Cephadex 250mg Tablet

Cephalexin is used for bacterial infections caused by organisms susceptible to the medicine. Established uses include:

• Respiratory tract infections

• Ear infections, including otitis media

• Skin and skin-structure infections

• Bone infections

• Genitourinary infections, including selected urinary tract infections

• Some product information also lists dental infections and other infections caused by susceptible organisms.

The exact antibiotic choice depends on the suspected organism, infection site, local resistance patterns and clinical assessment. Cephalexin should not be used simply because symptoms resemble a bacterial infection.

Cephalexin is a beta-lactam cephalosporin antibiotic. It interferes with bacterial cell-wall synthesis, weakening the cell wall and preventing susceptible bacteria from maintaining their structural integrity. This antibacterial action helps clear infections caused by organisms sensitive to cephalexin.

It does not work against viruses, so it is not appropriate for conditions such as influenza or most common colds. Using antibiotics when they are unnecessary can contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

Cephalexin dosing depends on the infection, age, kidney function, severity and susceptibility of the bacteria. The following is general label-based information, not an individual prescription.

Patient group / situation	General reference
Adults and ≥15 years	U.S. labeling lists 250mg every 6 hours as a usual dose; 500mg every 12 hours may be used in appropriate situations
Children >1 year	Common label range is 25–50mg/kg/day in divided doses; higher ranges may be used for severe infections or specific indications
Treatment duration	Commonly 7–14 days depending on infection and response
Kidney impairment	Dose adjustment is required in severe renal impairment

Take Cephadex exactly as prescribed and space doses as directed. Do not double a missed dose or change the duration yourself.

Cephalexin tablets can generally be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet with water and follow the prescribed schedule.

• Complete the prescribed course unless your healthcare professional tells you otherwise.

• Do not use leftover antibiotics for a new illness.

• Tell your prescriber if you have significant kidney disease because the dose may need adjustment.

• Inform your healthcare professional about previous reactions to cephalosporins or penicillin-type antibiotics.

• If symptoms are not improving after a few days or are getting worse, seek medical advice rather than increasing the dose yourself.

Common adverse effects can include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion and abdominal discomfort. Most are mild, but persistent or severe symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Important points include:

• Allergic reactions: Rash, hives, swelling or breathing difficulty require prompt medical attention.

• Severe diarrhoea: Persistent or bloody diarrhoea can indicate C. difficile-associated disease.

• Probenecid: Can reduce renal excretion of cephalexin and is generally not recommended with it.

• Metformin: Some current U.S. labeling advises monitoring because cephalexin may increase metformin concentrations.

• Cephalexin may produce a false-positive urine glucose test with some testing methods.

Do not take Cephadex if you have a known serious allergy to cephalexin or another cephalosporin. Tell your doctor if you have previously experienced an allergic reaction to penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics because cross-reactivity can occur. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported.

Use extra caution in people with significant kidney impairment, because reduced clearance can increase drug exposure and may require dose adjustment. Cephalexin can also cause antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, including Clostridioides difficile infection; severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea warrants medical assessment. Rare blood-related reactions and other serious adverse effects are possible.

Cephalexin can generally be used during pregnancy when clinically appropriate, but pregnancy and breastfeeding should still be discussed with a healthcare professional. Children require age- and weight-appropriate dosing rather than automatically receiving an adult tablet regimen. Do not use Cephadex for viral infections, and do not share antibiotics with another person.

This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a doctor, pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional.