Céfalexine

Céfalexine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Céfalexine is a brand name. Its generic name is Cephalexin.

Introduction

Céfalexine is an antibiotic drug belonging to the cephalosporin class. It is used to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria, including skin, respiratory, urinary tract, and bone infections. It is also often prescribed as an off-label remedy for UTI infections, acne, impetigo, and gum diseases.

Uses for

Céfalexine is primarily used in the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, such as streptococci and staphylococci. Some off-label uses for cephalexin include treatment of impetigo, gum diseases, and urinary tract infections.

Mechanism of Action

Céfalexine works by inhibiting the synthesis of peptidoglycan, which is an essential component of the bacterial cell wall. This action makes the cell wall weak and susceptible to destruction, leading to death of the bacterial cells.

How Long Does It Take To Work?

Céfalexine starts to work within 1 to 2 hours of taking the medicine. Symptoms of an infection should start to improve within a few days of taking the medication.

Absorption

Céfalexine is rapidly and completely absorbed following oral administration.

Route of Elimination

Céfalexine is eliminated through the kidneys by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion.

Dosage Information

Céfalexine is available in oral tablets and capsules in dosages of 250, 500, and 750 mg. For skin, bone, and urinary tract infections, the usual dose is 250-500mg twice daily or 500-750mg once daily. For respiratory infections, the usual dose is 250-500mg every 6-8 hours or 500-750mg every 12 hours.

Administration

Céfalexine should be taken with food and plenty of fluids to help prevent irritation of the stomach and intestines. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time of your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Céfalexine include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other side effects include rash, dizziness, headache, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, Céfalexine may also cause allergic reactions or liver damage. Call your doctor right away if you experience any unusual or severe symptoms.

Toxicity

Céfalexine is considered to be safe and well-tolerated. However, an overdose may lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe overdose may result in liver damage, kidney damage, and coma.

Precaution

Patients with kidney and/or liver disease, asthma, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should take Céfalexine with caution, as they are more susceptible to its side effects. As the drug may interact with other medications, it is important to inform your physician if you are on any other medication, including over the counter drugs.

Interaction

Céfalexine may interact with other drugs and should not be administered with drugs that reduce the activity of bacteria, such as tetracyclines and macrolide antibiotics.

Disease Interaction

Céfalexine may interact with certain chronic diseases, such as kidney and liver disease. Patients with kidney or liver disease should take the medication with caution and under medical supervision.

Drug Interaction

Céfalexine may interact with other drugs, such as penicillin, tetracyclines, and macrolide antibiotics. It may also interact with drugs that reduce the activity of bacteria, such as chloramphenicol, probenecid, and allopurinol. It is important to inform your physician if you are taking any other medication before taking cephalexin.

Food Interactions

Céfalexine may interact with food and beverages. Taking it with food may decrease its effectiveness. It should not be taken with alcohol.

Pregnancy Use

Pregnant women should take cephalexin with caution and only after consulting their physician. This drug can be used during pregnancy if deemed necessary by the physician.

Lactation Use

Céfalexine should be used with caution in lactating women. It should not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Acute Overdose

An overdose of cephalexin may lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe overdoses may cause liver damage, kidney damage, and even coma in rare cases. Seek medical attention right away if you suspect an overdose.

Contraindication

Céfalexine should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity or allergy to cephalosporins. It should also not be used in patients with kidney and liver disease.

Use Direction

Céfalexine should be used as directed by a physician. Take it with food and plenty of fluids to help prevent stomach irritation. Do not skip doses or stop taking the drug even if symptoms improve.

Storage Condition

Céfalexine should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Volume of Distribution

Céfalexine has a volume of distribution of 0.14-0.25 L/kg.

Half Life

The half life of cephalexin is 0.9-1.2 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of cephalexin is 0.07-0.55 L/h/kg.

Here you find in details version of Céfalexine

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Céfalexine

What is Céfalexine?

Céfalexine is a type of medication known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It is used to treat certain types of bacteria infections.

What are the uses of Céfalexine?

Céfalexine is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections in the body. These include infections of the skin, respiratory tract, urinary tract, ears, and bones. It can also be used to prevent or treat certain bacterial infections in the lungs.

What is the usual dosage of Céfalexine?

The usual dosage of Céfalexine is 250 mg every 6-8 hours for adults. The dosage may vary based on age, weight, and condition of the patient.

What are the side effects of Céfalexine?

The most common side effects of Céfalexine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and rash. More serious side effects include abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and seizures.

Is Céfalexine safe for pregnant women?

Céfalexine is safe for pregnant women when taken as directed by your doctor. It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this medication.

Can Céfalexine be used to treat a sinus infection?

Yes, Céfalexine can be used to treat a sinus infection. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Céfalexine?

If you miss a dose of Céfalexine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

Is Céfalexine effective against strep throat?

Yes, Céfalexine is effective against strep throat. It can be used to treat strep throat, as well as other bacterial infections.

What should be avoided while taking Céfalexine?

