Kefalex
Kefalex is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections of the skin, soft tissues, urinary tract, and respiratory system.
Form
tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen
Strength
750 mg
Active Ingredient
Cefalexin monohydrate
Manufacturer
ratiopharm GmbH
How to Use
Dosage
The dosage is determined by your doctor and depends on your infection.
Method
Take the tablet with liquid, with or without food. The tablet has a score line to make it easier to swallow if needed.
Important
Your doctor will determine your maximum daily dose. Do not change your dose without consulting your doctor.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Nausea
- •Vomiting
- •Diarrhea
- •Stomach pain
RARE
- •Hives (itchy rash)
- •Rash
- •Increase in certain white blood cells (eosinophilia)
- •Liver problems (inflammation, yellowing of skin/eyes, temporary increase in liver enzymes)
- •Widespread pus-filled blisters
- •Itching in genital/anal area, vaginal or vulvar inflammation
- •Swelling of the voice box (larynx)
- •Serum sickness (allergic reaction with rash, fever, joint pain)
- •Blood disorders (low platelets, low white blood cells, anemia due to red blood cell breakdown)
- •Toxic psychosis (mental confusion, disorientation)
- •Headache
- •Dizziness
- •Gut problems (paralysis of the intestine, bloody diarrhea, colon inflammation, tooth discoloration, mouth inflammation)
- •Severe skin reactions (e.g., Lyell's syndrome, Pemphigus vulgaris, Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
- •Joint inflammation (arthritis)
- •Kidney inflammation (interstitial nephritis) with blood in urine
- •Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to Kefalex, other similar antibiotics, or any ingredients in this medicine.
- If you develop a severe, widespread rash, blisters, or fever, stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately.
- Tell your doctor if you have had allergic reactions (like rash or swelling) to other antibiotics, such as penicillin.
- Tell your doctor if you have previously had severe skin reactions, such as peeling skin, blisters, or mouth sores, after taking antibiotics.
- Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Show 4 more warnings
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had inflammation in your gut (like colitis).
- Inform your doctor if you have porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
- This medicine can affect blood or urine sugar tests. Always tell your doctor or nurse you are taking Kefalex before any lab tests.
- Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including any non-prescription drugs or herbal remedies.
Use in Elderly Patients
Category C
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Increase the dosing interval in moderately severe renal impairment. (updated 6.11.2023)