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Cephalexin for Bladder Infection User Reviews

Brand names: Keflex

Cephalexin has an average rating of 6.7 out of 10 from a total of 106 reviews for the treatment of Bladder Infection. 60% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 27% reported a negative experience.

Cephalexin rating summary

6.7/10 average rating

106 ratings from 113 user reviews.

Compare all 61 medications used in the treatment of Bladder Infection.

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12%
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Reviews for Cephalexin

  • Leena
  • February 17, 2021

"Reading these reviews prior to taking this scared me. I had to call my urgent care's aftercare department and local pharmacy a million times before actually taking it. Let me tell you... IT WAS GREAT! I have a history of anxiety and panic attacks, and I especially get nervous taking new drugs. I'm a 23-year-old female that is completely healthy. I got a minor UTI from being in the pool and was prescribed Cephalexin 500mg for 7 days. I had panic attacks the first few days after taking it because of my FEAR of taking the drug and especially after reading these crazy reviews. After my 5th dose, I was completely fine. I finally calmed down and realized that it was legit my anxiety. I actually had no real side effects from this antibiotic, thank God! My infection cleared, and I feel great. I hope this eases someone's anxiety. I wish I had read something like this before taking it. Stay well, everyone!!"

10 / 10
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260 Report
  • lhano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 12, 2020

Keflex (cephalexin) "I have suffered with urine infections on and off for years and was always given Macrobid or trimethoprim which never cleared it up for long or completely, and also gave me severe side effects. A new doctor started me on Keflex and it has cleared it up properly - very minimal side effects if any."

10 / 10
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162 Report
  • Herma...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 2, 2019

Keflex (cephalexin) "I started with a bladder infection on Sunday. I was urinating every 10-15 minutes, and it was so painful and I felt a lot of pressure. I called the doctor, and I was put on Bactrim on Monday night. The Bactrim gave me the spins, constipation, and anxiety. It was a nightmare! After 5 doses of Bactrim, my infection kept getting worse. I called the doctor, and they switched me to Keflex. I started the Keflex at 9 pm, and in less than 24 hours, I felt much better. No side effects except a little bit of nausea and dizziness, so remember to eat when you take it. It is a miracle drug for urinary infections and bladder infections."

10 / 10
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153 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Shedoc
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • April 26, 2017

Keflex (cephalexin) "I have a double whammy: I have interstitial cystitis (which feels like a constant bladder infection), and on top of that I'm prone to actual bladder infections. I've learned to be able to tell the difference between a bladder infection and a cystitis flare-up. I have a lot of drug allergies and cannot take sulfa drugs or Cipro, which are commonly prescribed for bladder infections. Keflex has been the only antibiotic that I can take that doesn't give me any side effects and gets rid of the infection. It's saved my bacon on numerous occasions. I also prophylactically take Acidophilus orally to avoid yeast infections. It all works like a charm. I have NEVER had a bad side effect from Keflex."

10 / 10
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141 Report
  • Fatima
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 6, 2020

Keflex (cephalexin) "So I ended a Saturday at the ER, I ended up having a urinary infection a severe one. The PA prescribed Keflex 500 mg 7 Days - it really helped after 2 days but I noticed that it does bring out side effects on myself. I feel nauseous, tired, agitated, eyes feel hot, headaches even though I took 2 Advil it was still there. I also feel super anxious, I been having mood swings, I feel more sad and somehow more depressed than I’ve have been in the past. And I still have one more day to go"

8 / 10
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83 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Anonymous
  • May 9, 2011

Keflex (cephalexin) "It helped in getting rid of my bladder infection, but I was out in the sun for half the day doing some work outside, and I got horribly burnt and a bad sun rash. So just try to avoid the sun while on this medication."

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  • eisheth
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 27, 2020

Keflex (cephalexin) "I was prescribed Keflex twice a day for 7 days for UTI but I only lasted 4 days. Before I took this medication I had some anxiety, but no other mental health issues besides my ADHD. The 2nd day I took it I became psychotic. I was severely depressed, paranoid, convinced everyone was talking about me or working against me. I cried all day. My mind was racing & convincing me of all kinds of delusions about myself & those around me. I was having vivid disturbing nightmares. I couldn’t eat anything. Constantly felt like I was going to vomit & slept from the time I got home from work until the next morning when I got up for work. I have been on antibiotics before, but this was my first AND LAST time I will ever take this."

