From the Guidelines
Keflex (cephalexin) is a suitable antibiotic choice for treating skin wounds, particularly for mild to moderate infections, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines 1.
Key Considerations
- The typical adult dosage of Keflex for skin wound treatment is 500 mg taken by mouth four times daily (every 6 hours) for 7-10 days, though some uncomplicated infections may be treated for 5-7 days.
- For children, the dosage is typically 25-50 mg/kg/day divided into four doses.
- Keflex works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis and is effective against many common skin pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species.
Important Precautions
- Before starting Keflex, ensure the wound is properly cleaned with soap and water, and apply appropriate dressing.
- While taking the antibiotic, it's crucial to complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve before finishing.
- Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.
- Patients with penicillin allergies should use caution as there is potential for cross-reactivity.
Monitoring for Treatment Failure
- If the wound shows signs of worsening infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or red streaks extending from the wound) despite antibiotic treatment, medical attention should be sought promptly as this could indicate treatment failure or a resistant infection requiring different antibiotics.
Guideline Recommendations
- According to the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, cefalexin is listed as a first-choice antibiotic for skin and soft tissue infections 1.
- The Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines recommend cefalexin as an option for treating impetigo, purulent skin and soft tissue infections, and non-purulent skin and soft tissue infections 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and/or Streptococcus pyogenes The treatment of skin wound with Keflex (cefalexin) is indicated for skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and/or Streptococcus pyogenes 2.
- Key points:
- Keflex is effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
- It is essential to perform culture and susceptibility tests prior to and during therapy to ensure the bacteria are susceptible to cefalexin.
- Renal function studies should be performed when indicated.
From the Research
Keflex Treatment for Skin Wound
Keflex, also known as cephalexin, is an antibiotic that can be used to treat skin wounds. The following points highlight its effectiveness and usage:
- Cephalexin is effective against streptococcal and staphylococcal skin infections, with cure rates of 90% or higher 3.
- It is comparable to other antibiotics such as erythromycin, clindamycin, dicloxacillin, and cloxacillin in treating streptococcal and staphylococcal infections 3.
- Cephalexin has been shown to be as effective as cefdinir in treating mild-to-moderate skin and skin-structure infections, with a pathogen eradication rate of 93% and a successful clinical response rate of 88% 4.
- The choice of antibiotic may depend on cost factors, as many antibiotics are similar in efficacy, palatability, and adverse reactions 3.
- Cephalexin is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects such as diarrhea, which was seen in 26% of patients in one study 4.
Comparison with Other Antibiotics
- Cephalexin has a narrower antimicrobial spectrum compared to some other orally administered cephalosporins, such as cefdinir, cefpodoxime, and cefuroxime axetil 5.
- Amoxicillin/clavulanate is more active against penicillin-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae strains compared to cephalexin 5.
- Cefdinir, cefpodoxime, and cefprozil are highly active against penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae and retain some activity against penicillin-intermediate strains 5.
Usage and Administration
- Cephalexin is typically administered orally, with a twice-daily dosage enhancing medication compliance 3.
- The suspension formulation of cephalexin is well-accepted by young children 3.
- The choice of antibiotic and dosage should be based on the specific infection being treated, as well as the patient's age, weight, and medical history.