Indications

Antibiotic

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity to cefalexin, other cephalosporins.

Special Precautions

Patient w/ history of hypersensitivity to penicillins, GI disease particularly colitis. Renal impairment. Pregnancy and lactation. Monitoring Parameters Monitor renal, hepatic, and haematologic function periodically; monitor for signs of anaphylaxis during 1st dose.

Side Effects

GI disturbances (e.g. nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort), dyspepsia; allergic reactions (e.g. rash urticaria, angioedema); genital and anal pruritus, genital candidiasis, vaginitis and vaginal discharge, dizziness, fatigue, headache, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, arthralgia, arthritis and joint disorders; eosinophilia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia, slightly elevated AST and ALT. Rarely, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis; cholestatic jaundice, transient hepatitis.

Drug Interactions

Concurrent use w/ metfromin may result to fatal lactic acidosis. May enhance the anticoagulant effect of vit K antagonists (e.g. warfarin). Increased risk of nephrotoxicity w/ potent diuretics (e.g. ethacrynic acid, furosemide) and other potentially nephrotoxic antibiotics (e.g. aminoglycosides, polymyxin, colistin). Prothrombin time may be prolonged when used concomitantly w/ oral anticoagulants. May reduce the effects of OCs. Hypokalaemia may result from concomitant use of cefalexin and cytotoxic drugs for leukaemia. Uricosuric drugs (e.g. probenecid) may suppress renal excretion, resulting to increased plasma levels of cefalexin. May diminish the therapeutic effect of Na picosulfate, BCG and typhoid vaccine. May reduce serum level w/ multivitamins/minerals.

Route of Administration

Oral

Dosage

As directed by the physician