From the FDA Drug Label
Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy category B Reproduction studies have been performed on mice and rats using oral doses of cephalexin monohydrate 0.6 and 1. 5 times the maximum daily human dose (66 mg/kg/day) based upon mg/m2, and have revealed no harm to the fetus. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed
Cephalexin (Keflex) is classified as Pregnancy Category B, which means that reproduction studies in animals have shown no harm to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed 1.
From the Research
Keflex (cephalexin) is generally considered safe during pregnancy, as it is a category B medication with no adequate studies in pregnant women showing risk, and animal studies have not shown harm to the fetus 2, 3. When considering the use of Keflex during pregnancy, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks. The medication is often prescribed to treat urinary tract infections, skin infections, and respiratory infections when necessary.
- The typical adult dosage is 250-500 mg taken orally every 6 hours, or 500-1000 mg every 12 hours, depending on the severity of the infection.
- Treatment usually lasts 7-14 days.
- Keflex works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, and it's effective against many gram-positive bacteria and some gram-negative bacteria.
- It's crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication. According to the most recent study 4, β-Lactams, such as cephalexin, are the preferred treatment for many common infections in pregnancy, including urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and upper- and lower-respiratory-tract infections.
- Other antibiotics, such as vancomycin, aminoglycosides, metronidazole, nitrofurantoin, and fosfomycin, are also included in the preferred therapy for some common bacterial and viral infections in pregnant patients.
- Clinicians should weigh antimicrobial dosing, pharmacokinetics, safety, and established effectiveness to optimize antimicrobial therapy in pregnancy. Always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy, as individual circumstances may affect recommendations 2, 4.