From the Guidelines
Keflex (cephalexin) should be dosed at 20 mg per kg per dose twice daily (maximum = 500 mg per dose) in children for 10 days, as recommended for patients with penicillin allergy. This dosing guideline is based on the strongest and most recent evidence available, specifically from the IDSA updates guideline for managing group A streptococcal pharyngitis published in the American Family Physician in 2013 1.
Key Considerations
- The dose is weight-based, emphasizing the importance of accurate weight assessment in pediatric patients.
- The maximum dose per administration is 500 mg, which is crucial for avoiding potential side effects while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
- The duration of treatment is 10 days, which is standard for most bacterial infections, including streptococcal pharyngitis, to ensure complete eradication of the pathogen.
Administration and Monitoring
- Keflex can be administered with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce gastrointestinal upset.
- It is essential to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before finishing the treatment, to prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Parents or caregivers should be advised to monitor for signs of adverse reactions, such as severe diarrhea or rash, and to contact their healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve after a few days of treatment or if they have concerns about the medication.
From the FDA Drug Label
Pediatric Patients The usual recommended daily dosage for pediatric patients is 25 to 50 mg/kg in divided doses For streptococcal pharyngitis in patients over 1 year of age and for skin and skin structure infections, the total daily dose may be divided and administered every 12 hours. Cephalexin Suspension Weight125 mg/5 mL250 mg/5 mL 10 kg (22 lb)1/2 to 1 tsp q.i.d.1/4 to 1/2 tsp q.i.d. 20 kg (44 lb)1 to 2 tsp q.i.d.1/2 to 1 tsp q.i.d. 40 kg (88 lb)2 to 4 tsp q.i.d.1 to 2 tsp q.i. d. or Weight125 mg/5 mL250 mg/5 mL 10 kg (22 lb)1 to 2 tsp b.i.d.1/2 to 1 tsp b.i.d 20 kg (44 lb)2 to 4 tsp b.i.d.1 to 2 tsp b.i.d. 40 kg (88 lb)4 to 8 tsp b.i.d.2 to 4 tsp b.i. d. In severe infections, the dosage may be doubled.
The recommended dose of Keflex (cefalexin) in kids is 25 to 50 mg/kg per day, divided into 2 to 4 doses. The dose can be administered every 12 hours for streptococcal pharyngitis and skin infections in patients over 1 year old. For kids with severe infections, the dose may be doubled. The dosage guidelines for kids are as follows:
- 10 kg (22 lb): 1/2 to 1 tsp q.i.d. (125 mg/5 mL) or 1 to 2 tsp b.i.d.
- 20 kg (44 lb): 1 to 2 tsp q.i.d. (125 mg/5 mL) or 2 to 4 tsp b.i.d.
- 40 kg (88 lb): 2 to 4 tsp q.i.d. (125 mg/5 mL) or 4 to 8 tsp b.i.d. 2
From the Research
Keflex Dose in Kids
- The provided studies do not directly address the dosage of Keflex (cephalexin) in children.
- However, study 3 reviews the spectrum and potency of orally administered cephalosporins, including cephalexin, which is relevant to understanding its use in various infections.
- Study 4 mentions cephalexin as one of the commonly prescribed antibiotics in the outpatient setting, but does not provide specific dosage information for children.
- Study 5 compares the efficacy of beta-lactam antibiotics (including cephalexin) with macrolides or lincosamides in treating cellulitis or erysipelas, but does not address dosage in children.
- Studies 6 and 7 do not provide relevant information on Keflex dosage in kids.
- There is no direct evidence from the provided studies to determine the appropriate dose of Keflex in children.