Keflex (Cephalexin) for Skin

KEFLEX is an antibacterial drug used to treat the following infections caused by susceptible isolates of designated bacteria:

• Respiratory tract infection: KEFLEX is used for the treatment of respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

• Otitis media: KEFLEX is used for the treatment of otitis media caused by susceptible isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenza, and Moraxella catarrhalis.

• Skin and skin structure infections: KEFLEX is used for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

• Bone infections: KEFLEX is used for the treatment of bone infections caused by susceptible isolates of Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus.

• Genitourinary tract infections: KEFLEX is used for the treatment of genitourinary tract infections, including acute prostatitis.

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria, KEFLEX should be used only to treat infections that are strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

Keflex shouldn’t be used in patients that are hypersensitive to cephalexin or other members of the cephalosporin class of antibacterial drugs.

The usual dosage of oral KEFLEX is 250 mg every 6 hours, but a dosage of 500 mg every 12 hours may be administered. Treatment is for 7 to 14 days. For more severe infections larger dosages of oral KEFLEX may be needed, up to 4 grams daily in 2 to 4 equally divided doses.

The recommended total daily dosage of oral KEFLEX for pediatric patients is 25 to 50 mg/kg given in equally divided doses for 7 to 14 days.

In the treatment of β-hemolytic streptococcal infections, least 10 days is recommended. In severe infections, a daily dose of 50 to 100 mg/kg may be administered in equally divided doses.

For the treatment of otitis media, the recommended daily dosage is 75 to 100 mg/kg given in equally divided doses.

• Creatinine clearance > 60 mL/min: No dose adjustment

• Creatinine clearance 30 to 59 mL/min: No dose adjustment; maximum daily dose should not exceed 1 g

• Creatinine clearance 15 to 29 mL/min: 250 mg, every 8 hours or every 12 hours

• Creatinine clearance 5 to 14 mL/min not yet on dialysis*: 250 mg, every 24 hours

• Creatinine clearance 1 to 4 mL/min not yet on dialysis*: 250 mg, every 48 hours or every 60 hours

The most common adverse reactions associated with KEFLEX include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia and abdominal pain.

• Hypersensitivity Reactions: allergic reactions in the form of a rash, angioedema, urticaria, anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or erythema multiforme have been reported with the use of KEFLEX. Before starting therapy with KEFLEX, the patient should say if he/she has a history of hypersensitivity reactions to cephalexin, cephalosporins, penicillins, or other drugs. If an allergic reaction to KEFLEX occurs, discontinue the drug and institute appropriate treatment.

• Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea (CDAD): CDAD has been reported with the use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including KEFLEX, and may range from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. If CDAD is suspected, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued.

• Direct Coombs’ Test Seroconversion: Positive direct Coombs’ tests have been reported during treatment with cephalexin. Acute intravascular hemolysis with cephalexin therapy has been reported. If anemia develops during or after cephalexin therapy, you will have to discontinue cephalexin, and institute appropriate therapy.

• Seizure Potential: seizures can happen during treatment with KEFLEX, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage was not reduced. If seizures occur, discontinue the use of KEFLEX.

• Prolonged Prothrombin Time: Cephalosporins might cause prolonged prothrombin time. Those at risk include patients with poor nutritional state, renal or hepatic impairment, as well as patients receiving a protracted course of antibacterial therapy, and patients receiving anticoagulant therapy. Monitor prothrombin time in patients at risk and manage as indicated.

• Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria: prescribing KEFLEX in the absence of a strongly suspected bacterial infection is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

Metformin and Probenecid can interact with Keflex.

Yes, Keflex can be used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa but it won’t be as effective as topical clindamycin or other oral antibiotics. Keflex can help to reduce flare-ups, but won’t help with infected flare-ups.

Yes, Keflex can be used to treat cellulitis and is completely safe. The dosage for adults is 250 mg PO every 6 hours or 500 mg PO (Per oral/orally) every 12 hours for 5 to 7 days. The dosage for infants, children, and adolescents is 25 to 50 mg/kg/day PO (Per oral/orally) in 2 to 4 divided doses (Max: 1 g/day) for 5 to 7 days.

Yes, Keflex can be used to treat urinary tract infections and is completely safe. The dosage is generally 250 mg PO every 6 hours or 500 mg PO every 12 hours.

Yes, Keflex can be used to treat kidney infections and is completely safe.

Yes, Keflex can be used to treat folliculitis and is completely safe.

No, Keflex shouldn’t be used to treat chlamydia. doxycycline, azithromycin, and erythromycin are better options.

Yes, Keflex can be used to treat eczema but there are better antibiotics than Keflex that can help to treat eczema.

Yes, Keflex can be used ti treat tooth infections and is completely safe.