You should avoid alcohol while taking Céfalexine as it can increase the risk of side effects. You should also avoid taking other medications that can interact with Céfalexine such as antacids or probenecid.

Should I take Céfalexine with food?

You may take Céfalexine with food or on an empty stomach. However, taking it with food may help to reduce the risk of side effects.

Does Céfalexine interact with any other medications?

Yes, Céfalexine can interact with other medications, including some antibiotics. It is important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking before taking Céfalexine.

What other forms does Céfalexine come in?

Céfalexine is available as tablets, capsules, suspension, and as an injection. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for taking the medication.

Is Céfalexine safe for children?

Yes, Céfalexine is safe for children when taken as directed. Your doctor will adjust the dosage depending on your child's age, weight, and medical condition.

What is the shelf life of Céfalexine?

The shelf life of Céfalexine depends on the specific formulation and dosage form. Generally, tablets, capsules, and suspension have a shelf life of 3-5 years.

Is Céfalexine a penicillin?

No, Céfalexine is not a penicillin. It belongs to a group of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics.

Is Céfalexine safe for people with kidney problems?

Yes, Céfalexine is safe for people with kidney problems when taken as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may adjust the dosage depending on your condition.

Is Céfalexine an over-the-counter medication?

No, Céfalexine is not an over-the-counter medication and must be prescribed by your doctor.

Can Céfalexine be used to treat urinary tract infections?

Yes, Céfalexine can be used to treat urinary tract infections. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection.

Can Céfalexine treat a tooth infection?

Yes, Céfalexine can be used to treat a tooth infection. However, it is important to consult your doctor or dentist for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Do I need to finish the full course of Céfalexine?

Yes, it is important to finish the full course of Céfalexine as prescribed by your doctor. This will help to ensure that your infection is fully treated and will help to prevent any resistance to the medication.

Can I take Céfalexine while I am breastfeeding?

Yes, Céfalexine is safe to take while breastfeeding. However, you should tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking this medication.

Is Céfalexine effective against viral infections?

No, Céfalexine is not effective against viral infections as it is an antibiotic, which only works on bacterial infections.

Can Céfalexine treat a strep throat?

Yes, Céfalexine can be used to treat strep throat and other bacterial infections.

Should I avoid any food while taking Céfalexine?

You should avoid eating dairy products such as milk, cheese, or yogurt while taking Céfalexine as they can reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

Can Céfalexine be used to treat a bacterial sinus infection?

Yes, Céfalexine can be used to treat a bacterial sinus infection. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection.

Can Céfalexine treat a chest infection?

Yes, Céfalexine can be used to treat a chest infection. You should see your doctor if the infection persists for more than five days or if it worsens.

Can Céfalexine cause an allergic reaction?

Yes, Céfalexine can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, rash, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.

Can Céfalexine be taken on an empty stomach?

Yes, Céfalexine can be taken on an empty stomach. However, taking it with food may help to reduce the risk of side effects.

Can Céfalexine cause diarrhea?

Yes, Céfalexine can cause diarrhea in some people. It is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to help prevent dehydration.

What is the recommended dose of Céfalexine for adults?

The recommended dose of Céfalexine for adults is 250 mg every 6-8 hours. Your doctor may adjust the dose depending on your age, weight, and medical condition.

Can Céfalexine cause yeast infections?

Yes, Céfalexine can cause yeast infections in some people. It is important to tell your doctor if you experience any signs of a yeast infection such as itching, burning, or white patches.

How long does it take for Céfalexine to work?

Céfalexine usually starts to work within one to two hours of taking the medication. Results can vary based on the type of infection and person's individual response to the medication.

How long should I take Céfalexine for?

You should take Céfalexine for as long as your doctor recommends. This may be different for each person and will depend on the type of infection being treated.

Is Céfalexine available in generic form?

Yes, Céfalexine is available in generic form. Generic medications have the same active ingredient as the brand name and are usually more affordable.

What are the most common side effects of Céfalexine?

The most common side effects of Céfalexine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and rash. More serious side effects include abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and seizures.

Can Céfalexine be used to treat a urinary tract infection?

Yes, Céfalexine can be used to treat a urinary tract infection. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection.

Are there any foods I should avoid while taking Céfalexine?

You should avoid eating dairy products such as milk, cheese, or yogurt while taking Céfalexine as they can reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

What are the signs of an allergic reaction to Céfalexine?

The signs of an allergic reaction to Céfalexine include itching, rash, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.

Can Céfalexine be used to treat a bladder infection?

Yes, Céfalexine can be used to treat a bladder infection. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection.

Can Céfalexine cause nausea?

Yes, Céfalexine can cause nausea in some people. It is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to help prevent dehydration.

Is Céfalexine safe for elderly patients?

Yes, Céfalexine is safe for elderly patients when taken as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may adjust the dosage depending on your age and medical condition.

Can Céfalexine be used to treat strep throat?

Yes, Céfalexine can be used to treat strep throat and other bacterial infections.

Can Céfalexine be used to treat a skin infection?

Yes, Céfalexine can be used to treat a skin infection. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection.