Key facts about Keflex
What is Keflex?
Keflex is the brand name for cephalexin and is available as an oral tablet, capsule, and suspension.
What dosages is Keflex available in?
Keflex is available as a 250 mg and 500 mg oral tablet, a 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg oral capsule, and a 125 mg/5 ml and 250 mg/5 ml oral suspension.
What is Keflex used for?
Keflex is a cephalosporin antibiotic and is used to treat respiratory tract infections, ear infections, skin infections, bone infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and reproductive system infections.
How does Keflex work?
Keflex is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing the bacteria from making a covering around themselves for protection.
How do I take Keflex?
Keflex is typically dosed as 250 mg by mouth every 6 hours. An alternative dose is 500 mg by mouth every 12 hours. You’ll typically need to take cephalexin for 7 to 14 days. For more severe infections, you might need a higher dose (up to 4 grams total per day). For children, the dose will be based on their body weight.
Is it safe for me to take Keflex?
Keflex is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have known hypersensitivity to cephalexin or other members of the cephalosporin class of antibacterial drugs.
Keflex Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Keflex include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
Keflex Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Keflex. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reactions: hives; rash; blisters; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; difficulty breathing
- Infectious (C. difficile-related) diarrhea: foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, nausea, frequent bowel movements (up to 15 times per day)
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Keflex
The following medications may interact with Keflex:
- Metformin: increased metformin concentrations. Monitor for hypoglycemia
- Probenecid: The renal excretion of Keflex is inhibited by probenecid. Co-administration of probenecid with Keflex is not recommended
- Administration of Keflex may result in a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine
Who makes Keflex?
Pragma Pharmaceuticals
Is Keflex safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Keflex will harm your unborn baby. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant.
