WHAT IS Keflex/Cephalexin?

CEPHALEXIN/Keflex is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It kills or stops the growth of some bacteria. This medicine is used to treat many kinds of infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Keflex/Cephalexin?

Keep out of the reach of children.

HOW SHOULD I USE Keflex/Cephalexin?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be at least 4 to 6 hours between doses.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Keflex/Cephalexin?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

If you have diabetes, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your doctor or health care professional.

WHAT ARE Keflex/Cephalexin TABLETS OR CAPSULES?

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM TAKING Keflex/Cephalexin?

WHAT DRUG(S) MAY INTERACT WITH Keflex/Cephalexin?

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Keflex/Cephalexin?

• probenecid/Benemid
• some other antibiotics

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER BEFORE I TAKE Keflex/Cephalexin?

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE TAKING Keflex/Cephalexin?

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Keflex/Cephalexin?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• breathing problems
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the eyes, skin
• severe or watery diarrhea
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• pain or trouble passing urine
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• nausea, vomiting
• gas or heartburn
• headache
• joint or muscle pain
• genital or anal irritation

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

HOW SHOULD I TAKE Keflex/Cephalexin?

WHERE CAN I KEEP MY MEDICINE?

 

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Keflex/Cephalexin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• stomach or intestine problems, especially colitis
• kidney disease
• breast-feeding
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• an unusual or allergic reaction to cephalexin/Keflex , other cephalosporins, penicillins, other antibiotics, medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.