From the Research
Keflex (cephalexin) is typically prescribed for 7-14 days for treating staph pneumonia, with the exact duration depending on infection severity and clinical response. The standard adult dosage is 500 mg orally every 6 hours, though this may be adjusted based on renal function and infection severity. For children, the dosage is usually 25-50 mg/kg/day divided into four doses. While Keflex can be effective against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), it's essential to note that it's not effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) 1. Therefore, culture and sensitivity testing should guide treatment. Patients should complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before completion to prevent recurrence and antibiotic resistance. During treatment, adequate hydration is important, and the medication should be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. If symptoms worsen or don't improve within 72 hours, medical reassessment is necessary as alternative antibiotics or hospitalization may be required.
Some key points to consider when treating staph pneumonia with Keflex include:
- The importance of completing the full course of antibiotics to prevent recurrence and antibiotic resistance
- The need for culture and sensitivity testing to guide treatment, especially in cases where MRSA is suspected
- The potential for side effects, such as stomach upset, and the importance of taking the medication with food if necessary
- The need for medical reassessment if symptoms worsen or don't improve within 72 hours
It's also worth noting that the treatment duration and dosage may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the patient and the severity of the infection. For example, a study published in 2020 found that twice- and thrice-daily cephalexin dosing regimens may be effective for treating MSSA infections in children 2. However, the most recent and highest quality study on this topic is the 2013 study published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, which recommends at least 14 days of antibiotic therapy for uncomplicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia to prevent relapse 1.
In terms of specific treatment guidelines, the following are recommended:
- For uncomplicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, at least 14 days of antibiotic therapy is recommended to prevent relapse 1
- For MSSA infections in children, twice- and thrice-daily cephalexin dosing regimens may be effective 2
- For patients with suspected MRSA, alternative antibiotics should be considered, as Keflex is not effective against MRSA 1