Details About Generic Salt ::  Cephalex

Main Medicine Class:: Antibiotic,cephalosporin   

(seh-fuh-LEX-in)

Biocef, Keflex, Keftab,  APO-Cephalex, Novolexin, Nu-Cephalex

Class: Antibiotic/cephalosporin

 

Drugs Class ::

 Action Inhibits mucopeptide synthesis in bacterial cell wall.

Indications for Drugs ::

 Indications Treatment of infections of respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin and skin structures and bone; treatment of otitis media due to susceptible strains of specific microorganisms.

Drug Dose ::

 Route/Dosage

ADULTS: PO 1–4 g/day in divided doses (maximum 4 g/day). CHILDREN: PO (cephalexin monohydrate only) 25–100 mg/kg/day in divided doses.

Contraindication ::

 Contraindications Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.

Drug Precautions ::

 Precautions

Pregnancy: Category B. Lactation: Excreted in breast milk. Children: Safety and efficacy of cephalexin HCl monohydrate (Keftab) in children not established. Cephalosporins may accumulate in neonates. Hypersensitivity: Reactions range from mild to life-threatening. Administer drug with caution to penicillin-sensitive patients due to possible cross-reactivity. Pseudomembranous colitis: Should be considered in patients in whom diarrhea develops. Renal impairment: Use drug with caution in patients with renal impairment. Dosage adjustment based on renal function may be required. Superinfection: May result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth of non-susceptible microorganisms.

PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS

Drug Side Effects ::

 Adverse Reactions

GI: Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; anorexia; abdominal pain or cramps; flatulence; colitis, including pseudomembranous colitis. GU: Pyuria; renal dysfunction; dysuria; reversible interstitial nephritis; hematuria; toxic nephropathy. HEMA: Eosinophilia; neutropenia; lymphocytosis; leukocytosis; thrombocytopenia; decreased platelet function; anemia; aplastic anemia; hemorrhage. HEPA: Hepatic dysfunction; abnormal liver function test results. OTHER: Hypersensitivity, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis; candidal overgrowth; serum sickness—like reactions (eg, skin rash, polyarthritis, arthralgia, fever).

Drug Mode of Action ::  

 Action Inhibits mucopeptide synthesis in bacterial cell wall.

Drug Interactions ::

 Interactions

Probenecid: Inhibition of renal excretion of cephalexin.

Drug Assesment ::

 Assessment/Interventions

• Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies. Note renal impairment and allergy to cephalosporins or penicillins.
• Obtain specimens for culture and sensitivity before beginning therapy and periodically during treatment.
• Monitor renal function carefully during treatment.
• Monitor for signs of infection, especially fever, and positive response to antibiotic therapy.
• Assess for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis (shortness of breath, wheezing, laryngeal spasm). Have resuscitation equipment available.
• Assess for signs of superinfection, such as vaginitis or stomatitis.
• Assess for diarrhea with blood or pus, which may be symptom of pseudomembranous colitis. Symptoms may occur after antibiotic treatment.

OVERDOSAGE: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS   Seizures

Drug Storage/Management ::

 Administration/Storage

• Administer with food or milk if GI upset occurs. Food slows but does not decrease absorption.
• Shake oral suspension well before administering. Space doses evenly around clock.
• Oral suspension is stable up to 14 days after reconstitution when refrigerated.
• Store capsules and tablets at room temperature.

Drug Notes ::

 Patient/Family Education

• Instruct patient to complete full course of therapy.
• Advise patient to take with food or milk if GI distress occurs.
• Remind patient to check body temperature daily. If fever persists for more than a few days or if high fever (> 102°F) or shaking chills are noted, physician should be notified immediately.
• Advise patient to maintain normal fluid intake while using this medication.
• Advise diabetic patient to use enzyme-based tests (eg, Clinistix, Testape) for monitoring urine glucose because drug may give false results with other tests.
• Instruct patient to report these symptoms to physician: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, hives, muscle or joint pain.
• Instruct patient to report signs of superinfection: black “furry” tongue, white patches in mouth, foul-smelling stools, vaginal itching or discharge.
• Warn patient that diarrhea that contains blood or pus may be a sign of serious disorders. Tell patient to seek medical care and not to treat at home.
• Instruct patient to seek emergency care immediately if wheezing or difficulty breathing occurs.

Disclaimer ::

The Information available on this site is for only Informational Purpose , before any use of this information please consult your Doctor .Price of the drugs indicated above may not match to real price due to many possible reasons may , including local taxes etc.. These are only approximate indicative prices of the drug.