Drug: Cephalexin

CEPHALEXIN
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Part of a group of pills called cephalosporin antibiotics, Cephalexin is used to fight bacteria by preventing the bacteria cells from forming a cell wall that protects it from the body’s antibodies. Existing bacteria with intact walls will be ruptured and thus, killed. Essentially, Cephalexin stops the growth of bacteria. However, the drug will not be able to rid the body of viral infections such as the common cold.

Used to treat bacterial infections in general, Cephalexin is used for everything from respiratory, ear, skin and urinary tract infections.

Cases with which precaution should be taken

Inform your doctor or the healthcare professional at your local pharmacy if you are allergic to Cephalexin or other cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefprozil or cefaclor. Individuals who are generally allergic to either antibiotics or penicillin will be put on another treatment plan by their doctor.

If you have the following medical conditions: kidney disease, liver disease, colitis or diabetes, you should inform your doctor at once. People with these conditions will be tested to see if either a change in dosage or a different drug all together will be a safer option.

The orally consumed, liquid form of Cephalexin contains glucose and may affect both diabetics and those taking urine sample tests.

By FDA guidelines, Cephalexin is not harmful to an unborn baby. However, because it can pass through into breast milk, nursing mother should not be placed on the drug. Inform your physician before he or she puts you on a Cephalexin treatment plan, even if it is a low-grade, cheap one.

Dosage

Available as a capsule, tablet or in liquid form for oral ingestion, Cephalexin is usually taken 4 times a day or twice a day for between 7 to 10 days. The capsule and tablet forms should be taken with a full glass of water. Cephalexin is better absorbed by the body when taken with food.

It is imperative that patients follow the dosage written out on the label to the letter. Failure to do so may result in unpleasant side effects. Do not take more than one dose at a time.

Side Effects

The most common side effect when taking Cephalexin is diarrhoea. However, other alarming side effects can occur. Reputable online sources such as medical journals state that rare form of side effects are abdominal pains, cough, dark urine, fever, muscle and joint pains, loss of appetite and vomiting of blood. The occurrence of these type of side effects require immediate medical attention and the consumption of Cephalexin should cease immediately.

Other less alarming side effects are abdominal cramps, increased heartbeat, pains experienced during urination, pale skin or nosebleeds. Side effects such as these, though not pleasant, are usually transient and will pass in a couple of days or less. In such cases, medical attention is often unnecessary.

Ultimately, it is important to understand the ins and outs of every drug before you buy and consume them. Depending on an individual’s medical history and allergies, Cephalexin can be highly effective or ineffective. To find out more, talk to your physician or a healthcare professional at a pharmacy today.

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