Keflex (Cephalexin) over the counter.
Generic Keflex (Cephalexin): 250mg/500mg
Common use
Keflex is attributed as antibiotic of cephalosporins group which act against bacteria preventing formation of their cell walls. It is enough resistant to penicillinases of gram positive microorganims but can be destroyed by beta-lactamases of gram negative ones. It shows broad spectrum activity against gram positive microogranisms such as Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus epidermidis; Streptococcus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Clostridium, Actinomyces israelii, Bacillus anthracis, gram negative microorganisms like Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus mirabilis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis, Shigella, Salmonella. Common infections that are treated with Keflex include infections of the middle ear, tonsils, throat, larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis) and pneumonia as well as in urinary tract, skin, and bones.
Dosage and directions
The dose of Keflex for adults is 1 to 4 grams in divided doses. The interval between doses may be 6 or 12 hours depending on the infection.
Precautions
Before using Keflex, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), have kidney or liver disease, a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis, and diabetes.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to Keflex, cephalosporins (Ceclor, Duricef, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, Cefzil, Fortaz, Ceftin) and beta-lactamase antibiotics. Cautiousness should be exercised in patients with kidney disorder, pseudomembranous colitis, pregnancy, breastfeeding and babies younger than 6 month.
Keflex is a semisynthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic based on cephalexin, which belongs to the first generation cephalosporins and is used orally to treat various bacterial diseases and complications.
How does Keflex work?
After oral administration, Keflex is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract (approximately 90%), and reaches its peak activity 1-2 hours after administration, after which it remains in the body for 4-6 hours. Keflex penetrates well into all tissues and fluids of the body, while practically does not bind to blood plasma proteins and does not pass well through the blood-brain barrier. It acts on the bacterial cell wall, destroying it. Shows a bactericidal effect against gram-positive microorganisms, such as:
- staphylococci;
- streptococci (except enterococci);
- salmonella;
- Escherichia coli, etc.
Keflex is excreted from the body along with urine, and much less – with bile in an unchanged form.
For what diseases is Keflex prescribed?
Keflex is recommended for use for the following diseases:
- pharyngitis;
- acute otitis media;
- acute tonsillitis;
- pneumonia;
- bronchitis;
- tracheobronchitis;
- bronchopneumonia;
- abscess in the lungs;
- infectious diseases of the genitourinary system (gonorrhea, cystitis; urethritis; pyelonephritis; prostatitis; vaginitis).
- inflammation of the skin, subcutaneous fat and soft tissues (abscesses, furunculosis, phlegmon, lymphadenitis, etc.);
- inflammation of bones and joints, including osteomyelitis.
Keflex is not active against infectious diseases of a viral nature.
What adverse reactions may occur when taking Keflex?
Keflex, like other broad-spectrum antibiotics, negatively affects the intestinal microflora and can cause gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting and loss of appetite. In rare cases, signs of liver and gallbladder dysfunction may appear (increased levels of liver enzymes, jaundice). Also, as a result of an imbalance in microflora, fungal infections (candidiasis) may develop, so it is recommended to consult a doctor about the advisability of additionally taking fungicidal medications.
Keflex can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to the antibiotic, as well as in cases of individual intolerance to any of the components of the drug. An allergic reaction is accompanied by one or more symptoms:
- skin rash;
- urticaria;
- Quincke’s edema;
- redness of the skin.
In rare cases, severe conditions such as anaphylactic shock or Steven-Johnson syndrome develop. Therefore, if signs of an allergy appear, you need to inform your doctor.
From the nervous system, when taking Keflex, dizziness, weakness and headache may occur. In rare cases – severe agitation, convulsions and hallucinations.
Keflex affects the qualitative and quantitative composition of the blood, therefore, while taking it, the number of platelets, leukocytes and neutrophils may decrease.
Also, when taking Keflex, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as arthritis and arthralgia, may worsen.
Who should not take Keflex?
Keflex should not be taken by children under three years of age when it comes to the capsule form of the drug. As well as people who show hypersensitivity to cephalosporins and beta-lactam antibiotics. In addition, it is not advisable to prescribe an antibiotic for infectious lesions of the brain and spinal cord. Keflex is also ineffective for generalized infections that require injection or infusion.
Can I take Keflex during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Keflex is prescribed during pregnancy only in exceptional cases if there is a threat to the woman’s life. Nursing mothers are advised to interrupt lactation during treatment.
What can be the consequences of an overdose of Keflex?
In case of an overdose of the drug, the following symptoms may appear:
- stomach ache;
- nausea and vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- blood in the urine.
During treatment, adsorbents such as activated carbon are used, and the patient is also provided with airway patency and monitoring of vital signs (blood test, electrolyte balance, liver enzyme activity).
Can Keflex be taken together with other medications?
Keflex is not recommended to be taken concomitantly with furosemide; antibiotics that are toxic to the kidneys and ethacrynic acid. Because in this case, there may be a risk of developing kidney failure. When Keflex is taken simultaneously with salicylates and indomethacin, the prothrombin number decreases and the activity of indirect anticoagulants increases.
If the patient is taking metformin, then it is necessary to contact an endocrinologist to adjust its dosage. Since Keflex can increase its concentration in the blood with subsequent accumulation.
What features should be considered before starting Keflex?
If a person has previously had reactions to penicillin antibiotics, as well as carbapenems, they are likely to have increased sensitivity to Keflex.
Keflex may cause a positive Coombs test (antibodies to the Rh factor) and a false positive urine test for glucose. During treatment it is necessary to exclude alcohol. And patients with kidney disease need to adjust the dosage in order to reduce the risk of complications.
Where can you buy Keflex?
Keflex can be purchased at a pharmacy, or you can order the drug online. The drug is available without a doctor’s prescription, but before taking it you need to consult a specialist.
How can I buy Keflex at a low cost?
The original drug is expensive, so many people wonder whether it is possible to buy a cheaper analogue? At the same time, it is very important that the quality of the drug remains high and that it effectively copes with diseases. In this case, you should pay attention to the generic Keflex, which is developed on the basis of cephalexin, the active ingredient of the original drug. Cephalexin is a studied substance that has undergone various preclinical and clinical studies. Therefore, the generic is no different from the original drug in action.
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