Cephalexin for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection User Reviews (Page 3)

• Ashxoxo
• August 6, 2014

"Was given 500mg 3 x daily for 10 days for pimple like rash bumps all over body and for a bladder infection--today is my first day already experiencing ringing in ears- diarrhea-- blurry vision-- and a headache. Not too thrilled I guess I'll have to play this out carefully."

• Exper...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2021

Keflex (cephalexin) "I have a slight eye tissue infection. Optometrist suggested Keflex 2 a day 10 days. Let it be known I have experience taking a large amount of pharma’s over my lifetime. 3 hours into the first pill my back completely seized up and tightened. All my lumbar muscles to a came to an aching halt. Something I have never felt before in my life. I have competed in highly competitive sports my whole life and know my body well from years of training, and never in my life have felt weird muscle discomfort as I did taking this. Almost 24 hours after taking 1 pill I still feel the pain. It all depends on the person after reading other people not feeling any sort of discomfort from taking this stuff. I will not be taking this again."

• Glendo
• June 21, 2019

Keflex (cephalexin) "I was prescribed Keflex and within 5 hours of taking the first dose I developed and intense case of hives covering my upper chest and arms from elbow to elbow. The pain was intense. They took me off the Keflex and I got better, however, I still have issues with hives from even small scratches."

• Infec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2017

"I had a blister get infected on a cruise ship. The on board Dr put me on Cephalexen 4x daily at 500mg for 5 days. I've had insomnia from the get go. While awake, I had dizzy spells often, and bursts of anxiety. On night 3, I developed chills, and anxiety that woke me right up. I then vomited/diarrhea all night long. I'm currently awake on night 3 typing this. Chills have stopped but I'm holding nothing down."

• Anonymous
• May 2, 2016

"I had a fungal toenail infection, went to doctor, prescribed Cephalexin 500 mg cap 2 twice daily. As I have IBS, took it with food to not upset my stomach, 1st 2, no affect but when I took the next two thought I was going to die, I woke up at 2 am with severe stomach pain, nausea, dizzy, I was draped over the bathroom counter thought I was going to pass out, within 10 mins my hair was soaking wet & had perspiration running down my face and having diarrhea at the same time I live alone, 73 was considering calling 911. next 2 mornings I saw that my gums had been bleeding, not red but dark purplish black, as I have dentures, in was inside and between my teeth, found it can cause gum bleeding. Talked to pharmacy said to stop it. Never again."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2016

"My 17 year old son is allergic to sulfa based antibiotics (he gets hives everywhere), but he keeps getting staph infections (like boils) so this time he was given Cephalexin. He got through his whole 10 days of taking it twice daily, just finished last Thursday, The negative side effects kicked in Saturday, Sunday & Monday. Stomach pain, chills, fever, tightness in chest, frequent urination, restlessness, anxiousness and sleeplessness. He's really freaked out about it. The inability to sleep is what's actually most upsetting because it makes you feel more anxious and crazy after a few days. The crappy thing is - he just has to wait and wait until it clears out of his system. Poor kid. This sucks."

• cysts...
• February 21, 2009

"I get blurry vision and mild headaches when I take cephalexin. But I get golf ball size cysts on my face and cephalexin really helps. I just had one developing and started taking it before it got out of control; helped so much. I can at least still go to work."

• Chris
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 23, 2019

"I was given this antibioitic cephalexin for a stab wound accidentally self inflicted. I feel horrible. I have low to no energy. I'm sitting in the bathroom with diarrhea and nausea. This is my first day on it. I do think I can tolerate it."

• Saydie
• November 9, 2017

"I fell and put two deep gashes on my shin, which then became infected. I think (hope) this has taken care of the bacterial infection. The injury still looks somewhat inflamed but MUCH better than it was, five weeks ago. Dr originally prescribed Cipro which came with FOUR letter-size warnings pages!! Mostly having to do with susceptibility to tendon ruptures, Achilles, most common. No thanks!! Asked for something else and got Cephalexin (Keflex). Had zero side effects and I'm one who always assumes I will have some sort of reaction. Nope! Not with this. Hope everyone fares as well."

