Sign inBefore taking cefalexin
Before taking cefalexin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from kidney problems.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine, a cephalosporin or penicillin antibiotic, or any other medicine.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
How to take cefalexin
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Take cefalexin at regular intervals and complete the prescribed course. It is important to take the full course, even if you feel your infection has cleared up, to prevent the infection coming back.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If you have any medical tests or any treatment like an operation or dental treatment while you are taking this medicine, tell the person doing the test that you are taking cefalexin.
- If you are using hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), the current advice (January 2011) is that additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are not required during a course of this antibiotic unless you are sick or have diarrhoea. If you need further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with cefalexin.
- Some people develop thrush (redness and itching in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- This antibiotic may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.
Can cefalexin cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If the diarrhoea is severe or lasts for more than 24 hours, contact your doctor |
| Feeling or being sick, stomach ache | Eat little and often and stick to simple foods such as dry toast |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor |
| Thrush | Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice |
| Dizziness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store cefalexin
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
- Keep the oral suspension in a refrigerator and remember to check the expiry date on the bottle - do not use it after it has expired.
Important information about all medicines
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