephalexin may be used with or without food.
Doctors recommend that you swallow the whole tablet/capsules with a glass of water unless it is specified that it can be broken or chewed.
NOTE: Use only if prescribed to you and intended for your use. Do not share with others.
Missed Dose
It is common for people to forget their dosage times and miss doses.
Do not panic if you have missed a dose.
Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up or take more than what the doctor has prescribed.
How & where do I store Cephalexin?
The medicine label contains detailed instructions regarding safe storage of the medication. Most medicines are best stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Some medications may require to be refrigerated. Please check the product label.
Keep it away from the reach of children. Ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.
Ask your pharmacist about safely disposing off medication that is past expiry date.
Overdose Related Information
If you accidentally consume more medication than what was prescribed, then contact an emergency healthcare center immediately.
Safety Information
Safety Information/ Warning Precautions
Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before you start using any new medication.
Ensure that you mention the following:
• Any prior serious ailment, lifestyle disease or surgery
• All the prescription drugs, OTC health supplements, herbal supplements that you are using currently
• Your alcohol intake and whether you smoke or not
• Any history of a known allergic reaction to prescription drugs or food
• If you have liver or kidney disease, diabetes, a history of intestinal problems, or if you are malnourished
This will allow your healthcare provider to prescribe the apt dosage of the medication for you.
To be avoided
You must avoid using Cephalexin if it you are allergic to any ingredient in it or to any other cephalosporin antibiotic (eg, cephalexin, cefprozil).
Possible Drug & Food Interactions
Certain prescription drugs or health supplements or even food items are known to interact with the effects of medications.
Additional Information
Cephalexin is an antibiotic that is effective only in the treatment of bacterial infections. It will not be effective against viral infections like cough and cold. Antibiotic treatment must be monitored closely by doctors because prolonged treatment increases the resistance of the bacteria against Cephalexin. A future bacterial infection becomes severe and difficult to treat.
Some patients experience a persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in their stool. Contact your doctor immediately if this happens.
If your doctor has prescribed laboratory tests like liver and kidney funciton or complete blood counts then ensure that you do not miss out on them.
Elderly people are more likely to experience side effects while using Cephalexin. If the side effects are bothersome, then seek medical help.
It is not clear whether Cephalexin is safe for use by children below years of age. So, if the patient is under this age, then speak to your doctor regarding the possible risks.
Important Information for Pregnant Women
Cephalexin is categorized under FDA category B.
Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using the medication.
Certain medications may be found in breast milk so speak to your child’s doctor to rule out any possibilities of risk.
