Keflex
Brand
name:Keflex
Pronounced: KEF-lecks
Generic name: Cephalexin hydrochloride
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Why
is Keflex prescribed?
Keflex and
Keftab are cephalosporin antibiotics. They are prescribed for
bacterial infections of the respiratory tract including middle
ear infection, bone, skin, and the reproductive and urinary
systems. Because they are effective for only certain types of
bacterial infections, before beginning treatment your doctor
may perform tests to identify the organisms causing the infection.
Cephalexin
is available in capsules and an oral suspension form for use
in children. Keftab, available only in tablet form, is prescribed
exclusively for adults.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Most
important fact about Keflex
If
you are allergic to either penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics
in any form, consult your doctor before taking Keflex. There
is a possibility that you are allergic to both types of medication
and if a reaction occurs, it could be extremely severe. If you
take Cephalexin and feel signs of a reaction, seek medical attention
immediately.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy
Keflex (Cephalexin) Now !
How
should you take Keflex?
Keflex may
be taken with or without meals. However, if the drug upsets
your stomach, you may want to take it after you have eaten.
Take Keflex
at even intervals around the clock as prescribed by your doctor.
If
you are taking the liquid form of Cephalexin, use the specially
marked spoon to measure each dose accurately.
To
obtain maximum benefit, it is important that you finish taking
all of Cephalexin, even if you are feeling better.
--If you
miss a dose...
Take it
as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose,
and you take 2 doses a day, take the one you missed and the
next dose 5 to 6 hours later. If you take 3 or more doses a
day, take the one you missed and the next dose 2 to 4 hours
later, or double the next dose. Then go back to your regular
schedule.
--Storage
instructions...
Store capsules
and tablets at room temperature. Store the liquid suspension
in a refrigerator; discard any unused medication after 14 days.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
What
side effects may occur?
Side effects
cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can
determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Keflex.
More common
side effects may include:
Diarrhea
Less common
or rare side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, agitation, colitis (inflammation of the large
intestine), confusion, dizziness, fatigue, fever, genital and
rectal itching, hallucinations, headache, hepatitis, hives,
indigestion, inflammation of joints, inflammation of the stomach,
joint pain, nausea, rash, seizures, severe allergic reaction,
skin peeling, skin redness, swelling due to fluid retention,
vaginal discharge, vaginal inflammation, vomiting, yellowing
of skin and whites of eyes
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy
Keflex (Cephalexin) Now !
Why
should Keflex not be prescribed?
If
you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to
the cephalosporin group of antibiotics, you should not use Cephalexin.
Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have
experienced
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Special
warnings about Keflex
If
you have a history of stomach or intestinal disease, especially
colitis, check with your doctor before taking Cephalexin.
If you have
ever had an allergic reaction, particularly to drugs, be sure
to tell your doctor.
If diarrhea
occurs while taking cephalexin, check with your doctor before
taking a remedy. Certain diarrhea medications (for instance,
Lomotil) may increase your diarrhea or make it last longer.
Prolonged
use of Keflex may result in an overgrowth of bacteria that do
not respond to the medication, causing a secondary infection.
Your doctor will monitor your use of this drug on a regular
basis.
If
you have a kidney disorder, check with your doctor before taking
Cephalexin. You may need a reduced dose.
If you are
diabetic, it is important to note that Keflex may cause false
results in tests for urine sugar. Notify your doctor that you
are taking this medication before being tested. Do not change
your diet or dosage of diabetes medication without first consulting
with your doctor.
If your
symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they get worse,
notify your doctor immediately.
Do
not give Cephalexin to other people or use it for other infections
before checking with your doctor.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy
Keflex (Cephalexin) Now !
Possible
food and drug interactions
If Keflex is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of
either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important to check with your doctor before combining Keflex
with the following:
Certain
diarrhea medications such as Lomotil
Oral contraceptives
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Special
information
The effects of Cephalexin during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify
your doctor immediately. Keflex appears in breast milk and could
affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to
your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding
until your treatment is finished.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Recommended
dosage
ADULTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Throat,
Skin, and Urinary Tract Infections
The usual
adult dosage is 500 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Cystitis
(bladder infection) therapy should be continued for 7 to 14
days.
Other Infections
The usual
recommended dosage is 250 milligrams taken every 6 hours. For
more severe infections, larger doses may be needed, as determined
by your doctor.
CHILDREN
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Keflex
The usual
dose is 25 to 50 milligrams for each 2.2 pounds of body weight
per day, divided into smaller doses.
For strep
throat in children over 1 year of age and for skin infections,
the dose may be divided into 2 doses taken every 12 hours. For
strep infections, the medication should be taken for at least
10 days. Your doctor may double the dose if your child has a
severe infection.
For middle
ear infection, the dose is 75 to 100 milligrams per 2.2 pounds
per day, divided into 4 doses.
Keftab
Safety
and effectiveness have not been established in children.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy
Keflex (Cephalexin) Now !
Overdosage
Any medication
taken in excess can have serious consequences.
If you suspect
an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
Symptoms
of Cephalexin overdose may include:
Blood in the urine, diarrhea, nausea, upper abdominal pain, vomiting
|