1 / 10
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84 Report

More FAQ

  • shiva...
  • December 31, 2015

"My symptoms : Strange pain at the tip of urethra (only at the end of my urination) and sudden increase in frequency of urination. Treatment: After three days of pain went to doctor she recommended cephalexin twice a day for 7 days (plus plenty of water !) Effects: Pain started to reduce within 2 days. Frequency is reducing slowly. This medicine definitely works!"

8 / 10
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114 Report
  • MMano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 15, 2021

Keflex (cephalexin) "Had a really bad UTI and was prescribed Keflex. I have a lot of anxiety when it comes to taking medications. I take Keflex with Zofran just as a precaution and also with food before I take it. No side effects besides some gas here and there. After taking the first dose my UTI symptoms started to go away within the first five or so hours. Keflex is always my go to when I have a UTI, it works so well!! Also after taking a pill I drink about 32oz of water with it"

10 / 10
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55 Report
  • Texas...
  • September 17, 2015

"I get UTI's every other month, due to an autoimmune disease. Nothing works well for me except Cephalexin 500 mg by Lupin, two per day for 5 days. No side effects at all, but some reviews here list 4 times daily. I wouldn't ever take that much, because it isn't necessary for me."

10 / 10
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111 Report
  • Dee...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 12, 2016

"I felt a UTI along with blood in my urine coming on right after I returned from vacation and contacted my doctor at 8am, he prescribed me Cephalexin 500mg 1 pill 3 times a day I started at 10am and by the end of the day the blood was gone and the pain substantially subsided. I'm still having the urination urges but I'm on the meds for 10 days total. I'm pretty confident it's gonna get the job done completely. I hate UTIs and don't get them frequently but if I get another I definitely would take Cephalexin again"

9 / 10
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101 Report
  • rinda...
  • February 17, 2009

Keflex (cephalexin) "I usually never have side effects from antibiotics, but I had moderate dizziness and nausea. The nausea is not bad enough to send me to bed all day, but it does interfere with my daily schedule and leaves me extremely worn out and fatigued. It is frustrating. I have to take it four times a day for ten days."

3 / 10
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154 Report
  • ms ng
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • March 21, 2015

Keflex (cephalexin) "Cystitis for what seems forever. Take Keflex 500mg, when an attack occurs. Told later by chemist who knew how often I get cystitis, could go on preventative 250mg daily so saw Dr. who said OK. After being months free, Dr said no, go off it for a while. Three weeks later, worst dose of Cystitis ever. Luckily have Keflex on hand so along with Ural, will be seeing Dr. very soon. What's the risk of being on a preventative dose every day?"

10 / 10
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97 Report
  • Anonymous
  • July 9, 2013

"I am very sensitive to antibiotics. Bactrim makes me nauseous, gives me a rapid heart beat, and makes me feel like I have a fever. Cephalexin on the other hand, doesn't make me feel sick at all. The only thing it really does it make me EXHAUSTED for the first 1-3 hours after taking the dose, and makes me feel high during that time. Not sure if that is a good or bad thing. However, if I stand up during this 1-3 hour time frame, I do get a little dizzy and slightly nauseous, but it's nothing. Overall, good medicine."

10 / 10
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101 Report
  • Jean
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 28, 2019

Keflex (cephalexin) "Took 500mg dose of Keflex twice a day for one week - I had a UTI. Side effects were diarrhea, headaches, felt depressed, upset stomach & nausea. Now I’m having stomach cramping. Just hope the urinary tract infection I had is gone after taking this strong antibiotic."

10 / 10
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52 Report
  • C93
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 19, 2013

"Been taking this medication everyday for about a year now as I have renal failure and recurrent urinary tract infection problems. No side effects at all for me. However, if I forget to take it one day I will get a infection nearly instantly so it's obviously working well."

10 / 10
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90 Report
  • Amanda
  • November 7, 2016

"Cephalexin is the only anti biotic that clears UTI'S for me. The GP's always tell me to try others but inevitably just prolong my infection until I finally get cephalexin. No noticeable side effects for me and always do the job. I literally cry with relief when I get these as I know within 24hrs I can get on with my life!"

10 / 10
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70 Report
  • LeeLee
  • December 1, 2014

Keflex (cephalexin) "I have suffered with reoccurring bladder infections or symptoms of bladder infections for the past 7 years without any relief up until this past April 2014 when I was referred to a specialist by my urologist who himself could not help me. I was prescribed Keflex by this specialist and it has seemed to be the miracle I have been needing up until a month ago when my symptoms reappeared. Not sure if my body has become immune to the Keflex but I am back suffering with on again off again symptoms making my life miserable."

