Cephalexin: What You Need to Know

When talking about Cephalexin, a first‑generation cephalosporin antibiotic used for a variety of bacterial infections. Also known as Keflex, it works by disrupting bacterial cell wall formation, which stops the germs from multiplying. Antibiotic, a drug class that kills or halts the growth of bacteria is the broader category, and Cephalexin sits at the mild‑to‑moderate end of that spectrum. The drug is most often prescribed for skin infection, conditions like cellulitis, impetigo or infected wounds caused by susceptible bacteria. Proper dosage, the amount and schedule a doctor recommends based on age, weight and infection severity is critical, because under‑dosing can fuel resistance while overdosing raises the risk of side effects. Understanding these basics helps you decide when Cephalexin fits into your treatment plan and what to watch for before you start a course.

One key relationship is that Cephalexin treats bacterial skin infections while also being effective for urinary tract infections and ear infections. This means the drug spans several organ systems, but its primary strength lies in cutaneous issues where gram‑positive bacteria dominate. Because it’s an antibiotic, the risk of bacterial resistance influences its long‑term usefulness; doctors often reserve it for uncomplicated cases to keep it potent. Another important link is dosage: pediatric patients typically receive 25‑50 mg/kg per day in divided doses, whereas adults might take 250‑500 mg every 6‑12 hours. Skipping doses or stopping early can diminish the drug’s effectiveness, so adherence is a must.

Key Considerations When Using Cephalexin

Beyond the infection type, you need to think about drug interactions, how Cephalexin may react with other medicines, foods or supplements you’re taking. For example, taking it with oral contraceptives might reduce birth‑control effectiveness, while combining it with certain anticoagulants could increase bleeding risk. Kidney function also matters; reduced clearance means you’ll need a lower dose to avoid accumulation. Side effects are usually mild—like stomach upset, diarrhea or a rash—but severe reactions such as anaphylaxis require immediate medical attention. Finally, the choice between brand‑name Keflex and generic Cephalexin often comes down to cost; both contain the same active ingredient, so therapeutic outcomes are identical.

Our collection of articles below dives deeper into each of these angles. You’ll find a side‑by‑side comparison of Cephalexin with other antibiotics, a step‑by‑step guide on dosing for kids and adults, safety tips for common drug interactions, and a quick reference for identifying when a generic version is appropriate. Whether you’re a patient looking to understand your prescription or a caregiver seeking reliable information, the posts ahead give practical, evidence‑based advice you can act on right away.

Ready to explore the specifics? Scroll down to see detailed guides, dosage calculators, interaction checklists and more—everything you need to use Cephalexin safely and effectively.