Cephalexin HCl
Cephalexin
Cephalexin is an FDA-approved medication used to treat infections caused by bacteria. This generic drug belongs to the cephalosporin antibiotic class of drugs that disrupts the cell wall formed by the bacteria, thus resulting in the death of the bacteria. Cephalexin may not be appropriate for all infections, as some bacteria can resist the medication, making it less effective in certain cases. This prescription medication comes as an oral tablet, capsule, and suspension, each having varying strengths. While suitable for adults and children, it is important that patients follow the preventive measures and consult a medical expert before using this medication. This step is important as it helps reduce the risk of potential complications.
Product Overview
Cephalexin is a widely prescribed medication to treat or manage various bacterial infections. This includes bone, skin, respiratory tract, genitourinary, and middle ear infections. It belongs to a cephalosporin antibiotic class of drugs that works by disrupting the formulation of bacterial cell walls, leading to the death of the bacteria. This medication may also be used for other conditions, but consult your doctor to determine the safety and efficacy of the medication.
Cephalexin is available in the form of tablets, capsules, and oral suspension, with each form having different strengths. It is suitable for use in adults and children, but their dosage may vary depending on the age and the severity of the medical condition. Doctors usually advise to take the medication every 6 to 12 hours with or without food as advised.
Despite its benefits, Cephalexin has many side effects, ranging from common to serious. Its basic reactions, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash, can be managed easily without needing immediate medical assistance. However, serious ones like allergic reactions, blood disorders, and seizures should not be overlooked. Doing so may lead to life-threatening situations. For safe and efficient use, always buy Cephalexin online from Canada.
What Is Cephalexin Commonly Used to Treat?
This medication is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, which include:
- Otitis media or middle ear infections
- Bone infections
- Respiratory tract infections
- Genitourinary infections
- Skin infections
What Are the Different Forms & Strengths of Cephalexin?
Cephalexin is available in different forms and strengths:
- Capsules: 250, 500, and 750 mg, for adult use only
- Oral Suspension: 125mg/5mL & 250mg/5mL
- Tablets: 125 mg (pediatric only), 250, and 500 mg (adults only)
What Is the Recommended Dosage for Cephalexin?
The recommended dose for Cephalexin may vary depending on the patient’s age and the severity of the medical condition. Doctors usually prescribe an initial dose & gradually adjust the dose as per the individual’s response to the treatment. It is important to note that the following section includes only the average dosage recommendation. If you have been prescribed a different dose, do not change it without consulting a medical professional.
Dosage for Respiratory Tract Infection
- Adults: Take 250 mg every 6 hours, or you may also take a 500 mg dose every 12 hours. If you have a serious infection, your doctor may prescribe a high dose, up to 4 g each day, taken in divided doses.
- Children (Between 15 to 17 Years): Same as the adult dose
- Children (Between 1 to 14 Years): The usual dose is 25 to 50 mg/kg each day, taken in divided doses. Based on the infection’s severity, your doctor may double the dose.
Dosage for Otitis Media
- Adults: The starting dose is either 250 mg, taken every 6 hours, or 500 mg, taken every 12 hours. Depending on your infection, your medical provider may recommend a higher dose, up to 4 g each day, taken in divided doses.
- Children (Between 15 to 17 Years): Same as the adult dose
- Children (Between 1 to 14 Years): The usual dose is 75 to 100 mg/kg daily, taken in divided doses every 6 hours. Based on the infection’s severity, your doctor may double the dose.
Dosage for Skin and Skin Structure Infection
- Adults: The usual dose is either 250 mg, taken every 6 hours, or 500 mg, taken every 12 hours. Based on the severity of your infection, your doctor may prescribe an increased dose, up to 4 g each day, taken in divided doses.
- Children (Between 15 to 17 Years): Same as the adult dose
- Children (Between 1 to 14 Years): The starting dose is 25 to 50 mg/kg daily, taken in divided doses. Based on the infection’s severity, your doctor may double the dose.
Dosage for Bone Infections
- Adults: The recommended starting dose is either 250 mg, taken every 6 hours, or 500 mg, taken every 12 hours. Depending on the your infection’s severity, your doctor may recommend a higher dose, up to 4 g each day, taken in divided doses.
- Children (Between 15 to 17 Years): Same as the adult dose
- Children (Between 1 to 14 Years): The usual dose is 25 to 50 mg/kg daily, taken in divided doses. Based on the infection’s severity, your doctor may double the dose.
