What is Keflex?
Keflex is a beta-lactam antibacterial medicine the active ingredient of which is Cephalexin. This is an antibiotic from the group of cephalosporin of the 1st generation which is resistant to the action of beta-lactamase, and to which bacteria have poor resistance.
The bactericidal action of Keflex is manifested as to gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. The only drawback of this drug is its weak influence on aerobic microorganisms and mycobacteria of tuberculosis which are not treatable by Cephalexin.
Cephalexin is one of the first antibiotics on the pharmaceutic market which appeared in the middle of XX century. Keflex is actively used in the medical practice nowadays.
A fast therapeutic effect occurs during the use of Keflex. It acts bactericidally as to microorganisms. Cephalexin penetrates into the cells of the causative agents of the infection with blood and affects the internal cellular wall. As a result of the direct action of Cephalexin to the cellular wall of bacteria, it is broken and the intracellular microorganisms starts dying without the external protection.
Keflex penetrates into most tissues of the organs and liquids: lungs, kidneys, liver, and heart. It has been clinically proved that Cephalexin penetrates through placenta and can be in the breast milk. Therefore, there are some restrictions during the use of Keflex during pregnancy.
Directions for the use of Keflex:
- Infectious diseases of the respiratory tract caused by susceptible bacteria to Keflex: pharyngitis, pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, lung abscess, chronic bronchitis
- Inflammatory diseases of ENT: otitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis
- Inflammatory infections of the genitourinary system: acute and chronic pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, gynecological infections, gonorrhea
- Inflammatory infections of the skin, bones and joints: furunculosis, abscess, osteomyelitis
In what dose is Keflex used?
- To have a fast antibacterial effect, it is necessary to take high doses of Keflex
- The pills are entirely taken with a full glass of water every 6-8 hours within a day
- The treatment should be started from the minimal daily dose of Keflex 500 mg 4 times per day (a general daily dose 2 g)
- In case of the poor antibacterial effect and increased disease symptoms, the dose can be increased up to 1 g of Keflex 4 times per day (a general daily dose 4 g)
- The maximal daily dose of Keflex is 6g but it can be used only for severe infectious processes and under the supervision of a doctor
- Children under 12 years are prescribed the dose by a doctor according to the individual characteristics: age, body weight, type of infection, and sensitivity to cephalosporin.
- The treatment lasts for 7-10 days during the inflammatory infections of the middle severity level.
Who is contraindicated to take Keflex?
- As Cephalexin penetrates through the placental barrier and breast milk, women during pregnancy and lactation are contraindicated to take this antibiotic
- Patients with chronic/acute dysfunctions of kidneys should lower the daily dose.
What side effects are caused by Keflex?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, poor appetite, stomachache, dizziness, and weakness are the side effects which may occur in the first days of the Keflex usage.
The side effects are often caused by the body reaction to the pharmacological action of the drug but not its toxicity. The unwanted side effects completely disappear within 2-3 days together with the decreased disease symptoms.
If you feel better, and the side effects still bother you, you should see a doctor or pharmacist. Perhaps you may need a lower dose of Keflex.
