Cefalexin (as monohydrate)

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Generic Name of Cefalexin (as monohydrate) - Learn More

Cefalexin (as monohydrate)

Cefalexin (as monohydrate) Precaution - What You Need to Know

Before using Cefalexin (as monohydrate), patients should consult with a healthcare provider to ensure its safety, particularly in the following situations:

- Allergy to Penicillins or Cephalosporins: Patients who have a history of severe allergic reactions to penicillin or other cephalosporin antibiotics may also be allergic to Cefalexin due to potential cross-reactivity. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of any known allergies.
- Renal Impairment: Cefalexin is primarily excreted through the kidneys. Patients with renal impairment may require dose adjustments to avoid the risk of drug accumulation and increased side effects.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Those with a history of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, particularly colitis or inflammatory bowel disease, should use Cefalexin cautiously, as antibiotics may trigger or worsen these conditions.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Cefalexin is categorized as Category B by the FDA for pregnancy, meaning it is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, it should only be used when necessary and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Cefalexin is excreted in breast milk, so breastfeeding mothers should consult their healthcare provider before use.
- Prolonged Use: Prolonged use of Cefalexin may lead to overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, such as fungi or Clostridium difficile, leading to superinfection. Patients should report any new symptoms, including diarrhea or fever, to their healthcare provider.

Cefalexin (as monohydrate) Indication - Uses and Benefits

Cefalexin (as monohydrate) is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including:

- Respiratory Infections: Used to treat infections of the upper respiratory tract, such as sinusitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis, often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae.
- Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Effective in treating cellulitis, impetigo, and other skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Used for cystitis and pyelonephritis caused by Escherichia coli and other uropathogenic bacteria.
- Bone and Joint Infections: Cefalexin may be prescribed for infections like osteomyelitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
- Otitis Media: It is also commonly prescribed to treat middle ear infections (otitis media) caused by susceptible organisms.
- Dental Infections: It can be used for infections related to dental procedures or conditions such as periodontal abscesses.

Cefalexin (as monohydrate) Contraindications - Important Warnings

Cefalexin (as monohydrate) should not be used in the following cases:

- Hypersensitivity: Patients with a known allergy to cephalosporins, penicillins, or any component of the formulation should avoid Cefalexin due to the risk of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
- Severe Renal Impairment: Patients with severe renal impairment (e.g., creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min) should avoid Cefalexin unless closely monitored, as the drug is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and dosing adjustments are necessary.
- History of Colitis: Cefalexin can cause Clostridium difficile-associated colitis (a type of diarrhea associated with an overgrowth of bacteria in the colon), particularly after prolonged use. Those with a history of colitis should use this medication with caution.

Cefalexin (as monohydrate) Side Effects - What to Expect

Common and serious side effects of Cefalexin (as monohydrate) include:

- Gastrointestinal Effects: These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Taking Cefalexin with food may help reduce these symptoms.
- Rash: Skin rashes are a common allergic reaction to Cefalexin and may indicate a hypersensitivity. Serious reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome are rare but require immediate medical attention.
- Allergic Reactions: Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema, or hives) can occur in sensitive individuals. Patients should seek urgent medical care if they experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness.
- Liver Effects: Elevated liver enzymes (e.g., ALT, AST) can occur in rare cases. Liver function tests should be monitored in patients who develop jaundice or right upper quadrant pain.
- Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea: Prolonged use of antibiotics, including Cefalexin, can lead to Clostridium difficile infection in the colon, resulting in watery diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.
- Renal Effects: Though rare, Cefalexin can cause kidney toxicity, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Monitoring of renal function is advised for these patients.
- Hematological Effects: Rare blood-related side effects include neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia.

Patients should seek medical advice if they experience any of these side effects, particularly severe allergic reactions or signs of liver or kidney issues.

Cefalexin (as monohydrate) Mode of Action - How It Works

Cefalexin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. As a beta-lactam antibiotic, it binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) on bacterial cell walls, preventing the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains. This weakens the cell wall, causing the bacteria to become unstable and eventually burst (lysis), leading to the death of the bacteria. Cefalexin is effective against gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, and some gram-negative bacteria. It is particularly useful in treating skin, respiratory, and urinary tract infections.

Cefalexin (as monohydrate) Drug Interactions - What to Avoid

Several drug interactions can influence the effectiveness or safety of Cefalexin:

- Probenecid: Probenecid, a medication used to treat gout, can reduce the renal excretion of Cefalexin, thereby increasing the drug's blood levels and prolonging its effect.
- Other Antibiotics: Cefalexin may interfere with the activity of other broad-spectrum antibiotics. If used in combination with other antibiotics, efficacy and side effects should be closely monitored.
- Oral Contraceptives: There have been concerns that antibiotics, including Cefalexin, might reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, although this is rare. Women taking oral contraceptives should consider additional methods of contraception while on Cefalexin.
- Anticoagulants: When used in combination with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), Cefalexin may enhance the effects of the anticoagulant, increasing the risk of bleeding. Regular monitoring of INR (International Normalized Ratio) is recommended.
- Live Vaccines: Antibiotics, including Cefalexin, can interfere with the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines, such as the typhoid vaccine.

Cefalexin (as monohydrate) Adult Dose - Recommended Dosage

The typical adult dose of Cefalexin (as monohydrate) is as follows:

- For mild to moderate infections:
- 250 mg to 500 mg every 6 hours.
- For severe infections:
- 500 mg to 1000 mg every 6 to 12 hours.
- The maximum daily dose should not exceed 4000 mg.

The dose may vary based on the severity of the infection, and dose adjustments are required for those with renal impairment.

Cefalexin (as monohydrate) Child Dose - Dosage for Children

For children, the dosing of Cefalexin depends on age, weight, and the severity of the infection. The typical pediatric dose is:

- For children over 1 year:
- 20 mg to 40 mg per kg of body weight per day, divided into 2 to 4 doses.
- For severe infections, doses may go up to 50 mg/kg/day.

For children under 1 year, Cefalexin should be used with caution and only when recommended by a healthcare provider.

As with any antibiotic, it is essential to complete the full course of treatment as

prescribed, even if symptoms improve before the course is finished, to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Cefalexin (as monohydrate) Renal Dose - Dosage for Kidney Conditions

For patients with renal impairment, the dosing of Cefalexin should be adjusted to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity. The adjustments are based on creatinine clearance (CrCl):

- CrCl 10-50 mL/min: Reduce the dose by half or extend the dosing interval (e.g., every 12 hours).
- CrCl <10 mL/min: Use with caution and further reduce the dose or increase the interval as needed. A dialysis dose adjustment may also be required.

Patients with renal dysfunction should have their renal function monitored regularly to adjust dosing appropriately.