• UNC
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2022

Keflex (cephalexin) "20 yo son took Keflex generic at 7am Friday for a gross shin wound. After 3 doses, by Saturday afternoon, he had a fever of 102.6. The hospital deemed him covid positive via a rapid test, though son only had a fever as symptoms of anything. The staff seemed excited to tell each of me, hubby, and my parents without son’s permission. Hubby and I each tested negative on non-rapid tests this morning. We will continue Keflex until the dosage is complete, but I would not take this med or allow my son to take it again. My mother is allergic to Keflex. It makes her itch and choke. I’m very certain the Keflex is causing my son’s fever, but covid is a payday, so we just have to deal with it. **He is allergic to amoxicillin"

• Never...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 12, 2018

"I was prescribed Cephalexin 500 mg 3X day for 10 days. From first day I had stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, anxiety, confusion and heart palpitations. At first I thought all of these issues were from being sick and lack of sleep. By day two I knew it was this medicine. I went down to two doses a day but by day 5 I had to stop taking it. Worst drug ever! The smell of the drug is a cross between a rotting dead animal and rotten eggs, never again will I touch this drug. Usually I read drug info before starting a drug but I was so sick I failed to do this first. Going forward I will not make this mistake. I experienced too many side effects from this drug."

• shonee
• August 22, 2017

"The last time I've taken keflex was 4 years ago have always taken it with no problems. I just got a infected ingrown toenail and I've had it for 2 months the doc gave me keflex which I take it 2 times a day. I'm on my 3rd day and I've noticed some things I've never had before. I feel a bit dizzy, I'm hot, heart racing more then normal and going to toilet more often. I think they might've changed the drug or ingredients I wish they just leave things alone and to stop short cutting things"

• Anonymous
• May 13, 2010

"Great experience with it, clears up acne quickly. I was having issues with getting pimples on my head. It was great with clearing it up but it comes back after about a month or so. The only side effect is going to the bathroom 3-5 times a day. I go on and off it as needed. Love this site."

• Ginger
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2018

"I was prescribed Cephalexin by a doctor at a hospital I visited when my arm swelled up and the rash I had got very severe. I had been exposed to Poison Sumac three weeks prior and it just went nuts in that third week. When the swelling entered my hand, I knew I was in trouble. I was prescribed Prednisone which got rid of the swelling splendidly and Cephalexin to deal with the infection. The Cephalexin dosage was 4 per day for 7 days. It made me overly anxious, I had trouble sleeping, my stomach was little upset, and I ended up with vaginal discharge (really yucky), but it was so important to get rid of that infection, I took the entire prescription. My arm is in much better shape though not 100% yet. I am satisfied with the positive results."

• Peach
• April 2, 2013

"Penicillin VK did -0-; Keflex cleared up a BAD infection from getting a 2 inch splinter out of the upper half of the bottom of my foot. Side effects were miserable: PAIN, fatigue, constipation; now 6 days since last doses. STILL, Keflex cleared up the infection that had a BROWN/YELLOW discharge. A STRANGE antibiotic, but I'd rather have pain than cellulitis."

• alway...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2018

"Prescribed cephalexin for a fingernail infection because I asked for an "easy on the stomach" antibiotic. 4 times a day for 7 days, what a nuisance. First few doses I took definitely made me nauseous, but now I am taking it with food and lots of water and I notice less nausea. I also feel my anxiety is worsened a bit and I keep getting hot flashes...not normal for me! Wonder if it's another side effect. But nonetheless, my infection started healing within 24 hours and it's doing it's job."

• Anonymous
• December 4, 2009

"This drug did kill the staph infection that my husband was suffering, but the side effects have been miserable. His joints are extremely painful and swollen, his knees so swollen. He has never had painful joints before -- he is a healthy 32 year old who has not been on antibiotics since elementary school, and this drug really knocked him out."

