From the Guidelines
Cephalexin is another name for Keflex, a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. This medication is commonly prescribed to treat various bacterial infections, including those affecting the respiratory tract, skin, ears, urinary tract, and bones, as seen in the guidelines for managing group A streptococcal pharyngitis 1. The generic name, cephalexin, is used interchangeably with the brand name, Keflex. Key points about cephalexin (Keflex) include:
- It works by interfering with bacteria's ability to form cell walls, ultimately killing the bacteria
- It is typically available in capsule, tablet, or liquid suspension forms
- Common adult dosages range from 250 to 500 mg taken every 6 to 12 hours, depending on the type and severity of infection, with a recommended dose of 20 mg per kg per dose twice daily (maximum = 500 mg per dose) for patients with penicillin allergy 1
- Patients should be aware that cephalexin may cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, or allergic reactions
- Those with a history of penicillin allergy should inform their healthcare provider as there may be cross-reactivity between these antibiotic classes.
From the Research
Alternative Names for Keflex (Cephalexin)
- Another name for Keflex is mentioned in the study 2 as Keftab, which is cephalexin hydrochloride.
- This suggests that Keflex, which is cephalexin monohydrate, has an alternative formulation known as Keftab.
- The study 2 compares the efficacy and safety of cephalexin hydrochloride (Keftab) and cephalexin monohydrate (Keflex) in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections.
Key Points
- The alternative name Keftab refers to the hydrochloride formulation of cephalexin.
- Both Keflex (cephalexin monohydrate) and Keftab (cephalexin hydrochloride) are used to treat various infections, including skin and soft tissue infections.
- The studies 3, 4, 5, 6 provide information on the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of cephalexin, but only study 2 mentions an alternative name, Keftab.