Cephalexinis a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic with antimicrobial activity similar to that of cephaloridine or cephalothin, but somewhat less potent. It is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.
Cephalexinisis used for the treatment of respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes; otitis media due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Moraxella catarrhalis; skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and/or Streptococcus pyogenes; bone infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and/or Proteus mirabilis; genitourinary tract infections, including acute prostatitis, caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Cephalexin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Cephalexin (also called Cefalexin) is a first generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics, often used for the treatment of superficial infections that result as complications of minor wounds or lacerations. It is effective against most gram-positive bacteria.
Associated Conditions: Bone Infection, Genitourinary tract infection, Otitis Media (OM), Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI), Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Bacterial Infections, Acute Prostatitis.
Cephalexin, like the penicillins, is a beta-lactam antibiotic. By binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, it inhibits the third and last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Cell lysis is then mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes such as autolysins; it is possible that cephalexin interferes with an autolysin inhibitor.
Metabolism: No appreciable biotransformation in the liver (90% of the drug is excreted unchanged in the urine).
Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
Route of elimination: Cephalexin is excreted in the urine by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Studies showed that over 90% of the drug was excreted unchanged in the urine within 8 hours.
Half life: 1 hour
Affected organisms: Enteric bacteria and other eubacteria.
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.Some medical conditions may interact with Cephalexin.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions.
Common cephalexin side effects may include: diarrhea, dizziness, feeling tired, headache, joint pain or vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.
