Generic name: cephalexin [ sef-a-LEX-in ]
Brand names: Keflex, Biocef, Zartan, Panixine, Daxbia
Dosage forms: oral capsule (250 mg; 500 mg; 750 mg), oral powder for reconstitution (125 mg/5 mL; 250 mg/5 mL), ... show all 3 dosage forms oral tablet (250 mg; 500 mg)
Drug class: First generation cephalosporins

Medically reviewed by Kaci Durbin, MD. Last updated on Aug 13, 2023.

What is cephalexin?

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cephalexin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria, including upper respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections and bone infections.

Cephalexin is used to treat infections in adults and children who are at least 1 year old.

Warnings

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cephalexin or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Omnicef, and others. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, especially penicillins or other antibiotics.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to cephalexin or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Ceclor, Raniclor);

• cefadroxil (Duricef);

• cefazolin (Ancef, Kefzol);

• cefdinir (Omnicef);

• cefditoren (Spectracef);

• cefpodoxime (Vantin);

• cefprozil (Cefzil);

• ceftibuten (Cedax);

• cefuroxime (Ceftin); and others

To make sure cephalexin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had

• an allergy to any drug (especially penicillin);

• liver or kidney disease; or

• intestinal problems, such as colitis.

Cephalexin is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Cephalexin can pass into breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take cephalexin?

Take cephalexin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Do not use cephalexin to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Use cephalexin for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. This medicine will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Do not share cephalexin with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and blood in your urine.

What to avoid

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

Cephalexin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to cephalexin (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);

• unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath;

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;

• a seizure;

• pale skin, cold hands and feet;

• yellowed skin, dark colored urine;

• fever, weakness; or

• pain in your side or lower back, painful urination.

Common cephalexin side effects may include:

• diarrhea;

• nausea, vomiting;

• indigestion, stomach pain; or

• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect cephalexin?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• metformin; or

• probenecid.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with cephalexin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Popular FAQ

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use cephalexin only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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