Drug Uses
Cephalexin is used to treat middle ear, tonsils, throat, larynx infections and it works by eliminating the formation of bacterial cell wall.
Usage
Medication must always be taken as advised by your medical practitioner/physician. If you are unsure, then please contact your physician for precise instructions. On the other hand, the medicine label usually contains dosage instructions which also may be followed.
Cephalexin may be taken with a meal or without a meal to prevent stomach problems.
A full glass of water when taken with Cephalexin always ensures better absorption.
Medications are prescribed according to a dosage schedule which must be completed in order to reap the benefits of the treatment. Lapsed schedules render Cephalexin ineffective. So, never stop in between unless advised by your physician.
One of the best ways to ensure that you do not miss out on a dose is to maintain a fixed regime for consuming Cephalexin each day.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Cephalexin is like penicillin and it works by restricting the growth of bacterial cell wall. Without the cell wall, the bacteria dies.
Missed Dose
You must maintain a schedule for taking the medicine at the same time each day so that you do not miss out on any doses. But, in the advent of a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember so that you can compensate for the loss of the dose.
But, then you may need to adjust your remaining doses accordingly. And if it is almost time for the next dose, then please skip the missed dose and continue with the normal schedule.
Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.
Storage
Cephalexin must be stored at a cool and dark place that prevents it from direct exposure to sunlight. It should also be protected from kids and pets. You can store it at room temperature.
Warning/Precautions
If you are allergic to any ingredient in Cephalexin (you may check medicine label) then please do not use it without consulting your doctor.
Ensure that your doctor is aware of your past and current medical history before you start any new treatment or medication. This must include any and all diseases that you have suffered /suffer from, all subscription and over the counter medication that you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. This will help avoid a possible interaction or allergy.
Cephalexin is known to make some people dizzy or drowsy. And if you consume alcoholic beverages, then the chances of this happening increase greatly. Hence, alcohol and alcoholic beverages must be strictly avoided while taking Cephalexin. If you have experienced drowsiness after taking Cephalexin, then avoid tasks that require mental alertness for example, driving, handling heavy equipment or machinery etc.
Certain laboratory tests may be made mandatory while you are using Cephalexin. These tests include and are conducted to analyze your progress to treatment and guage the degree to which side effects are being experienced. You must never miss out on any such lab tests.
Your lab technician or doctor must be informed that you are taking Cephalexin before you undergo any lab tests or emergency surgical procedures.
Cephalexin is strictly to be used only for treating bacterial infections. Treatment with Cephalexin for curing viral infections like the common cold will be ineffective.
Extreme stomach cramps followed by bloody or tarry stools have been noticed in some patients using Cephalexin. If you experience something like this, then stop treatment immediately and contact your physician.
Treatment with Cephalexin must be constantly monitored as continuous treatment renders Cephalexin ineffective and leads to a re infection. This re infection is usually severe and cannot be cured by Cephalexin alone.
If you are planning to have a baby or are pregnant already then you must seek advice from your doctor before using Cephalexin. Discuss the effects and possible risks that Cephalexin usage may have on the unborn baby.
If you are breast feeding your child, then too seek medical advice before using Cephalexin. Some drugs may be excreted in the breast milk and may harm the baby.
Side Effects
It is common to experience some temporary and mildly annoying side effects as the body adjusts to the new drug. These rarely require any special medical attention and usually fade away automatically.
These include dizziness, tiredness, headache, mild diarrhea, or stomach upset.
But, if they refuse to fade away or become bothersome, then seek medical attention immediately.
On the other hand, if you experience serious side effects like vaginal irritation or discharge, mood or mental changes, or joint pain. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience seizures; yellowing of the eyes or skin; red, blistered, swollen or peeling skin; unusual bruising or bleeding; decreased urination; severe stomach pain or cramps; confusion; or bloody or severe diarrhea.
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these side effects.
In some cases, you may also notice side effects that are not listed here. In such cases, seek medical attention.
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