Drug without Prescription:
Cephalexin and Keftab are cephalosporin antibiotics. They are prescribed for bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, the middle ear, the bones, the skin, and the reproductive and urinary systems. Because they are effective for only certain types of bacterial infections, before beginning treatment your doctor may perform tests to identify the organisms causing the infection.
Cephalexin is available in capsules and an oral suspension form for use in children. Keftab, available only in tablet form, is prescribed exclusively for adults.
If you are allergic to either penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics in any form, consult your doctor before taking Cephalexin. There is a possibility that you are allergic to both types of medication and if a reaction occurs, it could be extremely severe. If you take the drug and feel signs of a reaction, seek medical attention immediately.
No Prescription:
Cephalexin belongs to a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. They are similar to penicillin in action and side effects. They stop or slow the growth of bacterial cells by preventing bacteria from forming the cell wall that surrounds each cell. The cell wall protects bacteria from the external environment and keeps the contents of the cell together. Without a cell wall bacteria are not able to survive. Bacteria that are susceptible to cephalexin include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, E. coli and several others.
Prescription is used for:
Cephalexin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria that are susceptible to the effects of cephalexin. Common infections that are treated with cephalexin include infections of the middle ear, tonsils, throat, larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis) and pneumonia. It also is used for treating urinary tract, skin and bone infections.
Prescription Side Effects:
Abdominal pain;
Abnormal liver tests;
Diarrhea;
Dizziness;
Fever;
Headaches;
Nausea;
Skin rash;
Vaginitis;
Vomiting;
Prescription Form:
Tablets: 250 milligrams,
Tablets: 500 milligrams,
Tablets: 1 gram;
Capsules: 250 milligrams,
Capsules: 333 milligrams,
Capsules: 500 milligrams,
Capsules: 750 milligrams.
Powder for Suspension: 125 milligrams/5 milliliters,
Powder for Suspension: 250 milligrams/5 milliliters.
Prescription Recommended Dosage:
ADULTS
Throat, Skin, and Urinary Tract Infections
The usual adult dosage is 500 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Cystitis (bladder infection) therapy should be continued for 7 to 14 days.
Other Infections
The usual recommended dosage is 250 milligrams taken every 6 hours. For more severe infections, larger doses may be needed, as determined by your doctor.
CHILDREN UNDER 15 YEARS OLD
Cephalexin
The usual dose is 25 to 50 milligrams for each 2.2 pounds of body weight per day, divided into smaller doses.
For strep throat in children over 1 year of age and for skin infections, the dose may be divided into 2 doses taken every 12 hours. For strep infections, the medication should be taken for at least 10 days. Your doctor may double the dose if your child has a severe infection.
For middle ear infection, the dose is 75 to 100 milligrams per 2.2 pounds per day, divided into 4 doses.
Keftab
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children.
The dose of cephalexin for adults is 1 to 4 grams in divided doses. Children are treated with 25-100 milligrams/kg/day in divided doses.
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