Cephalexin 250mg/5ml Susp 200ml

Cephalexin is a bactericidal antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). This binding prevents the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in the bacterial cell wall, leading to inhibition of cell wall assembly and eventual bacterial cell lysis.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash or hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of a severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis), such as:
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Red or irritated eyes
+ Sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes
Signs of liver problems, including:
+ Dark urine
+ Tiredness
+ Decreased appetite
+ Upset stomach or stomach pain
+ Light-colored stools
+ Vomiting
+ Yellow skin or eyes
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Feeling extremely tired or weak
Confusion
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
Difficulty urinating or changes in urine output
Seizures
Severe dizziness
Severe headache
Severe joint pain
Vaginal itching or discharge
Diarrhea, especially if it is severe, bloody, or accompanied by stomach pain or cramps (a rare but potentially life-threatening condition called C. diff-associated diarrhea or CDAD may occur)

Common and Less Severe Side Effects

Most people experience no side effects or only mild side effects when taking this medication. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms and they bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:

Stomach pain or diarrhea
* Upset stomach or vomiting

Reporting Side Effects

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you are currently taking probenecid, as this may interact with the medication.

Additionally, to ensure safe treatment, provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:

All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your existing health problems

This information will help your doctor determine if it is safe for you to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are taking this drug for an extended period, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your condition.

If you have diabetes and regularly test your urine for glucose, consult with your doctor to determine the most suitable testing method for you, as this medication may interfere with certain test results. Additionally, be sure to notify all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication, as it may affect the outcome of certain lab tests.

Do not take this medication for longer than prescribed, as this can increase the risk of a secondary infection. It is also crucial to discuss your pregnancy status or plans with your doctor, as well as whether you are breastfeeding, to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of this medication for both you and your baby.

• Metformin (increased metformin plasma concentrations and risk of lactic acidosis)
• Probenecid (decreased renal excretion of cephalexin, leading to increased and prolonged plasma concentrations)

• Warfarin (potential for increased INR/bleeding risk, especially with prolonged use or in patients with risk factors)
• Live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine, may reduce efficacy of vaccine)
• Aminoglycosides (potential for increased nephrotoxicity, though less common with cephalexin than other cephalosporins)

• Rash or hives (signs of allergic reaction)
• Severe, watery diarrhea or bloody stools (signs of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea)
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• Oral thrush or vaginal yeast infection (signs of superinfection)
• Unusual bruising or bleeding (if on warfarin)
• Signs of kidney problems (e.g., decreased urination, swelling)

Cephalexin is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy (Pregnancy Category B). Animal studies have not shown harm to the fetus, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, but human experience suggests low risk.

Cephalexin is excreted in low concentrations in human breast milk. It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding (Lactation Risk L2).

Cephalexin is widely used and generally well-tolerated in pediatric patients. Dosing is weight-based. Close monitoring for adverse effects, especially gastrointestinal disturbances and allergic reactions, is important.

No specific dose adjustment is required based solely on age, but renal function should be assessed in elderly patients, as they are more likely to have age-related decline in kidney function. Dose adjustments should be made based on creatinine clearance.

• Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin, effective against many Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes) and some Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis).
• It is a common choice for skin and soft tissue infections (e.g., cellulitis, impetigo), uncomplicated urinary tract infections, and streptococcal pharyngitis.
• Not effective against MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Often prescribed for patients with penicillin allergies who can tolerate cephalosporins (cross-reactivity is low, but caution is advised).
• The oral suspension should be refrigerated after reconstitution and discarded after 14 days.

• Other first-generation cephalosporins (e.g., Cefazolin IV)
• Penicillins (e.g., Amoxicillin, Dicloxacillin, Penicillin V)
• Macrolides (e.g., Azithromycin, Clarithromycin - for penicillin-allergic patients)
• Clindamycin (for skin/soft tissue infections, including some MRSA strains)
• Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (for UTIs, some skin infections)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication, including the amount taken and the time it happened, to facilitate prompt and appropriate care.