From the FDA Drug Label
The usual adult dose is 250 mg every 6 hours 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 recommended dosage of Cephalexin (Keflex) for the treatment of cellulitis, which is a type of skin and skin structure infection, is 250 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours 1.
From the Research
The recommended dosage of Cephalexin (Keflex) for the treatment of cellulitis is 1000 mg taken orally every 6 hours, or alternatively 2 grams every 12 hours, for 5-10 days depending on severity, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 2.
Key Considerations
- The dosage may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's response to treatment.
- Treatment duration should generally continue until the infection has clearly improved and for at least 48 hours after symptoms begin to resolve.
- It is essential to complete the entire prescribed course even if symptoms improve before finishing.
- Cephalexin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it effective against many skin infection-causing bacteria, particularly Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species.
Important Notes
- Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen, if you develop a rash or diarrhea, or if the infection doesn't begin to improve within 2-3 days.
- Adequate hydration and elevation of the affected area can help support recovery alongside antibiotic treatment.
- The use of anti-inflammatory therapy, such as ibuprofen, may help hasten the resolution of inflammation and complete resolution of cellulitis, as suggested by a pilot study 3.
- However, the most recent and highest quality study 2 provides the strongest evidence for the recommended dosage of Cephalexin.
Additional Information
- Other studies, such as 4, 5, and 6, provide valuable information on the treatment of cellulitis, but the most recent and highest quality study 2 takes precedence in guiding clinical decision-making.
- It is crucial to prioritize the single most recent and highest quality study when making definitive recommendations, as it provides the most up-to-date and reliable evidence.