What is

cephalexin 500

?

Cephalexin 500 is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics and is used to fight bacteria in the body. It works by interfering with the bacteria's cell wall formation, causing it to rupture, and killing the bacteria.

Cephalexin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria, including upper respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.

Cephalexin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about cephalexin

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to cephalexin, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Cefzil, Duricef, Fortaz, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, and others.

Before using cephalexin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have kidney or liver disease, a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis, diabetes, or if you are malnourished.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cephalexin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Before taking cephalexin

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to cephalexin, or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

cefaclor (Ceclor);
cefadroxil (Duricef);
cefdinir (Omnicef);
cefditoren (Spectracef);
cefixime (Suprax);
cefprozil (Cefzil);
ceftazidime (Fortaz); or
cefuroxime (Ceftin).

Before using cephalexin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have:

kidney disease;
liver disease;
a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis;
diabetes; or
if you are malnourished.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take cephalexin.

The oral suspension (liquid) form of cephalexin may contain sugar. This may affect you if you have diabetes.

FDA pregnancy category B. Cephalexin is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cephalexin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Cephalexin 500

(Keflex, Biocef) is a prescription antibiotic licensed to treat a number of infections. Some of these cephalexin uses include:


* Treatment of bacterial infections
* Prevention of heart valve infections (bacterial endocarditis).


Bacterial Infections
Cephalexin 500 is most commonly used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Some of these types of infections may include:


* Respiratory tract infection, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, strep throat, or tonsillitis
* Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
* Middle ear infection (otitis media)
* Sinus infection (sinusitis)
* Urinary tract infection (UTI)
* Irritation of the prostate (prostatitis)
* Skin infection, such as cellulitis, folliculitis, or impetigo.

Cephalexin 500

Cephalexin 500 may be used to treat a number of other bacterial infections. In addition, it can be substituted in place of penicillin to treat common infections in those people who are allergic to penicillin. It should be noted, however, that there is a small chance that people who are allergic to penicillin will also be allergic to cephalexin or to other cephalosporins.

Cephalexin 500 is not effective against any infection caused by a virus, such as the flu, stomach flu, or common cold.