If you are taking the capsule or tablet form, do not chew or try to dissolve it in your mouth. It should be swallowed whole along with the water.
Dissolve the drug in 2 teaspoons of water. Stir the mixture until it is fully dissolved. Drink the solution immediately. To ensure that you have taken the entire dose, add water to the glass and swirl gently to collect remaining drug, then drink the water.
It is also crucial that you take the correct dose by using a measuring cup or spoon. Often the dose is given in milliliters (ml), so a medicine syringe (without a needle) is commonly used to measure the dose. If you do not have a measuring device, ask a pharmacist for one.
Liquid Cephalexin should be stored in the refrigerator. Do not freeze this medication. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days.
Never try to take double dose just to make up for the missed dose. This may lead to overdose and adverse side effects.
Cephalexin is effective against some gram positive and gram negative bacteria. These bacteria include bacillus, corynebacterium, clostridium, listeria, staphylococcus and streptococcus. Cephalexin does not exhibit any therapeutic effect on viral infection. It is also not used to treat methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
In some cases, Cephalexin serves as a prophylactic drug - meaning, it is used to prevent certain infections. For example, this drug is used to prevent bacterial endocarditis. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
Talk to your doctor if you still have symptoms of infection after taking all of your medication.
Some of the examples of cephalosporin are cefaclor, cefadroxil, cefdinir, cefditoren, cefixime, cefprozil, ceftazidime, and cefuroxime. If you notice, cephalosporin drugs start with ‘cef’. Remember this and you will be better prepared to avoid this drug. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or amoxicillin. You may have a higher chance of being allergic to cephalexin.
For example, Cephalexin contains sugar, so you might not want to take it if you have diabetes.
For example, some vaccines that contain bacteria such as typhoid and BCG may be affected by Cephalexin. In addition, some studies show that Cephalexin can interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. So if you are taking Cephalexin while taking pills, you might get pregnant. Other drugs that may interact with Cephalexin are Coumadin, metformin and probenecid.
Special tests, such as a skin test, can also be done to determine if you can safely take the drug.
upset stomach diarrhea vomiting mild skin rashes
difficulty breathing or swallowing unusual bleeding and bruising sore throat vaginal infection wheezing hives severe skin rash itching painful mouth and throat sores diarrhea that is severe, or with blood or mucus dark colored or decreased urine fever pale or yellow skin
