Keflex: Potent Oral Cephalosporin for Bacterial Infection Resolution
| Product dosage: 250mg | |||
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| Product dosage: 500mg | |||
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Keflex (cephalexin) is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic prescribed for the treatment of a wide spectrum of bacterial infections. It functions by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to the eradication of susceptible pathogens. This oral medication is a cornerstone in outpatient and community-based care due to its reliable bioavailability and established safety profile. Healthcare providers rely on Keflex for its efficacy against common Gram-positive and some Gram-negative organisms, making it a first-line option for skin, respiratory, and urinary tract infections.
Features
- Active pharmaceutical ingredient: Cephalexin
- Available in 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg capsules and oral suspension
- Bactericidal mechanism: inhibits cell wall synthesis
- Rapid absorption with peak serum concentrations within 1 hour
- Excreted largely unchanged in the urine
- Stable at room temperature; suspension requires refrigeration after reconstitution
Benefits
- Effectively eliminates susceptible bacterial strains, reducing infection symptoms and preventing complications.
- High oral bioavailability ensures consistent therapeutic drug levels with convenient dosing.
- Well-tolerated profile in both adult and pediatric populations when dosed appropriately.
- Lower risk of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea compared to broader-spectrum alternatives.
- Cost-effective generic availability improves accessibility for long-term or repeat therapy.
- Flexible formulation options (capsule, suspension) accommodate varying patient needs and ages.
Common use
Keflex is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of microorganisms, including:
- Respiratory tract infections (e.g., pharyngitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and group A beta-hemolytic streptococci
- Skin and skin structure infections due to Staphylococcus aureus and/or Streptococcus pyogenes
- Bone infections caused by S. aureus and/or Proteus mirabilis
- Genitourinary tract infections, including acute prostatitis and uncomplicated cystitis
- Otitis media caused by S. pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, staphylococci, and streptococci
Dosage and direction
Dosage must be individualized based on the infection site, severity, and causative organism, as well as renal function.
- Adults: The usual dose is 250 mg every 6 hours, or 500 mg every 12 hours. For more severe infections, 500 mg every 6 hours or 1 g every 12 hours may be required.
- Children: The recommended total daily dose is 25 to 50 mg/kg/day divided into 2 or 4 doses. For otitis media, doses of 75 to 100 mg/kg/day in divided doses are recommended, not to exceed 4 g daily.
- Renal impairment: Dosage adjustment is necessary. For creatinine clearance <10 mL/min, a maximum dose of 500 mg every 8–12 hours is advised.
- Administration: May be taken with or without food. If gastrointestinal upset occurs, administer with food. The oral suspension should be shaken well before each use.
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.
- Prolonged use may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi.
- Perform culture and susceptibility studies to guide therapy when appropriate.
- Use in pregnancy only if clearly needed (Pregnancy Category B).
- Cephalexin is excreted in human milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
- Monitor renal function periodically in patients receiving prolonged therapy or with pre-existing renal compromise.
Contraindications
Keflex is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to cephalexin or any cephalosporin-class antibiotic. Cross-sensitivity with penicillins may occur; caution is advised in penicillin-allergic patients.
Possible side effect
Common adverse reactions (≥1%) may include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dyspepsia and abdominal pain
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Headache
- Genital pruritus or vaginitis
Less common but serious side effects requiring medical attention:
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis)
- Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea
- Transient hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice
- Reversible interstitial nephritis
- Hematologic effects (eosinophilia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia)
Drug interaction
- Probenecid: May decrease renal tubular secretion of cephalexin, increasing and prolonging its blood levels.
- Metformin: Cephalexin may increase the serum concentration of metformin; monitor and adjust as needed.
- Warfarin: Potential for enhanced anticoagulant effect; monitor INR closely.
- BCG vaccine live / Typhoid vaccine live: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of these vaccines.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, diarrhea, and hematuria. In cases of significant overdose, hemodialysis may aid in removal of cephalexin from the body. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Storage
- Store capsules at room temperature (20°–25°C); excursions permitted to 15°–30°C.
- Keep in a tightly closed container, away from moisture and light.
- Reconstituted oral suspension should be stored in a refrigerator (2°–8°C); discard unused portion after 14 days.
Disclaimer
This information is intended for medical professionals and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or therapeutic regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this material.
Reviews
“Keflex remains a reliable choice for uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections in our practice. Its predictable pharmacokinetics and minimal drug interactions make it suitable for outpatient management.” – Infectious Disease Specialist, 12 years experience
“In pediatric populations, the suspension form is well-accepted and effective for otitis media and streptococcal pharyngitis. We observe rapid clinical improvement with a low incidence of adverse effects.” – Pediatrician, 8 years experience
“While resistance patterns must be considered, Keflex is still a workhorse for community-acquired infections. Cost-effectiveness and patient tolerance are significant advantages in primary care.” – General Practitioner, 15 years experience