What you should know about
Cephalexim
What is Cephalexin?
Cephalexin is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called
cephalosporins. Cephalexin fights bacteria in the body.
Cephalexin is used to treat many different types of
bacterial infections such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, ear infections, skin
infections, and urinary tract infections.
Cephalexin may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Cephalexin?
Take all of the cephalexin that has been prescribed for you
even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the
infection is completely treated.
Cephalexin can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or
milk if it causes stomach upset.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before
taking Cephalexin?
Do not take
Cephalexin if you have ever had an allergic
reaction to another cephalosporin or to a penicillin unless your doctor is aware
of the allergy and monitors your therapy.
Before taking
Cephalexin , tell your doctor if you have
· kidney disease, or
· a gastrointestinal (digestive) disease such as
colitis.
You may not be able to take
Cephalexin , or you may require
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of
the conditions listed above.
The
Cephalexin suspensions contain sucrose. Individuals
with diabetes may need to be aware of the sucrose contained in these
suspensions.
Cephalexin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means
that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not, however, take
Cephalexin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could
become pregnant during treatment.
Cephalexin passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing
infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take
Cephalexin
?
Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to
explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Cephalexin can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or
milk if it causes stomach upset.
To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid
form of cephalexin with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table
spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you
can get one. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.
Take
Cephalexin at evenly spaced intervals to keep a
constant level of drug in the body.
It is important to take
Cephalexin regularly to get the
most benefit.
Take all of the
Cephalexin that has been prescribed for you
even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the
infection is completely treated.
Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away
from moisture and heat.
Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Throw away any
unused medication after 14 days.
What are the possible side effects of
Cephalexin?
If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Cephalexin and seek emergency medical attention or contact
your doctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing
of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; hives; or a rash);
· rash, redness, or itching;
· severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
· mucous or blood in the stool; or
· unusual bleeding or bruising.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to
occur. Continue to take Cephalexin and talk to your doctor if you experience
· mild nausea or diarrhea, or
· a yeast infection of the mouth or vagina.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is
especially bothersome.
Related
Links:
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Cephalexin
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