• Missk
• February 25, 2018

"Hello, I wanted to share my experience with Keflex AKA cephalexin. My son had some sort of skin boil according to my doctor anyway I thought it was some sort of infection that may have been contagious. Anyway it cleared up now I'm getting a boil looking thing it's warm to the touch on my leg. I'm thinking I got it from swiping up against my son. Anyway I'm on day two of Keflex I have no reaction that are bad and it also clears up whatever is going on and it also is great for if you have other bug bites on you takes the swelling down and makes them heal within 2 days great drug...."

• Brooke
• March 6, 2018

"I went on Cephalexin for the beginning of a staph infection caused by an ingrown hair on my bikini line- I'm currently on day 5 of my 7 day treatment and my infection is fully healed. Pleasant experience overall- no side effects besides headaches the first 2 days but minor; pain relievers not needed. However, I didn't consume alcohol or caffeine for the entirety of the treatment as I was advised that Cephalexin enhances side effects caused by alcohol and coffee such as drowsiness, dizziness, upset stomach, ect. I had a Chai drink containing a very little amount of caffeine- I got dizzy and very anxious within the hour of drinking it; never happened to me before despite countless times having the drink so I related it to the drug, further exemplifying how much the medication enhances both physiological and neurological effects of substances such as caffeine. I recommend this medication, but use with caution- no caffeine or alcohol."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 13, 2021

"I had a 500 mg dose/every 6 hours. I got something called a brain zap! It was terrifying. Days 4-10 every time I tried to fall asleep it felt like an electric current ran through my head a startled me awake. I’ve never felt that in my life. It got so bad I stayed up for 2 days straight. I woke up panicking every time. It was terrible. I usually have anxiety once or twice a week but this medication amplified my anxiety x10. I got at least 3 anxiety attacks a days like 30 min or more at a time. Other than that I had trouble breathing and slight body aches but the worst of it was the brain zaps and anxiety. My infection was completely gone in 2 days and clean almost pain free. Effective in that way absolutely BUT was not worth the side effects at all. If you have an option to take a different antibiotic I would recommend you do that!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2019

"Took as directed by doctor for two weeks to treat Folliculitis. Within a couple days of completing the Folliculitis is back worse than ever. All it did was endless diarrhea for two weeks straight. This medication was useless."

• Anonymous
• February 6, 2017

"I started on this medication and noticed rapid heart beat. I hate it - it makes me feel miserable I'm on 4 doses a day of 500mg. This makes it to difficult for me. I even took my blood pressure medication no help and I can't sleep. I will go to ER tomorrow for another solution if possible. This is so scary Medication too strong for me."

• AmberWV
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2018

"Keflex is an excellent antibiotic for skin abscesses. I was given Keflex for an ingrown hair that became terribly infected and the infection ended up spreading to other parts of my body. After just my second dose of it I already notice a considerable difference in the amount of pain and swelling, both are much less. Some people experience terrible side effects from Keflex but I've never experienced any negative side effects while taking it but you must eat with it and taking probiotics is an excellent idea."

• Lindacw
• November 3, 2016

"I got a flu shot and the next morning I woke up with fever, pounding headache and a large red swelling on my arm with streaks that connected to the lymph nodes. I was diagnosed with cellulitis. I was clearly not swabbed well enough, if at all (can't remember). I started on 3 doses of Cephalexin 500 per day, but got worse the first day and ended up in ER. The ER doc bumped me up to 4 doses. It has pretty much cleared it up. The exhaustion has been horrific, and at times I'm dizzy. No diarrhea, but sometimes I become extremely nauseous. It strikes me out of nowhere. I find that taking Zantac helps. I'm also really, achy and all around unwell. One pill to go and I can't wait. But, the stuff works or I'd have developed sepsis, so all good."

• Hedda...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2020

"Had cosmetic surgery six weeks ago, including me a decent amount of liposuction. I’ve had cosmetic surgery before, but never a huge amount of swelling that occurred right after surgery. The swelling was so bad my sutures were becoming dislodged and infected. Doctors could not figure out what was causing the swelling, so an urgent care physician Prescribed Keflex. Within the first day, the swelling was noticeably down. I was thrilled beyond belief! I had no side effects, was prescribed 500 mg three times a day. Very happy."