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Cefalexin

  • Before taking cefalexin, make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other antibiotic.
  • Take cefalexin at regular intervals and complete the course your doctor has prescribed for you.

About cefalexin

Type of medicineCephalosporin antibiotic
Used forTreatment of infections
Prevention of some infections that can recur
Also calledCeporex®; Keflex®
Available asCapsules, tablets, oral suspension

Cefalexin works by by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria that cause infections. It is a broad spectrum antibiotic which means it is active against a wide variety of bacteria.

Before 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 medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
DiarrhoeaDrink 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 acheEat little and often and stick to simple foods such as dry toast
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
ThrushSpeak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice
DizzinessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert

Important: If you experience any of the following symptoms stop taking cefalexin and contact your doctor immediately: skin rash, itching, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), fever (high temperature), joint pains, swelling of the tongue, throat, face or other parts of the body, or severe diarrhoea.

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


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3414DocRef: dils2493Last Reviewed: 8 Jul 2008Version: 24
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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