Keflex  

Cefalexin
Systematic (IUPAC) name
(6R,7R)-7-{[(2R)-2-amino-2-phenylacetyl]amino}- 3-methyl-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene- 2-carboxylic acid
Identifiers
CAS number	15686-71-2
ATC code	J01DB01 QJ51DA01
PubChem	2666
DrugBank	APRD00250
ChemSpider	25541
Chemical data
Formula	C16H17N3O4S
Mol. mass	347.39 g/mol
SMILES	eMolecules & PubChem
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	Well absorbed
Metabolism	90% excreted unchanged
Half life	0.9 hours
Excretion	Renal
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	A(AU) B(US)
Legal status	Prescription Only (S4)(AU) POM(UK)
Routes	Oral
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Cephalexin (INN) (pronounced /sflksn/) or cephalexin (USAN) is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, introduced in 1967 by Eli Lilly and Company.^[1] It is an orally administered agent with a similar antimicrobial spectrum to the intravenous agents cefalotin and cefazolin. It is commonly marketed under the trade name Keflex (Lilly), Sporidex (Ranbaxy) or Nufex.

As of 2008, cephalexin was the most popular cephalosporin antibiotic in the United States, with more than 25 million prescriptions of its generic versions alone, for US$255 million in sales.^[2][3]

Clinical use

Indications

Cephalexin is used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. It is also sometimes used to treat acne.

In addition to being a rational first-line treatment for cellulitis, it is a useful alternative to penicillins in patients with penicillin hypersensitivity.

Formulations

The examples and perspective in this article may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article and discuss the issue on the talk page.

Cephalexin is commonly marketed in the following forms:

(Note: a pulvule is a capsule that becomes slick when moistened by saliva thus making it easier to swallow.)

Cephalexin is marketed by generic pharmaceutical manufacturers under a wide range of brand names, including: Apo-Cephalex, Biocef, Cefanox, Cephabos, Cephalexin, Ceporex, Cilex, Ialex, Ibilex, Kefexin, Keflet, Keflex, Keforal, Keftab, Keftal, Lopilexin, Larixin, Novo-Lexin, Ospexin, Tenkorex, Zephalexin, Panixine Disperdose and Sporidex.

A version of Keflex 750 mg capsules is marketed for twice-daily dosage, to improve patients' compliance. However, it is not a sustained release formulation, and since it is more expensive than the older strengths, some physicians prescribe three 250 mg capsules to be taken twice daily, as a cheaper alternative.^{[citation needed]}

For an example of Nordic countries, in Finland, Cephalexin is marketed under several names. Finnish pharmaceutical Orion Pharma markets Kefexin as 250, 500 and 750 mg tablets (PDF in Finnish)^[4]. Recommended dosage for adults and children of six years and older weighing over 30 kg is 1 to 4 grams per day, with renal dysfunction requiring longer periods between doses^[5].

References

External links

• MedlinePlus Drug Information: Cephalosporins (systemic) information from USP DI Advice for the Patient
• FDA Drug Information PDF and Pharmacy Drug Information Insert.

Recent Keflex Forums  View All  

Keflex And Pregnancy I have a niece that is pregnant and is allergic to Penicillin. Her regular doctor gave her Keflex for what they thought was a bacterial skin infection. Her mother, my sister, was just told that Keflex can cause deafness for an unborn infant. Is this true? Is there a website or someplace I can get information from about this? We are very worried. The skin condition ended up not being bacterial after all. Thanks for all info you can give us. Tuesday, 9/22/2009 3:08:55 PM  2 Replies

Can Keflex Be Taken For Sinus Infections? I have allergies, I take allergy shots. I have a prescription of Keflex 500mg. I was wondering if I can t;ake the Keflex for the sinus infection. Thursday, 9/11/2008 1:20:19 PM  1 Reply

Emptying Medicine From Capsules.. Does anyone know if it is okay to empty the medicine out of a 500 mg capsule and take it alone in a spoon? My husband cannot swallow capsules and he failed to ask the pharmacist for a liquid form of the medication. Thursday, 2/14/2008 6:59:44 PM  1 Reply

Keflex I am concerned about starting keflex because I just finished taking amoxicillin Wednesday, 5/16/2007 8:36:42 PM  1 Reply

My 3 Year Old Taking Keflex For A Spider Bite? my daughters leg is swollen and puffy and very hot to the touch. i was told this was a spider bite and that it will come to a head and to give her keflex... it doesnt seem to be doing anything and im concerned Monday, 10/16/2006 10:50:17 AM  3 Replies

Drug Testing does the antibotic KEFLEX interfere with the results of a drug test? Saturday, 9/16/2006 9:26:28 AM  1 Reply

Sunlight Exposure While Taking Keflex I am very active and exposed to sunlight everyday. Do I need to keep inside and avoid the sun during the 7 days that keflex has been prescribed to me? Monday, 9/11/2006 4:40:10 AM  1 Reply

Keflex Good For???? Would Keflex be a good chose for an intestional infection????? Monday, 3/13/2006 7:42:03 PM  1 Reply

Keflex I have a horrendous tooth ache. I have some left over keflex and want to kow if I should take it. If I do and run out, will my dentist giveme more, and will it be effective? Wednesday, 1/11/2006 10:55:17 AM  2 Replies

Dose Too Strong?? my 11 year old son has strep and the MD gave keflex 500mg twice a day he doesnt take antibiotics that often wouldnt 250mg be suficiant Thursday, 6/30/2005 2:01:59 PM  1 Reply