Indications and how to take the cephalexin antibiotic

Cephalexin is an antibiotic that can be used in case of infection by bacteria sensitive to this active substance. It is usually used in sinus infections, respiratory tract infections, otitis media, skin and soft tissue infections, bone infections, genitourinary tract infections and dental infections.

Cephalexin can also be known by its trade names Keflex, Cefacimed, Ceflexin or Cefaxon and can be purchased in pharmacies, for a price of about 7 to 30 reais, upon presentation of a prescription.

What is it for

Cephalexin has a bactericidal action, destroying the bacteria that cause the infection, and can be indicated to treat sinus infections, respiratory tract infections, otitis media, skin and soft tissue infections, bone infections, genitourinary tract infections and dental infections.

How to take

The recommended dose depends on the infection being treated and the person's age:

1. Cafalexin 500 mg or 1 g tablets

Daily doses for adults vary from 1 to 4 g, in divided doses, with the usual dose for adults being 250 mg every 6 hours.

To treat strep throat, infections of the skin and skin structures and uncomplicated cystitis in patients over 15 years of age, a dose of 500 mg or 1 g can be administered every 12 hours for about 7 to 14 days.

For respiratory tract infections, caused by S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes , it is necessary to use a dose of 500 mg every 6 hours.

More serious infections or caused by less susceptible microorganisms require higher doses. If there is a need for daily doses of cephalexin above 4 g, the doctor should consider using an injectable cephalosporin in adequate doses.

2. Cephalexin oral suspension 250 mg / 5 ml and 500 mg / 5 ml

The recommended daily dose for children is 25 to 50 mg per kg of weight in divided doses.

For pharyngitis in children over one year of age, infections of the kidneys and infections of the skin and skin structures, the total daily dose can be divided and administered every 12 hours.

Antibiotics should only be taken under medical advice, because when used incorrectly they can end up harming the body. Learn more in What are antibiotics and how to take them.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects that can occur with the use of Cephalexin are diarrhea, redness of the skin, hives, poor digestion, abdominal pain and gastritis.