What is Keflex?
Keflex is the proprietary name of Eli Lilly and Company for cephalexin, a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat respiratory tract infections, sinus infections and skin infections and as prophylaxis for heart infections. It is the antibiotic of choice for cellulitis and is often used as an alterative to penicillin antibiotics in patients who are allergic to these.
What does Keflex look like?
Keflex is available as a green and white capsule of 250 mg strength and the imprint “Dista H69 Keflex 250 mg”, a dark green and light green capsule of 500 mg strength and the imprint “Dista H71 Keflex 500 mg” and a dark green capsule of 750 mg strength and the imprint “Keflex 750 mg”. It is also available in a large number of generic presentations. In addition it is available in an oral suspension.
Keflex dosing and administration
The standard dose for most bacterial infections is between 250 mg and 1 gram, four times a day for between 7 and 14 days. Your doctor may continue Keflex treatment beyond 14 days for more serious infections. The standard dose for children is between 25 and 100 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. This dose should be divided into three of four doses for the day and taken for between 7 and 14 days. Children should not take more than 4 grams of Keflex in one day. It is important to take Keflex for the full length of time prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms have improved.
Common adverse effects from Keflex
Common side effects of Keflex which have emerged in clinical investigations include diarrhea, headache, dyspepsia, nausea, confusion, dizziness, rash and yeast infection. Some side effects may be serious and should be reported immediately to your doctor. These may include hives, extreme diarrhea, melena, throat or mouth ulceration, bleeding or bruising, severe rash, itching, respiratory difficulty, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the throat, skin peeling. More rare side effects of Keflex may include hallucinations, fatigue, joint pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, anemia, thrombocytopenia, vaginal discharge, confusion, seizures and enterocolitis.
Keflex warnings and precautions
You should tell your doctor before taking Keflex if you have any kidney disease, are planning to have any surgery, or have any allergies, particularly to other cephalosporins, penicillin or other antibiotics. You should also inform your doctor if you are or may become pregnant or are breastfeeding. It is also important to report any medicines you are taking, including herbal supplements.
Interactions with Keflex
Keflex may interact with probenecid, metformin and fortamet. If you are vaccinated with live typhoid vaccine while taking Keflex, the vaccine may be ineffective and you may not be protected against typhoid. If Keflex is taken together with an aminoglycoside antibiotic such as amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, streptomycin and tobramycin, there may be an increased risk of kidney damage.
What if I miss a dose of Keflex?
If you miss a dose of Keflex you should take it as soon as you remember. If you are close to the time for the next dose, skip the first one. You should not take a double dose.