Cefalexin

Dosage The adult dosage ranges from 1 to 4 g daily in divided doses. The usual adult dose is 250 mg every 6 hours. The usual recommended daily dosage for children is 25 to 50 mg/kg in divided doses. Method of administration CEPHALEX 250 mg and 500 mg are administered orally. Dosage adjustment Adults: For streptococcal pharyngitis or tonsillitis, mild, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections, a dosage of 500 mg may be administered every 12 hours. For more severe infections or those caused by less susceptible organisms, larger doses may be needed. If daily doses of cephalexin greater than 4 g are required, parenteral cephalosporins, in appropriate doses, should be considered. Twice daily dosing is not recommended when doses larger than 1 g daily are administered. Children: For streptococcal pharyngitis in patients over 1 year of age, tonsillitis, mild, uncomplicated urinary tract infection, and skin and soft-tissue infections, the total daily dose may …

Cephalexin is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics or who have previously experienced a major allergy to penicillin see

Ver: 05 4.4 SPECIAL WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS FOR USE BEFORE INSTITUTING THERAPY WITH CEPHALEXIN, EVERY ATTEMPT SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE IF THE PATIENT HAS HAD PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO THE CEPHALOSPORINS, PENICILLINS OR OTHER DRUGS. THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE GIVEN CAUTIOUSLY TO PENICILLIN-SENSITIVE PATIENTS. There is some clinical and laboratory evidence of partial cross-allergenicity of the penicillins and the cephalosporins. Patients have been reported to have had severe reactions (including anaphylaxis) to both drugs. If an allergic reaction to cephalexin occurs, the drug should be discontinued and the patient treated with the usual agents (e.g. adrenaline or other pressor amines, antihistamines or corticosteroids). Antibiotic associated pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with virtually all broad- spectrum antibiotics (including macrolides, semisynthetic penicillins and cephalosporins). A toxin produced with Clostridium difficile appears to be the primary …

As with other ß-lactams, the renal excretion of cephalexin is inhibited by probenecid. In healthy subjects given single 500 mg doses of cephalexin and metformin, plasma metformin Cmax and AUC increased by an average of 34% and 24%, respectively, and metformin renal clearance decreased by an average of 14%. The interaction of cephalexin and metformin following multiple dose administration has not been studied. Administration of a cephalosporin to a metformin-treated patient may result in increased metformin

Adverse drug reactions reported with cephalexin are very rare (<0.01%) and are listed below: Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders Eosinophilia, Neutropenia, Thrombocytopenia, Haemolytic Anaemia Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Dyspepsia, Abdominal Pain General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Fatigue Hepatobiliary Disorders Cholestatic Jaundice, Transient Hepatitis, Elevated SGOT, Elevated SGPT Immune System Disorders Allergic Reactions, Urticaria, Angioedema These reactions usually subsided upon discontinuation of the drug. Anaphylaxis has also been reported. Infections and Infestations Pseudomembranous Colitis Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Joint Disorder, Arthralgia, Arthritis Nervous System Disorders Dizziness, Headache, seizure Encephalopathy, myoclonus (frequency not known) Psychiatric Disorders Hallucinations, Agitation, Confusion Renal and Urinary Disorders Reversible Interstitial Nephritis CEPHALEX PI Ver: 05 Reproductive …

There is no definite experience of poisoning or severe overdosage with cephalexin. However, clinical features of overdosage may be similar to those seen with other cephalosporins and penicillins, i.e. convulsions, hallucinations, hyper-reflexia, electrolyte imbalance, gastrointestinal disturbances and haematuria. In the event of severe overdosage, general supportive care is recommended including close clinical and laboratory monitoring of haematological, renal, hepatic functions and coagulation status until the patient is stable. Forced diuresis, peritoneal dialysis, haemodialysis or charcoal haemoperfusion have not been established as beneficial for an overdose of cephalexin. For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia). 5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 5.1 PHARMACODYNAMIC PROPERTIES Mechanism of action In vitro tests demonstrate that the cephalosporins are bactericidal because of their inhibition of cell-wall synthesis. …

Effects on fertility No data available. CEPHALEX PI Ver: 05 Use in pregnancy - Pregnancy Category A Use in lactation Cephalexin is excreted in the milk. Caution should be exercised when cephalexin is administered to a nursing woman. Alternative feeding arrangements for the infant should