Cephalexin (Keflex, Keftab)

• Generic name: Cephalexin
• Brand names: Keflex, Keftab, Biocef
• Drug class: Cephalosporin antibiotic

Cephalexin is a semisynthetic, first generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is indicated for the treatment of:

• Respiratory tract infection (pneumonia, bronchitis, strep throat, or tonsillitis)
• Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
• Middle ear infection (otitis media)
• Sinusitis
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Irritation of the prostate (prostatitis)
• Skin and soft tissue infections (cellulitis, folliculitis, or impetigo)
• Mastitis during breast-feeding

Cephalexin without a prescription

Here you can buy Cephalexin - the generic equivalent for Keflex. It is generally less costly prescription than other cephalosporins.

Dosage	Quantity	Pharmacy	Price	Buy
500 mg	60 capsules	4RX	$30
500 mg	120 capsules	4RX	$56
500 mg	180 capsules	4RX	$81
500 mg	240 capsules	4RX	$105

Cephalexin Advantages

• Safe, well-tolerated, almost without dose-related toxicity. It is relatively safe antibiotic in pregnancy.
• Very low risk for allergic reactions.
• Rather effective for streptococcal throat infection (strep throat) and impetigo.
• Good treatment for superficial infections that result as complications of minor wounds or lacerations.
• Research have shown that ofloxacin and cephalexin are equally effective in the treatment of skin and soft-tissue infections.
• Food slows but does not decrease absorption.
• Because Cephalexin is absorbed high in the intestinal tract, it does not disturb the lower bowel flora.
• Kills bacteria by inhibiting synthesis of bacterial cell wall.

Cephalexin Drawbacks

• Very short half-life (50-80 min) requires 4 times per day dosing.
• Less effective than cefatrizine and cefaclor against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis.
• Not effective against many gram-negative beta-lactamase­producing bacteria.
• Not a choice for moderate or serious infections.

How to take

• Do not use cephalexin if you are allergic to other cephalosporin antibiotics (e.g. cefazcefuroxime).
• May be taken with or without meals.
• Check body temperature daily. If fever persists for more than a few days or if high fever (greater than 102°F) or shaking chills are noted, notify health care provider immediately.
• To clear up the infection completely you shoud take the full prescription course of Cephalexin.
• Mild diarrhea is common with antibiotic use. However, a more serious form of diarrhea (pseudomembranous colitis) may rarely occur. This may develop while you use the antibiotic or within several months after you stop it.
• Use Cephalexin with extreme caution in children younger than 10 years old who have diarrhea or an infection of the stomach or bowel.
• Cephalexin may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including Coombs' test, certain urine glucose tests), causing false test results.