From the Guidelines
Keflex (cephalexin) should be dosed at 20 mg per kg per dose twice daily (maximum = 500 mg per dose) for 10 days in children with penicillin allergy. This recommendation is based on the strongest and most recent evidence available, specifically the 2013 guideline update for managing group A streptococcal pharyngitis by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) 1.
Key Considerations
- The dose of Keflex for children is weight-based, with a maximum dose of 500 mg per dose.
- The medication should be given twice daily for a total duration of 10 days.
- This dosing regimen is recommended for children with penicillin allergy, as an alternative to other antibiotics.
Important Details
- The IDSA guideline update provides strong, high-quality evidence for this dosing recommendation 1.
- It is essential to follow the recommended dosing regimen to ensure effective treatment and minimize the risk of adverse effects.
- Parents or caregivers should monitor their child for signs of allergic reaction or other side effects, such as diarrhea, stomach upset, or rash, and seek medical attention if necessary.
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 dosage of Keflex for a child is 25 to 50 mg/kg in divided doses. The dose may be administered every 12 hours for streptococcal pharyngitis and skin infections in patients over 1 year of age. For children with weights of
- 10 kg (22 lb): 1/2 to 1 tsp q.i.d. or 1 to 2 tsp b.i.d. for 125 mg/5 mL, and 1/4 to 1/2 tsp q.i.d. or 1/2 to 1 tsp b.i.d. for 250 mg/5 mL
- 20 kg (44 lb): 1 to 2 tsp q.i.d. or 2 to 4 tsp b.i.d. for 125 mg/5 mL, and 1/2 to 1 tsp q.i.d. or 1 to 2 tsp b.i.d. for 250 mg/5 mL
- 40 kg (88 lb): 2 to 4 tsp q.i.d. or 4 to 8 tsp b.i.d. for 125 mg/5 mL, and 1 to 2 tsp q.i.d. or 2 to 4 tsp b.i.d. for 250 mg/5 mL 2
From the Research
Keflex Dose for Children
There is limited information available in the provided studies regarding the specific dosage of Keflex (cephalexin) for children.
- The study 3 discusses the antimicrobial spectrum, pharmacology, and therapeutic use of cephalosporins, including cephalexin, but does not provide specific dosage information for children.
- The study 4 compares different antibiotic treatments for group A streptococcal pharyngitis, including cephalosporins, but does not provide specific dosage information for Keflex in children.
- The study 5 reviews the spectrum and potency of orally administered cephalosporins, including cephalexin, but does not provide specific dosage information for children.
- None of the other studies 6, 7 provide relevant information on Keflex dosage for children.
Available Information on Cephalexin
- Cephalexin is an orally administered cephalosporin antibiotic, as mentioned in study 5.
- Study 5 also notes that cephalexin was among the least potent and had the narrowest antimicrobial spectrum against the pathogens evaluated, compared to other orally administered cephalosporins.
Since there is no direct information available in the provided studies regarding the dosage of Keflex for children, it is recommended to consult a medical professional or a reliable medical resource for accurate and up-to-date information on the appropriate dosage of Keflex for children.