cephalexin – oral, Keflex

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is a cephalosporin antibiotic that stops the growth of bacteria. It does not work for viral infections like the common cold or flu. Using antibiotics unnecessarily or incorrectly can reduce their effectiveness.OTHER This section contains additional uses of this drug that may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Only use this drug for a condition listed in this section if it has been prescribed by your healthcare professional. It may also be used before dental procedures in patients with certain heart conditions (such as artificial heart valves) to prevent bacterial endocarditis. HOW TO USE: Take this medication orally as directed by your doctor, usually every 6 to 12 hours with or without food.If using the suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose. Measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because the dose may not be accurate.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dose is based on weight.Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is consistent. Take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.Continue taking this medication until you finish the full prescribed amount, even if symptoms improve after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue growing and result in a recurrence of the infection.Notify your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea may occur. If diarrhea persists or worsens, notify your doctor or pharmacist.Your doctor has prescribed this medication because they have determined that the benefits outweigh the risks of side effects. Many people using this medication do not experience serious side effects.Prolonged or repeated use of this medication may cause oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition known as Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea due to resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during or after treatment. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have any of the following symptoms because these products may worsen them. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool.A severe allergic reaction to this drug is rare. Seek medical assistance immediately if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of any other effects not listed above.In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking cephalexin, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, penicillins, other cephalosporins (such as cefpodoxime), or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Speak to your pharmacist for more information.Before using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have kidney disease or stomach/intestinal disease (such as colitis). The liquid form of this product may contain sugar. Use caution if you have diabetes. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on the safe use of this product.Notify your doctor or dentist of all the products you use before undergoing surgery, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions can alter how your medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. This document does not list all possible drug interactions. Make a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include vaccines containing live bacteria (such as typhoid, BCG).While most antibiotics do not affect hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring, certain antibiotics may decrease their effectiveness, potentially causing pregnancy. Examples include rifamycins like rifampin or rifabutin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine whether you should use additional reliable birth control methods while taking this antibiotic.This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including Coombs’ test, certain urine glucose tests), resulting in false test results. Notify laboratory personnel and all your doctors that you are using this drug in order to ensure accurate test results. OVERDOSE: If an overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. For US residents, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include severe/persistent vomiting, blood in the urine, and seizures. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. It has been prescribed specifically for your current condition. Do not use it later for another infection unless instructed to do so by your doctor. For a different infection, a different medication may be necessary. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, cultures) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

QUESTION

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one. STORAGE: Store the capsules and tablets at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep the suspension in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Ensure the container is tightly closed. Dispose of any unused portion after 14 days. Different brands of this medication may have different storage requirements. Refer to the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements of the specific product you are using. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Safely discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more information on how to safely dispose of your product. Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is meant to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It does not cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects, nor does it imply that the use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you or anyone else. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or starting or discontinuing any course of treatment.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is meant to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It does not cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects, nor does it imply that the use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you or anyone else. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or starting or discontinuing any course of treatment.