CEFALEXIN (CEPHALEXIN)

First generation orally active cephalosporin antibacterial

Dosage Forms

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Suspension

125 mg/ml

Uses

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  • Urinary tract infection (second line)
  • Respiratory tract infections
  • Otitis media
  • Sinusitis
  • Skin and soft tissue infections

Dose and Duration

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Prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infection
Adult:125 mg at night
All other uses

Treatment should continue for 3–10 days

Adult:500 mg every 8–12 hours. In severe infections, give 1–1.5 g every 6–8 hours
Child 5-12 years:250 mg every 8 hours
Child 1-5 years:125 mg every 8 hours
Child 1 month–1 year:125 mg every 12 hours
Neonate 21–28 days:25 mg/kg (max 125 mg) every 6 hours
Neonate 7–21 days: 25 mg/kg (max 125 mg) every 8 hours
Neonate <7 days: 25 mg/kg (max 125 mg) every 12 hours

Contraindications

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  • Porphyria
  • Galactose intolerance
  • Cephalosporin hypersensitivity

Side Effects

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  • Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort
  • Headache
  • Allergy, Rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Pregnancy

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  • Can be used

Breastfeeding

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  • Can be used

⚠️ Caution

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  • Use with caution in patient with sensitivity to beta-lactam antibacterials: discontinue if an allergic reaction occurs
  • Use with caution in impaired renal function; may require lower doses
  • Cefalexin can lead to false positive Coomb’s test