What is the dose of Cephalexin (Keflex) for skin infection?

From the Guidelines

For skin infections, Keflex (cephalexin) is typically prescribed at a dose of 500 mg taken by mouth four times daily, or alternatively 1 gram twice daily, for 7-10 days, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The dosage of Keflex for skin infections can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's age and weight.

• For adults, the typical dose is 500 mg four times daily or 1 gram twice daily, as stated in the guidelines 1.
• For children, the dose is based on weight, usually 25-50 mg/kg/day divided into four doses, as recommended by the guidelines 1. It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before finishing, to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
• Taking Keflex with food can help minimize stomach upset, a common side effect of the medication.
• Other potential side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain, and patients should contact their doctor if they experience severe diarrhea, rash, or signs of an allergic reaction. Keflex works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it effective against many common skin infection-causing bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, as supported by the guidelines 1. If symptoms worsen or don't improve within a few days, patients should contact their healthcare provider, as a different antibiotic may be needed, as recommended by the guidelines 1.

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.

• The usual adult dose for skin and skin structure infections is 500 mg every 12 hours 2.
• For pediatric patients, the total daily dose may be divided and administered every 12 hours for skin and skin structure infections 2.
• In severe infections, the dosage may be doubled 2.

From the Research

Keflex Dose for Skin Infection

• The recommended dose of Keflex (cephalexin) for skin infections can vary depending on the severity and type of infection.
• According to a study published in 2006 3, cephalexin 250 mg four times daily (QID) was effective in treating mild to moderate uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections.
• Another study from 1983 4 suggests that cephalexin remains an effective antibiotic for the treatment of streptococcal and staphylococcal skin infections, with cure rates of 90% or higher.
• A study comparing cephalexin and dicloxacillin for the treatment of staphylococcal skin infections found that cephalexin given twice daily was equally effective as dicloxacillin given four times daily 5.
• In patients with atopic dermatitis, cephalexin appears to be a preferential first-line antibiotic for the treatment of bacterial superinfections with S. aureus due to its restricted antimicrobial spectrum 6.
• However, it's worth noting that other antibiotics such as clindamycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole may also be effective in treating uncomplicated skin infections, including those caused by MRSA 7.

Dosage Considerations

• The dosage of cephalexin for skin infections typically ranges from 250 mg to 500 mg, taken every 6 to 12 hours.
• The duration of treatment usually lasts for 7 to 14 days, depending on the severity of the infection.
• It's essential to follow the prescribed dosage and treatment duration to ensure effective treatment and minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance.