From the Guidelines
Keflex (cephalexin) is not the first-line treatment for skin wound infections, especially when considering the risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other resistant bacteria, as suggested by the 2011 guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1.
Key Considerations
- The choice of antibiotic should be based on the severity of the infection, the likely etiologic agent(s), and local resistance patterns.
- For mild to moderate skin infections, such as impetigo or secondarily infected skin lesions, mupirocin 2% topical ointment may be effective, as indicated in the 2011 guidelines 1.
- For more severe infections, including those with signs of systemic illness, associated comorbidities, or immunosuppression, broader-spectrum antibiotics like clindamycin, doxycycline, or linezolid may be necessary, as outlined in the guidelines 1.
Treatment Recommendations
- For nonpurulent cellulitis, where coverage against beta-hemolytic streptococci is desired, a beta-lactam antibiotic such as cephalexin (Keflex) may be considered, but with caution due to potential resistance issues, as noted in the 2014 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2.
- The dosage for cephalexin in adults is typically 500 mg orally four times daily, and for children, it is 25-50 mg/kg/day divided into four doses.
- It is crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before finishing, and to monitor for potential side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and allergic reactions.
Wound Care
- Clean the wound with mild soap and water before applying any topical antibiotics.
- Cover the wound with a sterile dressing that should be changed daily.
- If the wound shows signs of worsening infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, or fever, medical attention should be sought immediately.
From the FDA Drug Label
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. Skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and/or Streptococcus pyogenes
The recommended dosage for skin and skin structure infections is 500 mg every 12 hours for adults over 15 years of age 3.
- The drug is effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes 4.
- Keflex diagram for skin wound is not directly provided, but the dosage and administration information can be used to guide treatment.
- It is essential to note that culture and susceptibility tests should be initiated prior to and during therapy to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment 4.
From the Research
Keflex Diagram for Skin Wound
- Keflex, also known as cephalexin, is an antibiotic used to treat skin and soft-tissue infections 5.
- The efficacy of cephalexin in treating streptococcal and staphylococcal skin infections has been demonstrated, with cure rates of 90% or higher 5.
- Cephalexin has been compared to other antibiotics, such as moxifloxacin, in the treatment of uncomplicated skin infections, and has been shown to be as effective 6.
- The choice of antibiotic for skin infections may depend on factors such as cost, efficacy, and palatability 5, 7.
- Cephalexin has been shown to be effective against a range of gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae 8, 9.
- However, the in vitro activity of cephalexin against certain pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, may be limited compared to other antibiotics 8.
- The spectrum and potency of cephalexin and other orally administered cephalosporins have been reviewed, and cephalexin has been found to have a relatively narrow antimicrobial spectrum compared to some other cephalosporins 9.