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| Pronunciation |
|
 (sef
a LEKS
in) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Biocef; Keflex®;
Keftab® |
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| Foreign Brand
Names |
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| Apo-Cephalex® (Canada); Ceporex (Mexico);
Novo-Lexin (Canada); Nu-Cephalex (Canada) |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Antibiotic, Cephalosporin (First Generation) |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to any other cephalosporin, cephalexin, or any
other part of the medicine.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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- This medicine is used as a treatment for a variety of bacterial
infections.
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| How does it work? |
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- Cephalexin makes the cell wall (skin) of the bacteria leaky and kills
the bacteria.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
- A liquid (suspension, children's suspension) is available if you
cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid.
Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given. Shake well first.
- Use entire prescription as directed, even if feeling
better.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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- Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can make infection
more difficult to treat.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Birth control pills may not work. Use another form of birth control
while taking this medicine.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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|
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking
hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum
, or Lactobacillus acidophilus
may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some
pharmacies.
- Rash.
- Vaginal irritation. Report itching or discharge to healthcare
provider.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Watch for change in temperature or worsening of
infection.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Fever and/or chills.
- Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store suspension in a refrigerator. Throw away if medicine is not used
in 2 weeks.
- Store tablets/capsules in a dry place at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
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