9 / 10
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79 Report
  • JenTan
  • December 9, 2016

"I have urine infection with pain and blood . Doctor gave Keflex 500mg 3 times per day on 7 day course. After the third tablet on first day, the pain is almost gone and there is no more blood. Very happy and will continue to finish the whole course 7 days. Keflex works very well for me."

9 / 10
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65 Report
  • Kristen...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 10, 2016

"Commonly known as Keflex. I had burning when urinating, urgency, retention, bloating and went to the ER. The ER MD diagnosed me with bladder cystitis (progression from a run-of-the-mill UTI from -regretfully- ignoring the symptoms). I was prescribed 500MG Keflex 4 times a day, 2000MG/2G daily. Never took Keflex before, but I know it's been around a while, and works wonderfully. This is actually my first day (second dose in). I already feel a difference. It's true - this drug does make you sleepy (for some odd reason). I have not felt nauseous yet. Must take this with food, as always with any antibiotic - plenty of water too. Smells like rotten eggs, so toss it back and swallow."

9 / 10
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59 Report
  • KatJhn
  • February 21, 2017

"Was experiencing pressure in lower abdomen and urge to urinate frequently(approx 2 x's per hour sometimes more) Tried amoxicillin which did nothing. Was given cephalexin 500mg 2x's daily. First 3 days noticed a change. Only issue was a headache. Day 4 urination frequency was decreasing (once every 2-2 and 1/2 hrs) and most pressure/pain was gone. Continued to drink water, cranberry juice and kefir to restore good bacteria and prevent yeast infection/and/or another uti..apparently it's common for it to recur due to wiping out positive bacteria. Will finish 7 day regimen and start taking "Friendly Flora" in hopes of preventing future issues. I believe this antibiotic is working great & hope it knocks out infection completely."

9 / 10
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57 Report
  • Amangi
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 14, 2018

Keflex (cephalexin) "I have constant battles with UTI’s so I’ve taken a lot of different antibiotics. Keflex is definitely a good one but for me I have to take 500 mg three times a day so I get some side effects, mostly tired, stomach cramps and dizzy. It’s not bad though like some of the other ones I’ve taken. Before I had repeat infections I had the 500 mg twice a day dose and had very minor cramping from that dose. It’s my go to when I can take it. Drink lots of water with it too, it helps flush your system faster and get rid of the infection and it’s side effects quicker."

9 / 10
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45 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 14, 2010

"Have been taking this medicine for re-occurring UTI's; I take 500mg four times a day for 10 days. I have noticed that people have put mouth pain as a side effect, to be specific with me my tongue hurt which I found out it was "thrush". Easily taken care of with rinsing mouth out with colloidal silver or you can call your dentist and do what he/she recommends. I have had the abdominal pain and diarrhea however to relieve me of the UTI this was well worth it."

7 / 10
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86 Report
  • Drs
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 25, 2015

"I am 15 weeks pregnant and got my first bladder infection of the pregnancy, and hopefully the last as I'm sure I know what caused it. My OB prescribed Cephalexin 500mg twice a day for 7 days. I took my first dose last night. I took it on a somewhat empty stomach but because I was going to sleep didn't think too much of it. I woke up feeling a little dizzy and nauseated but already NO pain with urination! I'll just make sure to take it with food from now on. Overall this is a great antibiotic for me, someone who is pretty sensitive to medications."

10 / 10
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59 Report
  • Ash...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 4, 2020

"I was prescribed Keflex 500mg dose 4 times a day for a bladder infection. I’m sensitive to medicine but this seems to be the one that I’m not as bad with compared to others. I’m on my 4th day and I feel like it’s helping the symptoms of my UTI also have e coli in my urine so it treats both. At first I felt so nasty, sluggish, depressed, like I felt like I had the flu or just was really sick. Now in my 4th day I’m still tired, I also had the feeling of nausea that is starting to go away. I feel like even if it give you tiredness and some side effects just ride it out. It’s hard to do I feel like 7 days is just to long to take 4 times a day for an antibiotic but try to stick it out and see if the side effects start to fade as you take it more. I would rather take this instead if something that makes me have heart palpitations. Everything has a side effect so if you can bare it just try to push through it. Good luck to everyone hope I can finish mine"

9 / 10
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32 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.