(sef a LEX in)Biocef, Keflex, Keftab, Zartan
What is the most important information I should know about Keflex?
Take all of the Keflex that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Keflex can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or milk if it causes stomach upset.
What is Keflex?
Keflex is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called cephalosporins. Keflex fights bacteria in the body.
Keflex is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, ear infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.
Keflex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Keflex?
Do not take Keflex if you have ever had an allergic reaction to another cephalosporin or to a penicillin unless your doctor is aware of the allergy and monitors your therapy.
Before taking Keflex, tell your doctor if you have
kidney disease, or
a gastrointestinal (digestive) disease such as colitis.
You may not be able to take Keflex, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of the conditions listed above.
The Keflex suspensions contain sucrose. Individuals with diabetes may need to be aware of the sucrose contained in these suspensions.
Keflex is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not, however, take Keflex without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Keflex passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Keflex?
Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Keflex can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or milk if it causes stomach upset.
To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of Keflex with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.
Take Keflex at evenly spaced intervals to keep a constant level of drug in the body.
It is important to take Keflex regularly to get the most benefit.
Take all of the Keflex that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then try to evenly space the rest of the doses for that day until you can return to a normal schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a Keflex overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, seizures, numbness and tingling in the arms or legs, and muscle spasms.
What should I avoid while taking Keflex?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities during treatment with Keflex unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of Keflex?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Keflex and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; hives; or a rash);
rash, redness, or itching;
severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
mucous or blood in the stool; or
unusual bleeding or bruising.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Keflex and talk to your doctor if you experience
mild nausea or diarrhea, or
a yeast infection of the mouth or vagina.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Keflex?
Before taking Keflex, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines
probenecid (Benemid);
a loop diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide, bumetanide (Bumex), torsemide (Demadex), or ethacrynic acid (Edecrin);
warfarin (Coumadin); or
another antibiotic.
You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Keflex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Keflex - cephalexin
Why is this medication prescribed?
Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia and bone, ear, skin, and urinary tract infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Cephalexin comes as a capsule, tablet, and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 6 hours (four times a day) or every 12 hours (twice a day) for 7-10 days. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cephalexin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
The capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water.
Continue to take cephalexin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking cephalexin without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking cephalexin,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cephalexin or any other cephalosporin antibiotic such as cefadroxil (Duricef) or cephradine (Velosef), penicillin, or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, colitis, or stomach problems.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking cephalexin, call your doctor.
If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking cephalexin.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Cephalexin may cause an upset stomach. Take cephalexin with food or milk.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from cephalexin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
upset stomach
diarrhea
vomiting
mild skin rash
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
severe skin rash
itching
hives
difficulty breathing or swallowing
wheezing
unusual bleeding or bruising
sore throat
painful mouth or throat sores
vaginal infection
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the capsules and tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Keep liquid medicine in the refrigerator, tightly closed, and throw away any unused medication after 14 days. Do not freeze. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to cephalexin.
If you are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape (not Clinitest) to test your urine for sugar while taking this drug.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the cephalexin, call your doctor.
Last Revised - 01/01/2003
Medline Plus
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