From the Guidelines
Cephalexin tablets are used to treat bacterial infections, particularly those caused by gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria, with a standard adult dose of 250-500 mg taken orally every 6 hours, or 500-1000 mg every 12 hours, for 7-14 days depending on the severity and type of infection. The medication is commonly prescribed for skin infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and certain bone infections, as seen in the guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections 1. Key points to consider when using cephalexin include:
- Taking the medication with or without food, but being consistent
- Completing the entire prescribed course, even if symptoms improve, to prevent antibiotic resistance
- Potential side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and skin rash
- Informing the doctor of any penicillin allergy due to potential cross-reactivity
- Mentioning any other medications or supplements being taken to avoid potential interactions Cephalexin works by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis, ultimately leading to cell death, making it a versatile antibiotic for many common infections, as supported by the guidelines for the prevention of infective endocarditis 1. In terms of specific dosage, the guidelines recommend 250 mg qid po for adults and 25–50 mg/kg/d in 3–4 divided doses po for children with impetigo, as well as 500 mg qid po for adults and 25–50 mg/kg/d in 4 divided doses po for other skin and soft tissue infections 1. It's essential to follow the prescribed dosage and treatment duration to ensure effective treatment and minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance.
From the FDA Drug Label
Cephalexin is indicated for the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms: Respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes Otitis media due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Moraxella catarrhalis Skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and/or Streptococcus pyogenes Bone infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and/or Proteus mirabilis Genitourinary tract infections, including acute prostatitis, caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae
The use of Cephalexin tablets is for the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible strains of microorganisms, including:
- Respiratory tract infections
- Otitis media
- Skin and skin structure infections
- Bone infections
- Genitourinary tract infections 2
From the Research
Uses of Cephalexin Tablets
- Cephalexin is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections, as it achieves high concentrations in the urine and retains its full activity against the organisms commonly responsible for these infections 3.
- It is also used in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, such as pharyngitis and tonsillitis, and is effective against beta-haemolytic streptococci 4.
- Cephalexin is used to treat skin and soft-tissue infections, including streptococcal and staphylococcal infections, with cure rates of 90% or higher 5.
- It is used in the treatment of chronic urinary tract infections, with a dosage of 1 g twice daily for 10 days showing good effect 6.
- Cephalexin is used in the management of lower respiratory tract infections, although its effectiveness may be limited in patients with infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae 7.
Dosage and Administration
- The dosage of cephalexin varies depending on the infection being treated, with typical dosages ranging from 1-2 g/day for adults and 20-100 mg/kg/day for children 4.
- Cephalexin can be administered twice daily, with a dosage of 1 g showing good effect in the treatment of urinary tract infections 6.