Keftab
Name of the Drug
Keftab (Cephalexin)
Uses of the Drug
This medicine is considered to be cephalosporin-type antibiotic that helps in treating various bacterial infections (e.g. skin, genitourinary tract and bone infections). Cephalexin also helps in treating some other kinds of bacterial infections like tonsillitis, bronchitis, ear infections, urinary tract infections and skin infections,.
How to Take
Cephalexin can be taken orally with food in every 6-12 hours or as per doctors’ recommendations. Antibiotics are most effective when the medicine amount in the body is constant. Therefore, this drug should be tale at regular intervals. Continue taking this drug until the course is over. If you stop the medicine suddenly, the bacteria may start growing once more and the infection may even relapse. Tell your physician if the condition worsens or persists.
Drug Mechanism and Class
Cephalexin is a drug belonging to the family of antibiotics known as cephalosporins. Their side effects and actions are same as penicillin. They either slow down or stop the bacterial cell growth by obstructing the bacteria from creating a cell wall surrounding each cell. The ???cell wall’ helps in protecting the bacteria from external environment as well as keeps the constituents of cell together. The bacteria cannot survive without the cell wall. Bacteria vulnerable to cephalexin are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Haemophilus influenzae, and many others.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Cephalexin and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage
Cephalexin should be stored at the room temperature somewhere between 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). It should be kept away from children and pets. Cephalexin should be stored away from light, moisture and heat.
Warnings Precautions
Before you take cephalexin, inform your pharmacist or doctor if you have allergic reactions to it; or towards cephalosporins or penicillins other; or in case you are allergic to some allergies. Before you take this medicine, inform the doctor regarding your own medical history like intestinal disease (colitis), kidney disease. Use this medicine only when required during pregnancy. If you conceive, consult with your medical professional about the risks and benefits of taking this drug during pregnancy. Cephalexin is secreted through the breast milk. Therefore, breast-feeding should be strictly avoided when you are taking cephalexin. If you take any non prescribed or prescribed medicine, dietary supplement or herbal preparation, inform your doctor about that before taking this drug. This medicine reduces birth control pill’s (combination-type) effectiveness. This can lead to pregnancy. This medicine might cause untrue positive results when done with some diabetic urine testing pills (cupric sulfate-type). This drug might even have some effects on the outcome of some lab tests. The doctors and laboratory personnel should be aware that you are using this medicine. You should never stop or start this medicine without the approval of the pharmacist or doctor.
Common Side Effects
Headache, stomach upset, fatigue, diarrhea, or dizziness may occur. In case the symptoms persist, consult your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor in case you see some more severe side effects such as mood / mental changes, abdominal / stomach pain, yellowing eyes or skin, persistent vomiting/ nausea, new symptoms of infection (e.g., persistent fever or sore throat), dark urine, easy bleeding / bruising, change in amount of the urine. This drug might lead to serious pseudomembranous colitis intestinal condition (intestinal condition) because of the resistant bacteria. Using narcotic pain medicines or anti-diarrhea products should be avoided while using this drug. Serious allergies occur quite rarely with this drug. However, if you notice any allergic reactions like rashes or itching, consult the doctor immediately.
More Information
Some of the medical conditions might have interaction with Cephalexin. Inform your pharmacist or doctor in case you are having any other diseases and particularly if you are having any one of the below mentioned list:
o Serious allergic reactions (hives; rash; itching; tightness in chest; difficulty in breathing; swelling of face, lips, mouth, or tongue);
o severe nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting;
o rash, itching, or redness;
o unusual bruising or bleeding.
o blood or mucous in stool; or
Two common side effects of Cephalexin are:
- mild diarrhea or nausea, or
- a vaginal yeast infection or yeast infection of mouth.
Some other side effects can also occur than mentioned here. Make sure to inform your doctor if you notice any unusual side effects or something bothersome.