As a result, more of the drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects. This dosage information is for cephalexin oral capsule. All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:. The usual dose is mg taken every 6 hours, or a dose of mg every 12 hours may be given. If you have a severe infection, your doctor may give you a larger dose. Your doctor may double your dose for severe infections.
The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body. Your doctor may give you a larger dose if you have a severe infection.
However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.
Cephalexin oral capsule is a short-term drug treatment. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times. If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of this drug in your body. Symptoms may include:. Call your doctor or local Poison Control Center, or go to the nearest emergency room.
What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects.
How to tell if the drug is working: Your symptoms and your infection should go away if this drug is working. A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled.
Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. Your doctor may do blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working.
There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date.
However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.
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This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Drugs and Supplements Cephalexin Oral Route. Different antibiotics are used to treat different infections. Your doctor will choose the antibiotic based on which bacteria they think is causing your infection.
Cefalexin can only be given as capsules, tablets or a liquid, but some other antibiotics can be given as injections. Cefalexin does not affect contraceptive pills working, including the combined pill and emergency contraception. However, if cefalexin makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.
Look on the pill packet to find out what to do. Read more about what to do if you're on the pill and you're being sick or have diarrhoea. There is no firm evidence to suggest cefalexin will affect fertility in men or women. However, speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant. Page last reviewed: 20 March Next review due: 20 March Cefalexin - Brand name: Keflex On this page About cefalexin Key facts Who can and cannot take cefalexin How and when to take it Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.
About cefalexin Cefalexin is an antibiotic. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today? You'll usually start to feel better in a few days, depending on the type of infection you have.
The most common side effects of cefalexin are feeling sick nausea and diarrhoea. You can drink alcohol while taking cefalexin. It's important to keep taking cefalexin until you've completed the course, even if you feel better. Cefalexin can be taken by most adults and children. Dosage The dose of cefalexin can vary but for most infections you will take mg, two or three times a day. The dose may be higher for severe infections and lower for children.
Important Keep taking this medicine until you've completed the course, even if you feel better. How to take it Cefalexin can be taken with or without food. What if I forget to take it? What if I take too much? Non-urgent advice: Contact your doctor if:. Common side effects These common side effects happen in around 1 in 10 people.
Keep taking the medicine, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away: feeling sick nausea diarrhoea stomach pain Serious side effects Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1, people.
Call your doctor immediately if you get: severe diarrhoea that lasts for more than 4 days or contains blood or mucus pale poo and dark pee, yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes — this may be a sign of liver problems bruised skin Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, cefalexin can cause a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis. Information: You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme. What to do about: feeling sick — eat simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food while you're taking this medicine.
It might help to take your cefalexin after a meal or snack. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor. Important For safety, tell your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or if you're breastfeeding. There are some medicines that do not mix well with cefalexin.
Tell your doctor if you're taking any of these medicines before you start taking cefalexin : probenecid a medicine used to treat gout metformin a medicine used to treat diabetes medicines that make you pee more diuretics including furosemide other antibiotics Mixing cefalexin with herbal remedies and supplements Do not take cefalexin at the same time as zinc supplements or anything with zinc in it. Important For safety, tell your doctor or a pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
How does cefalexin work? How long does it take to work? What if I do not get better?
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