Apo-Cephalex

Brand Names: Apo-Cephalex

Common Name: cephalexin

What is this drug used for?

Cephalexin is an antibiotic that belongs to the family of medications known as cephalosporins. It is used to treat certain types of infections caused by bacteria. Cephalexin is most often used to treat infection of the skin, ear, bladder, bone, and sinus.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

This medication should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to cephalexin or any of the cephalosporin antibiotics
• is allergic to penicillin; people allergic to penicillin should be monitored by their doctor as they have an increased risk of being allergic to cephalospoin antibiotics.

What about possible side effects?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

More common:

• headache
• mild diarrhea
• mild stomach cramps
• sore mouth or tongue
• vaginal itching or discharge

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common or rare:

• abdominal tenderness
• diarrhea (watery and severe; may also be bloody)
• fever that appears after starting the antibiotic
• severe abdominal or stomach cramps and pain
• unusual bleeding or bruising

  Rare:

• blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin
• convulsions (seizures)
• decrease in urine output
• hearing loss
• joint pain
• loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
• skin rash, itching, redness, or swelling
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

What if I am taking other drugs?

There may be an interaction between cephalexin and any of the following:

• probenecid

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Other information:

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Allergy: Before you take cephalexin, inform your doctor about any previous adverse reactions you have had to medications, especially cephalosporins and penicillins. People allergic to penicillin may also be allergic to cephalosporins. If you have an allergic reaction, contact a doctor at once.

Kidneys: People with severe kidney problems may require a lower dose of cephalexin.

Other infections: Use of cephalexin for a long time can cause other infections to develop.

Pregnancy: The safety of using cephalexin for the treatment of infections during pregnancy has not been established.

Breast-feeding: Some cephalexin passes into breast milk and it is not known if its effects are safe for breast-feeding babies.

Special Instructions:

Adults: The recommended adult dose of cephalexin ranges from 250 mg to 1,000 mg 4 times daily. It can be taken with food or on an empty stomach.

Children: The usual dose of cephalexin for children is based on body weight. The medication should be taken 4 times daily.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Finish all of this medication, even if you start to feel better. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

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