How to Take Cephalexin

Cephalexin is the generic name for brand-name medications such as Biocef, Keflex, Keftab and Panixine. Cephalexin is an antibiotic that can be used on its own or with other antibiotics to fight bacterial infections such as upper-respiratory infection, urinary-tract infection, skin infection and ear infection. Your doctor may also prescribe Cephalexin for other purposes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Prescription
• Cephalexin

1. Follow the instructions on the label of your prescription bottle unless told otherwise by your doctor. Read the instructions carefully. Do not take any more Cephalexin than you are prescribed, or for any longer than prescribed.

2. Take the pill form of Cephalexin with a full glass of water. If you have the liquid form of Cephalexin, use a special measuring spoon or cup to ensure you get the proper dosage. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have a measuring device.

3. Take Cephalexin for the entire time it is prescribed by your doctor. You may begin feeling better before the prescription is finished, but you should continue taking Cephalexin to the end of the prescription.

4. Inform your doctor if you need to have a medical test while taking Cephalexin. Cephalexin will cause you to have unusual results on some medical tests, so it is important to inform the lab so you are not misdiagnosed.

5. Store Cephalexin pills at room temperature and keep them away from extreme heat and moisture. Store the liquid form of Cephalexin in the refrigerator and dispose of any unused medication after 14 days.

Tips & Warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing before taking Cephalexin. Cephalexin should not harm your baby, but it would be wise to inform your doctor.
• Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, stomach disorder, intestinal disorder, diabetes or if you are malnourished. You may not be able to take Cephalexin in these cases, or your doctor may want to monitor you more closely.
• If you miss a dose of Cephalexin, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and continue taking Cephalexin as prescribed.
• Not-so-serious side effects from Cephalexin include mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, dizziness, vaginal itching, vaginal discharge and joint pain. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor.
• Do not take Cephalexin if you are allergic to Cephalexin, Ceclor, Ceftin, Omnicef, Duricef, Cefzil, Fortaz, Suprax or Spectracef.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you suffer symptoms from an overdose of Cephalexin. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and blood in your urine.
• Serious side effects to taking Cephalexin include confusion, irritation, hallucination, pale skin, jaundice, dark urine, easy bruising and bleeding, fever, confusion, weakness, sore throat, headache, blistering and peeling red skin rash, poor urination, watery or bloody diarrhea and seizures. Seek immediate medical attention if you suffer any of these symptoms.
• Be careful consuming alcohol while taking Cephalexin. You may experience stomach cramps, nausea, headaches, dizziness, light-headedness, facial flushing and sweating. Do not take Cephalexin if you are taking Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as Amikacin, Gentamicin and Neomycin. Combining these medications with Cephalexin could lead to serious side effects.
• Do not take Cephalexin if you are taking or have recently taken Heparin, Divalproex, blood thinners, Carbenicillin, Pentoxifylline, Plicamycin, Dipyridamole, Sulfinpyrazone, Ticarcillin, Thrombolytic agents, Valproic acid, Furosemide, Probenicid or iron supplements.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction to Cephalexin. Sign of an allergic reaction include hives, breathing problems and swelling in the face, throat, lips and tongue.

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