Dosage for Genitourinary Infection
- Adults: Doctors usually prescribe 250 mg, taken every 6 hours, or 500 mg, taken every 12 hours. Based on the severity of your infection, your doctor may raise your dose to 4 g each day, taking it in divided doses.
- Children (Between 15 to 17 Years): Same as the adult dose
- Children (Between 1 to 14 Years): The typical dose is 25 to 50 mg/kg daily, taken in divided doses. Based on the infection’s severity, your doctor may double the dose.
[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]
How to Take Cephalexin?
Proper administration is important to ensure the safe and effective use of any medication. If you plan to buy Cephalexin online, follow the below administration steps:
- Read the medication guide carefully & follow the instructions as they are.
- Do not take more or less of the doses, as it may cause severe reactions.
- If you are using tablets, take them with water and try to swallow them as a whole.
- Do not chew, crush, break, or split the tablets, as it may release the drug at once.
- If you are unable to swallow the medicine, take dissolvable tablets. Dissolve them in two tablespoons of water. Stir the medicine until they are fully dissolved, and drink the mixture right away.
- If you have been prescribed an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before each use.
- Measure the dose using the measuring cup that comes with the bottle. Drink the medicine right away.
- Ensure to complete your course, even if you feel better. Stopping it early can lead to antibiotic resistance.
[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]
How Does Cephalexin Work?
Cephalexin is an antibiotic medication that works by killing infections caused by bacteria. This medication belongs to a group of antibiotics known as cephalosporins. When you take Cephalexin, the drug disrupts the bacteria’s cell wall, makes it weak, and thus causes the bacteria to burst and die. This helps treat various bacterial infections, such as urinary tract, respiratory tract, and skin infections. However, patients are advised to take the full course of Cephalexin to ensure all the bacteria are removed and prevent resistance.
Important Safety Information for Using Cephalexin
What Are the Side Effects of Cephalexin?
Common Side Effects of Cephalexin: Like all medicines, Cephalexin can cause certain side effects. These reactions are generally temporary and occur at the starting phase of the treatment. Such side effects gradually subside within a few days or maybe weeks once your body adjusts to the medication’s effects. However, if these reactions become severe or persist for a long time, consult a medical expert. Some of these common side effects are:
- Upset Stomach or Indigestion: Cephalexin can impact your digestive system, leading to indigestion or upset stomach. Many patients experience this temporary side effect, which usually subsides within a few days or weeks. To prevent this side effect, take the medication with food or a glass of milk to lower stomach irritation. Moreover, avoid spicy or greasy foods that can exacerbate indigestion.
- Diarrhea: This side effect can result from the imbalance of gut bacteria caused by the medicine. This usually occurs at the start of the treatment and usually disappears once your body adjusts to the medication’s effects. To manage loose and watery stools, try the medicine with food and drink plenty of fluids, as diarrhea may lead to dehydration. Moreover, take probiotics, as they may help restore the balance of gut bacteria, but consult a medical professional before using any probiotics.
- Stomach Pain: This can occur due to the irritation caused by the medication in the digestive tract. Many patients experience this side effect; if you are one of them, do not panic, as it does not require immediate medical attention. You can easily manage it by taking the medication with food or milk. Moreover, avoid lying down immediately after taking the medication. However, if stomach pain persists or worsens, talk to your doctor.
- Nausea & Vomiting: If you decide to buy Cephalexin online for bacterial infection treatment, you may experience nausea, thus leading to vomiting. This occurs due to the body’s reaction to the medication. Take the medicine with food or a small snack to prevent nausea or vomiting. Additionally, drinking clear fluids can also help manage this side effect.
- Stomach Lining Inflammation: Cephalexin can cause irritation, leading to inflammation of the stomach lining/gastritis. This side effect is not serious and generally lessens over time as your body adjusts to the effects of the medication. To avoid this side effect, limit your alcohol consumption and do not take NSAIDs, as they can further worsen the stomach lining irritation.
Serious Side Effects of Cephalexin: Other than the above reactions, Cephalexin can lead to severe side effects, which, if left untreated, can cause various life-threatening situations. If you plan to buy Cephalexin online for bacterial infection treatment, you must consult your doctor to avoid potential risks. Some of these side effects include:
- Allergic Reactions: This medication can lead to allergic reactions in certain patients, especially those with extreme sensitivity. Therefore, patients are advised to inform their doctor of any known allergies. Doing so may prevent the risk of potential allergic reactions, as the product may contain certain components that can react with the body’s immune system. Watch out for signs like trouble breathing, hives, swelling, especially on the face, lips, tongue, or throat, racing heart, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Seizures: Some users have also reported cases of seizures during their treatment with Cephalexin. While rare, this side effect can cause various life-threatening situations. There are many types of seizures, and some of them are not easy to recognize. Moreover, this risk is higher in patients with a history of seizure disorders or those taking high doses. If you notice any of the following symptoms, immediately contact your medical provider.
