Cephalexin 250mg Capsules

Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is bactericidal and acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, which are enzymes involved in the final stages of peptidoglycan synthesis (transpeptidation and carboxypeptidation). This binding prevents the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains, leading to a defective and unstable cell wall, ultimately resulting in bacterial cell lysis and death.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while 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
+ 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

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common side effect of antibiotics. In rare cases, a severe form of diarrhea called C. diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD) may occur. This condition can lead to a life-threatening bowel problem. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

Stomach pain
Cramps
Very loose, watery, or bloody stools

Do not treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor:

Stomach pain or diarrhea
* Upset stomach or vomiting

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult 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 use, 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 health problems, as these may affect the safety and efficacy of the medication

Before making any changes to your medication regimen, including starting, stopping, or adjusting the dose of any drug, consult with your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so. This will help prevent potential interactions and ensure the medication is suitable for your specific health needs.

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 affect the accuracy of certain tests. Additionally, be sure to notify all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication, as it may impact the results of some lab tests.

Do not take this medication for longer than prescribed, as this can increase the risk of developing a secondary infection.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, it is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.

• Metformin
• Probenecid
• Warfarin

• Skin rash or hives
• Itching
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema)
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Nausea or vomiting
• Vaginal itching or discharge (yeast infection)
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)

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 extensive clinical experience suggests no increased risk of birth defects.

Cephalexin is excreted in small amounts into breast milk (Lactation Risk L2 - Likely Compatible). It is generally considered safe for nursing infants. Monitor the infant for potential changes in bowel flora (e.g., diarrhea, candidiasis) or allergic reactions (e.g., rash).

Cephalexin is widely used and generally safe in pediatric patients. Dosing is weight-based. Neonatal use should be approached with caution and specific guidelines consulted due to immature renal function.

Elderly patients may have reduced renal function, which can lead to higher and more prolonged plasma concentrations of cephalexin. Dose adjustment based on creatinine clearance is recommended in elderly patients with impaired renal function. Monitor for adverse effects, especially gastrointestinal disturbances and C. difficile infection.

• Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin, primarily active against Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes) and some Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis). It is often used for skin and soft tissue infections, UTIs, and respiratory tract infections.
• It is generally well-tolerated, with gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea) being the most common side effect. Taking it with food can help mitigate GI upset.
• Patients with a history of penicillin allergy should be carefully assessed. While cross-reactivity between penicillins and first-generation cephalosporins is low (around 1-5%), it can occur. Avoid in patients with a history of severe, immediate hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins.
• Always complete the full course of therapy, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance and ensure complete eradication of the infection.
• Cephalexin does not cover MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

• Amoxicillin
• Dicloxacillin
• Cefadroxil
• Cefazolin (IV)
• Clindamycin
• Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (for UTIs)
• Doxycycline (for skin infections)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to 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 overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.