Cephalexin

Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

Cephalexin is prescribed by doctors for infections caused by sensitive bacteria, including:

• Skin and soft-tissue infections, such as cellulitis, boils and infected wounds
• Urinary tract infections
• Throat, tonsil and ear infections
• Respiratory infections such as bronchitis
• Bone infections and some dental infections

Your doctor decides whether cephalexin suits your infection based on your symptoms and, when required, laboratory testing.

The dose of Cephalexin depends on the infection, its severity and your kidney function. The guidance below is general only.

• Adults: a usual course runs for 7 to 14 days, with doses commonly taken two to four times a day.
• Children: the dose is worked out by body weight and must be set by a doctor, often as a suspension.

Cephalexin can be taken with or without food; taking it with food helps if it upsets your stomach. Space your doses evenly and complete the full course even if you feel better early.

Cephalexin is usually well tolerated, but side effects can include:

• Common: diarrhoea, nausea, indigestion and mild stomach pain
• Less common: skin rash, itching, headache and dizziness
• Serious (seek urgent help): severe or bloody diarrhoea, signs of a serious allergic reaction (rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing), or yellowing of the skin or eyes

Mild diarrhoea is fairly common. Contact your doctor if it becomes severe or watery, or if any reaction worries you.

Cephalexin is a prescription-only antibiotic. Use it only when prescribed by a registered doctor — never self-medicate, share your medicine, or use old tablets for a new problem.

• Complete the full course even if you feel well after a couple of days, so that all the bacteria are cleared.
• Antibiotic resistance is a serious and growing crisis in Bangladesh. Misusing antibiotics makes everyday infections far harder to treat in future.
• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin, as a small number of people react to both groups.
• Inform the doctor about any kidney problems, as the dose may need adjustment.

Give your doctor a full list of your medicines and supplements. Cephalexin may interact with:

• Metformin (a diabetes medicine) — its level may rise
• Probenecid — increases cephalexin levels in the blood
• Warfarin — bleeding risk may occasionally increase
• Strong diuretics, which may affect the kidneys

Cephalexin has fewer interactions than many antibiotics, but you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining it with other medicines.

Do not take Cephalexin if you:

• Have a known allergy to cephalosporin antibiotics
• Have had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin (such as swelling or breathing difficulty) — discuss this with your doctor first

Use with caution and under medical supervision if you have kidney disease or a history of bowel problems such as colitis. Always share your full medical history before starting.

Cephalexin is generally regarded as one of the safer antibiotics in pregnancy and is often used when a doctor decides treatment is needed, but it should still only be taken on medical advice.

Small amounts pass into breast milk and it is usually considered compatible with breastfeeding, though the baby may occasionally have loose motions. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, tell your doctor before starting Cephalexin so the most suitable medicine can be chosen.

Store Cephalexin in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from sunlight and moisture.

• Keep capsules or tablets in their original pack.
• Reconstituted suspension usually needs refrigeration — follow the label and discard after the stated days (commonly 7-14 days).
• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date; return unused medicine to a pharmacy.