Information About Cephalexin Monohydrate
Cephalexin belongs to a family of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. Cephalexin is employed in the treatment of infections of a bacterial nature, including upper respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.
You may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cephalexin does not produce effects on viral infections such as a common cold or flu.
Refrain from using this medication if you have displayed allergic reactions to cephalosporin antibiotics, including cephalexin and: cefaclor (Ceclor); cefadroxil (Duricef); cefdinir (Omnicef); cefditoren (Spectracef); cefixime (Suprax); cefprozil (Cefzil); ceftazidime (Fortaz); cefuroxime (Ceftin).
The oral suspension (liquid) form of cephalexin may contain sugar.
Cephalexin is in FDA pregnancy category B. Thus, it is not probable to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are lactating before using this medication.
Do not take an increased dose of this medication than recommended and do not use it for a longer period than prescribed.
Get emergency medical help if you notice adverse reactions to cephalexin: itchiness; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Contact your doctor at once if you experience any of these serious side effects: diarrhea that is watery or bloody; convulsions; fever, painful throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, disorientation or tiredness; easy bruising or bleeding, unusual feebleness; bewilderment, anxiety, hallucinations (seeing things that are not there); or urinating less than usual or not at all.
Other cephalexin side effects may include
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Before using cephalexin, tell your doctor if you are using drugs such as: a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, Riomet, Actoplus, Avandamet, Metaglip); or probenecid (Benemid).
Inform your doctor about all drugs you use, as there may be other drugs that can interact with cephalexin. Also inform your doctor about vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
