Keflex: Effective First-Line Cephalosporin Antibiotic Therapy
Keflex
| Product dosage: 250mg | |||
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| Product dosage: 500mg | |||
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Keflex (cephalexin) is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic prescribed for the treatment of a wide range of bacterial infections. It functions by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell death in susceptible organisms. This oral medication is valued for its reliable bioavailability, broad-spectrum coverage against common pathogens, and established safety profile in both adult and pediatric populations when used under appropriate medical supervision.
Features
- Active pharmaceutical ingredient: Cephalexin monohydrate
- Available in capsule (250 mg, 500 mg), tablet (250 mg, 500 mg), and oral suspension (125 mg/5 mL, 250 mg/5 mL) formulations
- Demonstrated in vitro activity against Gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains) and Streptococcus pyogenes
- Also effective against select Gram-negative organisms such as Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Rapid absorption following oral administration with peak serum concentrations achieved within one hour
- Approximately 90% excreted unchanged in the urine within 8 hours
Benefits
- Provides clinically proven efficacy in resolving bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, skin, soft tissue, bone, and genitourinary system
- Offers convenient twice-daily or four-times-daily dosing regimens depending on infection severity
- Suitable for pediatric patients with weight-appropriate dosing calculations
- Demonstrates generally favorable tolerability with most adverse effects being mild and transient
- Serves as an appropriate alternative for patients with penicillin hypersensitivity (excluding those with immediate-type reactions)
- Supported by decades of clinical use and post-marketing surveillance data
Common use
Keflex is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of microorganisms in the following conditions: respiratory tract infections (including pharyngitis and tonsillitis), skin and skin structure infections, bone infections, genitourinary tract infections (including acute prostatitis), and otitis media. It is particularly useful in outpatient settings for uncomplicated infections where oral therapy is appropriate. Medical professionals select Keflex based on susceptibility patterns, infection site, patient factors, and local resistance epidemiology.
Dosage and direction
The recommended adult dosage ranges from 250 mg to 1000 mg every 6 to 12 hours depending on the infection type and severity. For most uncomplicated infections, 500 mg every 12 hours is sufficient. Severe infections may require 500 mg every 6 hours or 1000 mg every 12 hours. Pediatric dosing is typically 25-50 mg/kg/day divided into two or four equal doses, not to exceed adult dosing. For otitis media, the recommended dose is 75-100 mg/kg/day divided into four doses. All doses should be administered with food to enhance absorption and minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve earlier.
Precautions
Use with caution in patients with renal impairment—dosage adjustment is necessary based on creatinine clearance. Monitor for superinfection or pseudomembranous colitis, which may occur during or after antibiotic treatment. Exercise caution in patients with history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis. Prolonged use may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Perform culture and susceptibility testing before initiating therapy when practicable. Alert patients that Keflex may cause false-positive reactions for glucose in the urine with copper reduction tests.
Contraindications
Keflex is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to cephalexin or any component of the formulation. Do not administer to patients who have experienced anaphylactic reactions to penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics due to potential cross-reactivity. Avoid use in patients with previous cephalosporin-associated hemolytic anemia.
Possible side effect
Common adverse reactions (≥1%) include diarrhea (4%), nausea/vomiting (3%), dyspepsia (2%), and abdominal pain (2%). Less frequently reported effects include dizziness, fatigue, headache, genital pruritus, vaginitis, and transient elevations in liver enzymes. Rare but serious side effects include pseudomembranous colitis, hypersensitivity reactions (ranging from rash to anaphylaxis), reversible interstitial nephritis, and hematologic effects (eosinophilia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia). Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported rarely.
Drug interaction
Probenecid may decrease renal tubular secretion of cephalexin, increasing and prolonging blood levels. Concomitant use with potent diuretics may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity. Keflex may enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin—monitor INR closely. Chloramphenicol is antagonistic to cephalexin in vitro—avoid concurrent administration. False-positive urine glucose tests may occur with Benedict’s or Fehling’s solutions.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed administration. Maintaining consistent antibiotic blood levels is important for therapeutic efficacy.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, diarrhea, and hematuria. In cases of significant overdose, serum levels can be reduced through hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Management should be supportive and include maintenance of glomerular filtration. No specific antidote exists. Contact a poison control center for latest guidance.
Storage
Store capsules and tablets at controlled room temperature (20°-25°C or 68°-77°F) in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep oral suspension refrigerated (2°-8°C or 36°-46°F) and discard any unused portion after 14 days. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets. Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Keflex is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. The prescribing physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment decisions. Individual results may vary based on patient-specific factors and pathogen susceptibility.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate Keflex achieves clinical cure rates of 85-95% for susceptible skin and soft tissue infections. In trials involving streptococcal pharyngitis, bacteriologic eradication rates exceed 90% when dosed appropriately. The drug maintains consistently favorable ratings in therapeutic equivalence evaluations. Post-marketing surveillance data from decades of use supports its established efficacy and safety profile when used according to prescribing information.