What is the typical dose of Keflex (Cephalexin) for treating skin infections?

From the Guidelines

For treating skin infections, the typical dose of Keflex (cephalexin) for adults is 500 mg taken orally every 6 hours, or alternatively 1 gram every 12 hours, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The usual treatment duration ranges from 7 to 14 days, depending on the severity of the infection.

• For children, the dosage is typically calculated based on weight, usually 25-50 mg per kg of body weight daily, divided into four equal doses.
• It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication.
• Keflex should be taken with food if it causes stomach upset. This antibiotic works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which is effective against many common skin pathogens including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species.
• Patients should stay well-hydrated while taking this medication and contact their healthcare provider if they experience severe diarrhea, rash, or signs that the infection is worsening despite treatment. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of selecting the definitive antibiotic regimen based on culture and drug susceptibility results, as well as the initial clinical response 1.
• In some cases, less-virulent bacteria may not need to be covered by the antibiotic regimen, but more virulent species like S. aureus and group A or B streptococci should always be targeted 1. Overall, the treatment of skin infections with Keflex should be guided by the most recent clinical guidelines and tailored to the individual patient's needs and response to therapy.

From the FDA Drug Label

For the following infections, a dosage of 500 mg may be administered every 12 hours: streptococcal pharyngitis, skin and skin structure infections, and uncomplicated cystitis in patients over 15 years of age. The usual adult dose is 250 mg every 6 hours For more severe infections or those caused by less susceptible organisms, larger doses may be needed

The typical dose of Keflex (Cephalexin) for treating skin infections is 500 mg every 12 hours for adults over 15 years of age. For more severe infections, larger doses may be needed. For pediatric patients, the dosage is 25 to 50 mg/kg in divided doses. In severe infections, the dosage may be doubled 2.

• Key points:
  • Adult dose: 500 mg every 12 hours
  • Pediatric dose: 25 to 50 mg/kg in divided doses
  • Severe infections: larger doses or doubled dosage may be needed

From the Research

Keflex Dose for Skin Infection

The typical dose of Keflex (Cephalexin) for treating skin infections can vary based on the severity of the infection and the patient's response to treatment.

• The dosage can range from 250 mg to 500 mg, taken at different intervals, such as every 6 hours or every 12 hours.
• A study published in 1991 3 compared the safety and efficacy of oral ofloxacin with that of cephalexin in the treatment of skin and skin-structure infections, with patients receiving 500 mg of cephalexin orally every six hours for 10 days.
• Another study from 1988 4 determined the comparative efficacy and safety of cephalexin hydrochloride and cephalexin monohydrate for treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, with a dosage of either 250 mg given four times a day or 500 mg given two times a day.
• A 1981 study 5 compared the efficacy of cephalexin administered twice a day to the same drug administered four times a day for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections, with both regimens being more than 97 percent effective.
• More recent studies, such as one from 2000 6, compared the efficacy and safety of oral moxifloxacin versus cephalexin in the treatment of uncomplicated skin infections, with cephalexin being administered at 500 mg three times daily for 7 days.
• Additionally, a 1991 study 7 compared short-course therapy of once-daily azithromycin with cephalexin (500 mg twice daily for 10 days) in the treatment of patients with skin and skin structure infections.

Dosage Considerations

When considering the dosage of Keflex for skin infections, it's essential to take into account the severity of the infection, the patient's medical history, and any potential interactions with other medications.

• The dosage may need to be adjusted for patients with renal impairment or other underlying health conditions.
• It's crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and treatment duration to ensure effective treatment and minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance.
• Patients should be monitored for potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal disturbances or allergic reactions, and report any concerns to their healthcare provider.