From the Guidelines
Keflex is another name for the antibiotic cephalexin. Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that is commonly prescribed to treat various bacterial infections, including those affecting the skin, respiratory tract, urinary tract, ears, and bones 1. It works by interfering with bacteria's ability to form cell walls, ultimately killing the bacteria. According to the American Heart Association guidelines, cephalexin is recommended as an alternative to amoxicillin for individuals who are allergic to penicillins or ampicillin, with a dosage of 2 g for adults and 50 mg/kg for children 1.
Some key points to consider when prescribing cephalexin include:
- Completing the full prescribed course to ensure the infection is completely eliminated and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance
- Being aware of potential side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, and skin rashes
- Informing healthcare providers of known allergies to cephalosporin antibiotics or penicillins before taking this medication
- Considering alternative treatments for individuals with a history of anaphylaxis, angioedema, or urticaria after treatment with any form of penicillin, including ampicillin or amoxicillin 1.
It's essential to follow the recommended dosage and treatment guidelines to minimize the risk of adverse effects and ensure the effective treatment of bacterial infections.
From the Research
Alternative Names for Keflex
- Cephalexin is another name for Keflex, as mentioned in the study 2.
- Keflex is also known as cephalexin monohydrate, as stated in the same study 2.
- Other names for Keflex may include Keftab, which is cephalexin hydrochloride, as mentioned in the study 2.
Uses of Cephalexin
- Cephalexin is used to treat skin and soft tissue infections, as discussed in the study 2.
- It is also used to treat urinary tract infections, as mentioned in the study 3.
- Cephalexin can be used to treat infections in dogs, as shown in the study 4.
- It can also be used to treat bacterial arthritis, as suggested in the study 5.
- Cephalexin is used as a prophylaxis for recurrent urinary tract infections during pregnancy, as discussed in the study 6.