Cefalexin Pharmacology

Cefalexin

About Cefalexin
A first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.
Mechanism of Action of Cefalexin
Cephalexin is a 1st generation cephalosporin which exerts its bactericidal action against both gram positive & gram negative organisms by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cephalexin inhibits transpeptidase & thus prevents cross linking of bacterial cell wall. Transpeptidase & associated proteins constitute various types of specific binding proteins which have affinity for cephalosporins like Cephalexin

Pharmacokinets of Cefalexin
Absorption: well absorbed orally, food delays absorption, Distribution: widely distributed, Metabolism: not metabolized, Excretion: excreted mainly through urine; & small amount is excreted in breast milk
Onset of Action for Cefalexin
Within 1hour
Duration of Action for Cefalexin
Up to 12 hours
Half Life of Cefalexin
N/A
Side Effects of Cefalexin
1.Nausea
2.Vomiting
3.Diarrhea
4.Gastritis
5.Super infections
6.Candidiasis
7.Rash & hypersensitivity reactions
8.Joint pain
9.Vaginitis
10.Neutropenia
11.Tthrombocytopenia
12.Headache
13.Dizziness
14.Hallucinations
15.Nephritis
16.Elevated liver enzymes
Contra-indications of Cefalexin
1.Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins
2.Porphyria
3.Neuromuscular disorders.
Special Precautions while taking Cefalexin
1.Renal impairment
2.Those allergic to penicillins
3. Neuromuscular disorders

Pregnancy Related Information
May be used
Old Age Related Information
May be used
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution
Children Related Information
May be used
Indications for Cefalexin
1.Respiratory tract infections
2.Urinary tract infections
3.Surgical prophylaxis
4.Skin infections`
5.Joint & bone infections
6.Otitis media`
7.Reproductive tract infections`
Interactions for Cefalexin
Probenecid: Excretion of cephalexin reduced.
Aminoglycosides: Enhance half-life and potentiate nephrotoxicity.
Typical Dosage for Cefalexin
Adults: 0 .25 to 1gm orally three times daily or four times daily
Children: 25 to 100mg/kg/day orally four times daily
Infections caused by susceptible organisms:
Adults: 0.25 to 1gm orally four times daily
Children: 25 to 50mg/kg/day orally four times daily
Otitismedia:
Adults: 0.25 to 1gm orally four times daily
Children:75 to 100 mg/kg/day four times daily
Schedule of Cefalexin
H
Storage Requirements for Cefalexin
Store in a cool place.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Cefalexin
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Cefalexin
Symptoms of over dosage include neuromuscular disorders & some times seizure may get precipitated. Treatment includes removal of drug from the body by dialysis & supportive measures

Home Delivery for Cefalexin in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including cefalexin.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for cefalexin and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for cefalexin may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take cefalexin only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for cefalexin before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for cefalexin with the pharmacy.

Cefalexin is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for cefalexin might be better known than cefalexin itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have cefalexin in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for cefalexin.