From the Guidelines
Keflex (cephalexin) can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food is often recommended if you experience stomach upset. Food helps reduce gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or stomach pain that some people experience with this antibiotic. However, if you don't have stomach issues when taking Keflex, it's perfectly fine to take it on an empty stomach. The standard adult dosage is typically 250-500 mg every 6 hours, or 500-1000 mg every 12 hours, depending on the severity of the infection being treated. It's essential to take Keflex at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day to maintain consistent blood levels of the medication. Always complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start feeling better before it's finished. This helps ensure the infection is completely eliminated and reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance. Keflex works by interfering with bacteria's ability to form cell walls, causing them to rupture and die, which is why maintaining consistent levels of the medication in your system is crucial for effective treatment 1.
Some key points to consider:
- The dosage and administration of Keflex may vary depending on the specific infection being treated and the patient's individual needs.
- It's crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and administration schedule to ensure effective treatment and minimize the risk of side effects.
- If you experience any severe side effects or have concerns about taking Keflex, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
- Keflex is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, but it's essential to use it only as prescribed and under the guidance of a healthcare professional to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance.
In terms of specific administration instructions, taking Keflex with food can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects 1. However, if you don't experience stomach issues, you can take it on an empty stomach. It's also important to note that Keflex should be taken at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day to maintain consistent blood levels of the medication.
Overall, the key to effective treatment with Keflex is to follow the prescribed dosage and administration schedule and to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed 1. This will help ensure that the infection is completely eliminated and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
From the FDA Drug Label
Cephalexin is acid stable and may be given without regard to meals. The answer is no, Keflex (Cephalexin) does not need to be taken with food, as it can be given without regard to meals 2.
From the Research
Administration of Keflex
- Keflex (Cephalexin) is absorbed in the upper intestine, not in the stomach 3
- The absorption of Keflex is not explicitly stated to be affected by food intake in the provided studies
- However, it is noted that Cephalexin can be administered in relatively high oral doses without gastrointestinal irritation 3
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
- Cephalexin is rapidly absorbed and distributed to tissues, with low binding to human serum proteins 3
- The drug is rapidly cleared from the body by the kidneys, with 70-100% of the dose found in the urine 6-8 hours after administration 3
- No direct information is provided on the effect of food on Keflex absorption or efficacy
Comparison with Other Antibiotics
- Cephalexin is comparable to other antibiotics, such as erythromycin and clindamycin, in the treatment of streptococcal and staphylococcal infections 4
- A study on flucloxacillin, a different antibiotic, suggests that taking it with food does not compromise effective plasma concentrations in most circumstances 5
- However, this study may not be directly applicable to Keflex, as the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of different antibiotics can vary significantly