Cephalexin 500mg what does it treat

Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history. Cephalexin oral capsule can interact with other medications, vitamins , or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully.

Side effects from cephalexin: Taking cephalexin with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from cephalexin. This is because the amount of cephalexin in your body is increased. An example of these drugs is probenecid. Side effects from other drugs: Taking cephalexin with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from these drugs.

An example of these drugs is metformin. Taking metformin and cephalexin together may cause kidney problems. Your doctor may adjust your dose of metformin to reduce this risk. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions.

Always speak with your healthcare professional about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor or local poison control center right away. If your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room. Taking it again could be fatal cause death. For people with kidney problems: If you have kidney problems or a history of kidney disease, you may not be able to clear this drug from your body. This may increase the levels of this drug in your body and cause more side effects.

Your doctor may adjust your dose if you have kidney disease. Talk with your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you. For pregnant women: Cephalexin is a pregnancy category B drug. That means two things:. Cephalexin should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

For women who are breastfeeding: Cephalexin passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk with your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication. For seniors: The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of the drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

This dosage information is for cephalexin oral capsule. All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:. The usual dose is mg taken every 6 hours, or a dose of mg every 12 hours may be given. Use Cephalexin Keflex exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Use the medicine exactly as directed. Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device not a kitchen spoon. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Cephalexin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold. Do not share cephalexin with another person , even if they have the same symptoms you have.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cephalexin. Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days. Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.

Do not take two doses at one time. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and blood in your urine.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking cephalexin.

If you are diabetic and test your urine for sugar, use Clinistix or TesTape not Clinitest to test your urine while taking this medication. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.

You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Generic alternatives may be available. Cephalexin pronounced as sef a lex' in. Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow?

What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Brand names. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

Other uses for this medicine. What special precautions should I follow? Before taking cephalexin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cephalexin; other cephalosporin antibiotic such as cefaclor, cefadroxil cefazolin Ancef, Kefzol , cefdinir, cefditoren Spectracef , cefepime Maxipime , cefixime Suprax , cefotaxime Claforan , cefotetan, cefoxitin Mefoxin , cefpodoxime, cefprozil, ceftaroline Teflaro , ceftazidime Fortaz, Tazicef, in Avycaz , ceftibuten Cedax , ceftriaxone Rocephin , and cefuroxime Zinacef ; penicillin antibiotics; or any other medications.

Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in cephalexin capsules, tablets, or suspension. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.