Uses and Side Effects of Cephalexin

Cephalexin is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics. It is a first generation cephalosporin.Cephalexin stops or slows the growth of bacterial cells by preventing bacteria from forming the cell wall that surrounds each cell. The cell wall protects bacteria from the external environment and keeps the contents of the cell together. Hence without a cell wall, bacteria cannot survive.

Cephalexin is used to treat infections like upper respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.The dose of cephalexin for adults is 1 to 4 grams in divided doses. Children are treated with 25-100 mg/kg/day in divided doses. The dosing interval may be every 6 or 12 hours depending on the infection.The duration of entire course lasts for 7-10 days depending on severity of infection.

One should take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor,it should not be stopped even if symptoms improve within first 2-3 days.

PRECAUTIONS:
*One should tell your doctor if you are allergic to cephalexin or any other cephalosporin antibiotic.
*One should tell your doctor what other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.
*One should tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, colitis, or stomach problems.
*One should tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
*Cephalexin may cause an upset stomach. Always take cephalexin with food or milk.

SIDE EFFECTS:
A)SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS(Call your Doctor immediately):diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
-seizure (convulsions);
-fever, sore throat, and headache and red skin rash;
-pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine;
-Severe weakness;
-confusion, agitation, hallucinations (seeing things that are not there); or
-urinating less than usual or not at all.

B)MINOR SIDE EFFECTS:
-mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
-dizziness, tired feeling;
-joint pain; or
-vaginal itching or discharge.