Cephalexin 500mg: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warnings
What is cephalexin 500mg used for?
Cephalexin 500mg is an FDA-approved antibiotic. Cephalexin 500mg is a first-generation cephalosporin utilized in the treatment of urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and other bacterial infections. Both streptococci and staphylococci species can cause these infections.
Cephalexin is also sometimes used for certain penicillin-allergic patients who have a heart condition and are having a dental or upper respiratory tract (nose, mouth, throat, voice box) procedure, in order to prevent them from developing a heart valve infection.
How Cephalexin 500mg works
Cephalexin 500mg belongs to a class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics, it works by killing bacteria through inhibition of cell wall synthesis. Cephalexin 500mg binds to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins, which in turn inhibits the synthesis of bacterial cell walls leading to the death of the bacteria. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
How should Cephalexin 500mg be used?
Cephalexin 500mg comes as a capsule, a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days, depending on the condition being treated.
Typical dosing of Cephalexin 500mg for adults and children 15 years of age and above is 1 tablet or capsule every 12 hours. You might need a larger dose, up to 4 grams total per day, for more severe infections. Take Cephalexin 500mg at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Cephalexin 500mg exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with Cephalexin 500mg. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.
Continue to take Cephalexin 500mg until you finish the prescription even if you feel better. If you stop taking Cephalexin 500mg too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
Is Cephalexin 500mg 4 times a day too much?
No, for most adults, taking Cephalexin 500mg 4 times a day is not too high a dose. Some people might need even more if they have severe infections or if they have some bacterial resistance to Cephalexin 500mg. Your provider will choose an appropriate dose based on your needs.
Can a pregnant or breast feeding woman take Cephalexin 500mg?
Yes, Cephalexin 500mg is usually safe to take cefalexin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Limited information indicates that maternal cephalexin produces low levels in milk that are usually not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Cephalexin is an alternative for the treatment of mastitis.
Is Cephalexin 500mg the same as amoxicillin 500mg?
No, Cephalexin 500mg is a cephalosporin antibiotic, and amoxicillin 500mg is a penicillin-type antibiotic. Both antibiotics kill bacteria by preventing them from making their own protective covering, and they are sometimes used to treat similar types of infections. However, there are some differences as well, so you should not substitute one for another.
What are the side effects I may experience while taking Cephalexin 500mg?
Cephalexin 500mgoral capsule or tablets doesn’t cause drowsiness. However, it can cause other side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
- unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath;
- easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;
- a seizure;
- pale skin, cold hands, and feet;
- yellowed skin, dark colored urine;
- fever, weakness; or
- pain in your side or lower back, painful urination.
Common Cephalexin 500mg side effects may include:
- diarrhea;
- nausea, vomiting;
- indigestion, stomach pain; or
- vaginal itching or discharge.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to cephalexin (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What medications may interact with Cephalexin 500mg?
Cephalexin 500mg can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.
To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Taking cephalexin with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from cephalexin. This is because the amount of cephalexin in your body is increased. An example of these drugs is probenecid.
In addition, taking cephalexin with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from these drugs. An example of these drugs is metformin. Taking metformin and cephalexin together may cause kidney problems. Your doctor may adjust your dose of metformin to reduce this risk.
This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription or nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including Coombs’ test, certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
