Treats bacterial infections. Belongs to a class of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics.

Brand Name(s):Keflex, Cephalexin, ,Cephalexin Hydrochloride,Sporidex, Keftab, Bio-Cef.

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When Cephalexin Should Not Be Used:

You should not use Cephalexin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to cephalosporin medicine such as Ceclor®, Velosef®, or Suprax®.

How to Use Cephalexin:

Capsule, Tablet, Tablet for Suspension, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Cephalexin comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• You may take Cephalexin with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
• Shake the oral liquid well each time you use it.
• Measure your oral liquid dose carefully with a measuring spoon or a medicine cup.
• Keep using Cephalexin for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use Cephalexin, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of Cephalexin:

• Store capsules and tablets at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• You may keep the oral liquid in the refrigerator for 14 days. After that, throw away any unused liquid. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking birth control pills or probenecid (Benemid®, ColBENEMID®) while taking cephalexin.

Warnings While Using Cephalexin:

• Before taking Cephalexin, let your doctor know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin medicines.
• If you have severe diarrhea while taking cephalexin, check with your doctor before taking medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• Cephalexin may cause incorrect results with some urine sugar tests used by patients with diabetes.
• If you are pregnant or breast feeding, talk to your doctor before taking Cephalexin.

Possible Side Effects While Using Cephalexin:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Rash or hives
• Swelling of the face, throat, or lips
• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Severe stomach pain or vomiting
• Blistering or peeling skin
• Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Sore mouth or tongue
• Joint aches and pains

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Related Antibiotics:

Zithromax

Amoxicillin

Cipro

When Erythromycin Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any type of erythromycin.

How to Use Erythromycin:

Chewable Tablet, Tablet, Coated Tablet, Delayed Release Capsule, Delayed Release Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often.
• Best taken on an empty stomach, but may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs.
• Shake the oral liquid before each use.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• Swallow the coated tablet, delayed-release tablet, or delayed-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Erythromycin should be taken until it is gone, or until your doctor tells you to stop taking it.

If a dose is missed:

• May be taken as soon as possible.
• Take the rest of the doses for that day at times that are evenly spaced apart.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of Erythromycin

• Some brands of erythromycin are stored in the refrigerator and some may be kept at room temperature. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to store your medicine and when it should be thrown away.
• Keep Erythromycin out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking theophylline, blood thinners such as Coumadin®, Seldane®  or seizure medicines such as  Tegretol® or Dilantin®.

Warnings While Using Erythromycin:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Contact your doctor right away if you develop a skin rash or itching while taking this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver or kidney disease.

Possible Side Effects While Using Erythromycin

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Swelling of the face, throat, or lips
• Skin rash, hives or itching
• Difficulty breathing
• For erythromycin estolate (Ilosone®): severe stomach pain, weakness, or if the skin has a yellow color

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea or upset stomach
• Sore mouth or tongue
• Diarrhea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

RELATED

Antibiotics:

• Zithromax
• Amoxicillin
• Cipro
• Levaquin