First-generation cephalosporin (oral)
First-generation cephalosporin indicated for respiratory tract infections (Streptococcus pneumoniae and S. pyogenes), otitis media, skin and skin structure infections, and urinary tract and bone infections due to susceptible organisms.
Also known as: Cefalexina, Keflex
DailyMed approved label (Cephalexin Capsule; setID b73593ce-0b1f-4371-bae1-140742de3b42).
DailyMed approved label (Cephalexin Capsule; setID b73593ce-0b1f-4371-bae1-140742de3b42).
No documented drug–drug interactions for this medicine.
Alcohol may worsen the gastrointestinal effects of cephalexin; limit intake.
Limit alcohol intake during treatment.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Cephalexin label: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b73593ce-0b1f-4371-bae1-140742de3b42
Cephalexin can be taken with or without food; taking with food reduces gastrointestinal discomfort.
Take with food if gastric discomfort occurs.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Cephalexin label: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b73593ce-0b1f-4371-bae1-140742de3b42
Cephalexin is renally excreted; in renal impairment the dose must be adjusted.
Adjust the dose to renal function.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Cephalexin label: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b73593ce-0b1f-4371-bae1-140742de3b42
Cephalexin is a cephalosporin; it is contraindicated in prior cephalosporin allergy and requires caution in severe penicillin allergy.
Contraindicated in cephalosporin allergy; caution in severe penicillin allergy.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Cephalexin label: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b73593ce-0b1f-4371-bae1-140742de3b42
Cephalosporins, including cephalexin, are generally safe in pregnancy when indicated.
May be used in pregnancy when indicated, at the usual doses.
Excreted into breast milk in small amounts; compatible with breastfeeding.
No specific additional contraception.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Cephalexin label: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b73593ce-0b1f-4371-bae1-140742de3b42
Clinical and educational support tool. The information does not replace a medical prescription or the opinion of a qualified healthcare professional.
Bactericidal antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis (first-generation cephalosporin). The pharmacodynamic parameter predictive of efficacy is the time during which the free concentration exceeds the MIC of the organism.
Inhibition of cell-wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), with bacterial lysis during active multiplication.
Acid stable (may be given without regard to meals); peak serum levels of ~9, 18 and 32 mcg/mL 1 hour after 250, 500 and 1000 mg doses. Plasma protein binding 10–15%.
Excreted in urine by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion; over 90% of the dose is eliminated unchanged in urine within 8 hours.
Elimination half-life ~1 h in patients with normal renal function (serum levels remain detectable up to 6 hours after dosing).
Medicines from the same therapeutic group (ATC classification) or the same pharmacological class.
