What is Keflex used for?
CEPHALEXIN is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It helps to kill or stop the growth of certain bacteria. This medicine is used for the treatment of many kinds of infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections though.
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Keflex?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- kidney diseases
- stomach or intestine problems, especially colitis
- an unusual or allergic reaction to cephalexin, other cephalosporins, penicillins, other antibiotics, medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How is Keflex should be taken?
This medicine should be taken orally accompanied with a full glass of water. It can be taken either with or without food. This medicine should be taken at the regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. You should be taking all of your medicine as prescribed even if you feel better or think that you do. Doses should never be skipped; neither should you stop the treatment course prematurely.
Consult with your pediatrician regarding the possibility of use of this medicine by children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Keflex?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes. There should be at least 4 to 6 hours between doses.
What are the possible interactions of Keflex with the other medicine/food/etc?
- probenecid
- some other antibiotics
This list is not all-inclusive and may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while taking Keflex?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days.
Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Get in touch with your doctor if you have diarrhea lasting for more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
If you have diabetes, it is possible for you to get a false-positive result for blood sugar in your urine. Consult with your doctor or health care professional for details.
What side effects may I notice from taking Keflex?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives,face, lips, or tongue swelling
- issues with breathing
- pain or trouble passing urine
- redness, blistering, skin peeling or loosening, including inside the mouth
- severe or watery diarrhea
- unusual weakness or feeling tired
- yellowing of the eyes, skin
The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- gas or heartburn
- genital or anal irritation
- headache
- joint or muscle pain
- nausea, vomiting
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I store Keflex?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.