From the Guidelines
For an abscess infection in the mouth, the recommended dosage of Keflex (Cephalexin) is 20 mg per kg per dose twice daily, with a maximum of 500 mg per dose, for 10 days. This dosage is based on the strongest and most recent evidence available, specifically for patients with penicillin allergy, as outlined in the IDSA updates guideline for managing group A streptococcal pharyngitis 1.
- Key considerations for Keflex dosage include:
- The dosage is weight-based for children, with a maximum dose of 500 mg per dose.
- The full course of 10 days should be completed, even if symptoms improve before finishing the prescription.
- Keflex works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it effective against many bacteria commonly found in oral infections.
- Important administration instructions:
- Take the medication with food if it causes stomach upset.
- Drink plenty of fluids while on this antibiotic.
- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen, if you develop severe diarrhea, or if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, or swelling.
- It's also crucial to note that dental abscesses typically require dental intervention alongside antibiotics, as the source of infection often needs to be addressed through procedures like drainage, root canal, or tooth extraction, as supported by the guideline 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
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 If daily doses of cephalexin greater than 4 g are required, parenteral cephalosporins, in appropriate doses, should be considered.
The recommended dosage of Keflex (Cephalexin) for an abscess infection in the mouth is 250 mg every 6 hours. However, for more severe infections, larger doses may be needed. It is essential to note that the maximum daily dose should not exceed 4 g. 2
From the Research
Keflex Dosage for Abscess Infection in Mouth
The recommended dosage of Keflex (Cephalexin) for an abscess infection in the mouth can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's age and weight.
- According to a study published in 1980 3, the daily doses used for adults were 1,000 mg and for children were 500 mg, given in two or four divided doses.
- Another study from 2009 4 investigated the clinical efficiency of amoxicillin and cefalexin in the empirical treatment of acute odontogenic abscess, but it does not specify the exact dosage of cefalexin used.
- A study from 2017 5 used a dosage of 500 mg of oral cephalexin every 8 hours for a total of 48 hours following cesarean delivery, but this is not directly applicable to abscess infections in the mouth.
- A study comparing cefdinir and cephalexin for mild to moderate uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections 6 used a dosage of 250 mg of cephalexin four times daily, but again, this may not be directly applicable to abscess infections in the mouth.
Considerations for Dosage
- The dosage of Keflex for an abscess infection in the mouth should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual patient's needs and the severity of the infection.
- It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and administration schedule to ensure effective treatment and minimize the risk of side effects.
- Patients should be monitored for signs of improvement or adverse reactions, and the dosage may need to be adjusted accordingly.