- Muscle twitching
- Jerks
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Stiffening of arms and legs
- Antibiotic-Related Diarrhea: Many antibiotics, including Cephalexin, can lead to the overgrowth of clostridiodes difficile (a specific kind of germ) in your gut. As a result, you can experience a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, which can happen even after two months of stopping the medication. If you notice any of the following signs, talk to your doctor:
- Blood in stool
- Extreme stomach pain
- Persistent diarrhea
- Fever that is caused after starting or finishing the medicine
- Blood Disorders: Problems like low white blood cells or anemia can happen as a rare side effect of Cephalexin due to its effects on the bone marrow. To prevent this side effect, inform your doctor of any history of blood disorders or bone marrow problems. Watch out for any signs like:
- Cold hands & feet
- Dizziness
- Breath shortness
- Weakness
- Jaundice
[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]
Are There Any Warnings for Cephalexin?
While well-tolerated, Cephalexin contains certain components that can cause potential risks to many patients if not taken properly. So, before you decide to buy Cephalexin online from Canada, be aware of the following warnings:
- Beta-lactam antibiotics may cause serious allergic reactions in many patients. So, if you are allergic to such medication, avoid taking Cephalexin.
- This medication can lead to antibiotic-associated diarrhea along with severe colon inflammation. If left untreated, the reaction can be dangerous, causing death in rare cases. If you are taking Cephalexin and experiencing diarrhea after using the medicine, consult a medical professional.
- Patients with existing kidney issues or a history of kidney problems may face difficulty clearing the drug from the body. This can lead to drug buildup and cause severe side effects. Talk to a medical expert if you are noticing any unusual signs. They may adjust the dose if you have such issues.
- Higher doses of Cephalexin can lead to central nervous system toxicity. Therefore, dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with severe kidney issues.
- Prolonged or repeated use of antibiotics can lead to superinfections with non-susceptible organisms.
What Are the FDA Boxed Warning for Cephalexin?
There are no specific FDA-boxed warnings for Cephalexin at the moment. However, patients are advised to consult a medical professional to avoid the risk of potential side effects. Your doctor will monitor your condition and determine whether the medication is suitable for you.
What Are the Cephalexin Precautions?
When you plan to buy Cephalexin online, you must be aware of certain preventive measures to ensure the risk of potential complications. Here are some of these precautions:
- If you are allergic to penicillin, you may also be allergic to Cephalexin. Such patients should use this medication with caution.
- Before undergoing surgery or any medical procedure, tell your doctor about every product you are using during your treatment. This includes all prescription medicines, nonprescription drugs, and herbal supplements.
- When considering treatment with Cephalexin, you must inform your medical provider of your complete medical history, especially of:
- Kidney or liver problems
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Low levels of vitamin K
- Colitis
- Gastrointestinal disease
- According to American Heart Association guidelines, only high-risk patients should use this medication to prevent endocarditis, an infection that occurs on the heart’s inner lining. Consult a medical expert before using this medication.
- While it is not known if the medication could harm the pregnancy or not, it is important to consult a doctor before using it. They will guide you on the benefits and risks associated with the medication.
- Cephalexin may pass into breastmilk, causing harm to the feeding child. If you are a breastfeeding mother, talk to your medical provider. They will advise you if the medication is safe for use or not.
- If you plan to buy Cephalexin online, make sure you are not combining two or more medications without any medical guidance. Doing so may cause severe side effects.
- This medication may lower the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. So, use other methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking antibiotics like Cephalexin.
What Are the Contraindications of Cephalexin?
Do not take Cephalexin if you have the following conditions:
- Hypersensitivity reactions to cephalosporins or penicillins
- Severe kidney problem
- Intestinal conditions
What If You Miss a Dose of Cephalexin?
- If you forget to take Cephalexin on time, you may take the missed dose as soon as possible.
- However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, you may omit the missed dose and continue following your regular dosing schedule.
- Use medication apps or set reminders on your mobile devices to avoid skipping any doses.
