Cephalexin – What is it for and side effects

Cephalexin – What is it for and Side Effects. Additionally, cephalexin is an antibiotic that belongs to a group of antibiotics called cephalosporin antibiotics, which treat different types of bacterial infections. These include ear infections, respiratory tract infections and skin infections. Cephalexin treats bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). This drug does not interact with alcohol , but some of its side effects are similar to the effects of alcohol . Also, alcohol can interfere with the infection itself.

Cefalexin is indicated  in cases of diseases in which the causes are bacterial and not viral, it is indicated in periods that precede surgeries, as it can directly help in the prevention of post-operative infections when used 48 hours before.

However, cephalexin  is not effective for the treatment of specific and serious diseases, which are: Influenza  A (H1N1) or meningitis . It is also indicated that some renal sensitivity tests are performed before continued use of the drug. Then, check out  Cephalexin – What it is for and Side Effects.

 Cephalexin Dosage: Cephalexin  can be used to treat a number of conditions; therefore, it can be predicted that the way in which the drug is used varies depending on the particularities of the clinical condition of the patient who will use the drug.

The cephalexin  package insert provides some information on dosage and drug consumption intervals. Regarding the version of cephalexin  in capsules: the consumption of the drug varies from 1g to 4 grams of the drug, in divided portions, per day.

To get an idea: a patient diagnosed with pneumonia  caused by Streptococcus pneumonia and must make use of 500 mg of drug for every six hour period. For suspension versions, the appropriate dose and drug intake interval  varies greatly depending on the patient’s weight and the severity of the clinical condition. Therefore, if in doubt, consult the complete  cephalexin package insert.

How to Take Cefalexin:  The recommended dose of Cefalexin for adults can range from 1 to 4 g total per day, with 250 mg being generally taken every 6 hours. This remedy can be administered in the form of syrup or tablets, as follows:

Cefalexin 250 mg syrup: ingest 5 ml of Cefalexin 250 mg oral suspension, equivalent to 1 measuring cup, administered every 6 hours.

Cefalexin 500 mg tablets: take half a tablet of Cefalexin 500 mg every 6 hours. For children, the dose should be reduced by the doctor to 1 ml of 250 mg syrup for every 1 kg of the child’s weight, given every 12 hours. Antibiotics should only be taken under medical advice, because when used incorrectly they can end up harming the body.

Side Effects of Cephalexin:  Cephalexin isa drug with good tolerability, with a low incidence of side effects. Among the most described adverse effects are diarrhea  (common to almost all antibiotics) and stomach pain. As with other antibiotics, the occurrence of  vaginal candidiasis  can also be a complication of cephalexin treatment .

Patients with penicillin allergy may also develop allergic conditions with the use of cephalexin . If possible, the ideal is to give preference to antibiotics from a family other than cephalosporins. In patients with renal insufficiency, the dose should be adjusted according to the glomerular filtration rate to avoid drug intoxication.

There are several other side effects related to the use of cephalexin , but the vast majority are very rare and it is not worth wasting time describing dozens of adverse effects that almost do not happen in medical practice plus some of the cephalexin side effects are:

• Vaginal candidiasis
• Headaches
• nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• dizziness ,
• Transient liver inflammation
• Yellowing of the Eyes and Skin,
• Skin Rashes
• Hallucination,
• Mental confusion
• Diseases in the Joints.

Particular care should be taken with patients who have some sensitivity to the drug’s components. This drug is a chemical derivative of penicillins, which are often allergenic to people. Administration of cephalexin  to sensitive patients can cause severe anaphylactic shock. Cephalexin  can be used during pregnancy , but only in case of extreme need, otherwise it is recommended to avoid its use.

Cephalexin  Contraindications : This antibiotic is contraindicated for patients allergic to acetylsalicylic acid, cephalosporins, penicillins, other beta-lactam antibiotics or other components of the formula. Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have diabetes, you should talk to your doctor before starting treatment with Cephalexin .