Cephalexin

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

Treats bacterial infections. Cefadroxil is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):Duricef, Biodroxil, Baxan, Cedrox, Cefadrol , Vepan, Droxyl, Duracef, Gruncef, Lydroxil, Odoxil

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When Cefadroxil Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any cephalosporin medicine such a Keflex®, Ceclor®, Velosef®, or Suprax®.

How to Use Cefadroxil:

Tablet, Capsule, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
• You may take your medicine with food to avoid an upset stomach.
• Shake the oral liquid well each time you use it.
• Carefully measure the oral liquid dose with a measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• Keep taking your medicine until your doctor tells you to stop, even if you feel better. If you stop taking the medicine too soon, your infection may come back.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of Cefadroxil:

• Store tablets and capsules at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and 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 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 birth control pills or probenecid (Benemid® or ColBENEMID®) while taking cefadroxil.

Warnings While Using Cefadroxil:

• Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin or if you have kidney disease.
• If you have severe diarrhea while taking this medicine, check with your doctor before taking medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• Cefadroxil may cause incorrect results with some tests used by patients with diabetes to check for sugar in urine.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using Cefadroxil:

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 vomiting or stomach pain
• 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
• Joint aches and pains
• Sore mouth or tongue

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

---

RELATED

Antibiotics

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

Brand Name(s):Ceclor Pulvules, Ceclor,Raniclor, Cefaclorum, Ceclor, Distaclor, Keflor

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

Cefaclor Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to cefaclor or to a cephalosporin medicine such as Keflex®, Velosef®, or Suprax®.

How to Use Cefaclor

Capsule, Liquid, Chewable Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• 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.
• You may take Cefaclor  with or without food.
• Shake the oral liquid well each time you use it.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Chew the chewable tablet thoroughly before you swallow it.
• Keep using Cefaclor 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 Cefaclor, 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 Cefaclor:

• Store the medicine in a closed container 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.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• 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 using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using Cefaclor:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have had an allergic reaction to a penicillin medicine. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, allergies, or a history of stomach or intestinal problems.
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using Cefaclor. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Raniclor contains phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU), which is a problem with amino acids. Talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you have PKU.

Possible Side Effects While Using Cefaclor:

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

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Severe vomiting or stomach pain.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
• Diarrhea that may contain blood.
• Blistering or peeling skin.
• Rash.

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

• Mild diarrhea.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.
• Nausea.

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