- If you are still unsure about what to do next, talk to your medical provider.
[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]
What Happens If You Take Too Much of Cephalexin?
Taking more than the recommended dose of Cephalexin can result in harmful effects. If you have mistakenly overdosed on Cephalexin and are experiencing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and blood in your urine, seek immediate medical assistance.
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
How to Store Cephalexin?
A controlled environment is important to maintaining the long-term safety of any medication. Here are some important storage guidelines for Cephalexin:
- Store the capsules and tablets at a normal temperature, generally between 20 to 25°C. However, you can keep your capsules to temperatures between 15 to 30°C for a brief period, especially when transporting it.
- You can keep the oral suspension in the refrigerator and discard the bottle after 14 days, even if there is any medicine left in it.
- Do not freeze the medication.
- Protect the medication from extreme heat, direct sunlight, and moist areas.
- If you plan to buy Cephalexin online from Canada, be sure to check its expiration date for the safer side.
- When not in use, discard the product safely.
- Ask a medical expert/pharmacist how to properly dispose of the medication without damaging the environment.
[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]
What Medications Should Not Be Taken With Cephalexin?
Co-administration of two or more drugs can lead to severe drug interactions. This process either disrupts the functioning of the drugs or reduces their effectiveness. Therefore, before you plan to buy Cephalexin online for bacterial infection treatment, you must consult a medical expert to avoid any potential risks. Some of the drugs that can interact with Cephalexin may include:
- Dofetilide
- Methotrexate
- Probenecid
- Warfarin
- Metformin
- Cholestyramine
What Are the Other Cephalexin Interactions?
Before considering treatment with this medication, make sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions you may have. These conditions include:
- Colitis
- Renal dysfunction
- Diabetes
- Dialysis
- Liver disease
- Prolonged PT
- Seizure disorders
[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Cephalexin. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]
What Are the Cephalexin Alternatives?
Drug alternatives are a convenient way for patients to switch from one treatment option to another. People often choose this option when they are not getting the desired results or have certain medical problems. However, before using any substitute, it is advisable to consult your medical provider. They will examine your condition & determine the best alternative suiting your body’s needs. Some of the popular drug alternatives to Cephalexin include:
[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
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Cephalexin is an effective medication for treating various bacteria-causing infections, but its high-end prices across the USA have made it difficult for many patients to buy their medications at reduced rates. To manage these costs, many Americans turn to pharmacies like Polar Bear Meds to buy affordable medicines without needing any healthcare insurance plans. Moreover, the pharmacy also offers other cost-saving options like coupons to keep their customer’s medication bills within budget. If you are a USA resident, buy Cephalexin online with coupon code like “WELCOMEPB10” and get an additional 10% discount on your first order. So, why wait? Purchase quality medications at substantial prices delivered to your doorstep directly from Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I avoid while taking Cephalexin?
While not strictly contraindicated, it is best to avoid the following when taking Cephalexin:
- Alcohol: It is recommended to avoid alcohol intake as it may increase the risk of stomach upset and other side effects.
- Certain Medications: Do not take any medication with Cephalexin without consulting your doctor.
- Antibiotic Use: Avoid taking this medication for viral infections such as the common cold or flu, as it is only effective in treating bacterial infections.
For detailed information, talk to a medical professional.
How quickly does Cephalexin work?
Cephalexin generally starts working within 1 to 2 hours of administration, with peak effectiveness reached around 1 hour. However, the time may vary from person to person, depending on the type and severity of the infection being treated. To get more information on related to the medication, always talk to a medical expert.
Is Cephalexin stronger than amoxicillin?
Cephalexin and amoxicillin are both effective antibiotic medicines, but they belong to different classes of drugs and have varying strengths based on the type of infection being treated. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic, while Cephalexin is a cephalosporin-type antibiotic. For more details, talk to a medical professional. They will guide you on the uses and benefits of each medication.
What should you not drink with Cephalexin?
While taking Cephalexin, avoid the following drinks and beverages:
- Alcohol: This may increase the risk of side effects caused by Cephalexin.
- Caffeinated Beverages: These drinks can worsen the side effects, including upset stomach and jitteriness.
- Dairy Products: It may disrupt the absorption of antibiotics.
To get detailed information, consult your medical provider.
Why not lie down after taking Cephalexin?
You should lie down just after taking Cephalexin, as it can slow down the medication’s passage from the esophagus to the stomach. This delay can potentially irritate your esophagus and cause discomfort. To avoid this risk, it is best to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication.
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