From the Guidelines
For uncomplicated cellulitis, the recommended dosage of Keflex (cephalexin) is 500 mg orally every 6 hours, or alternatively 1 gram every 12 hours, for a duration of 5-7 days, as supported by the most recent guidelines 1. The treatment duration may be extended to 10-14 days for more severe cases, but clinical improvement should be evident within 48-72 hours.
- Key considerations for treatment include:
- The typical adult dosage of 500 mg orally every 6 hours, or 1 gram every 12 hours
- A treatment duration of 5-7 days, with possible extension for more severe cases
- The importance of completing the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before completion
- The need for adequate hydration during treatment
- The choice of Keflex is based on its effectiveness against common causative organisms, particularly Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species, by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis 1.
- If there's no improvement after 48-72 hours, reassessment is necessary as this may indicate resistance, deeper infection, or an alternative diagnosis requiring different antibiotics or additional interventions.
- It is also important to note that the 2019 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline recommends a course of 5 to 7 days 1, which is consistent with the recommended treatment duration.
- The American College of Physicians also provides best practice advice for the appropriate use of short-course antibiotics in common infections, including cellulitis 1.
From the Research
Keflex (Cephalexin) for Uncomplicated Cellulitis
- The appropriate dosage of Keflex (cephalexin) for uncomplicated cellulitis is 500 mg, taken 4 times daily 2, 3.
- The treatment duration of Keflex for uncomplicated cellulitis can vary, with studies suggesting 7 days 2, 3 or 5 days 4 of therapy.
- Some studies have compared the effectiveness of cephalexin alone versus cephalexin plus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for the treatment of uncomplicated cellulitis, with no significant difference in clinical outcomes found 2, 3.
- Other antibiotics, such as clindamycin and moxifloxacin, have also been compared to cephalexin for the treatment of uncomplicated skin infections, with similar efficacy and safety profiles 5, 6.
Treatment Outcomes
- Clinical cure rates for uncomplicated cellulitis treated with cephalexin have been reported to be around 83-85% 2.
- Treatment success rates have also been reported to be similar between cephalexin and other antibiotics, such as clindamycin and moxifloxacin 5, 6.
- Factors such as fever and age less than 1 year have been associated with early treatment failures, regardless of the antibiotic used 5.
Safety and Adverse Events
- Cephalexin has been reported to have a similar safety profile to other antibiotics, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and clindamycin 2, 3, 5.
- Adverse events, such as nausea and headache, have been reported in patients taking cephalexin, but are generally comparable to those experienced by patients taking other antibiotics 2, 3, 6.