Spectrum: Clinical Decision Support for Infectious Disease, for Jim Pattison Children's Hospital
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Antimicrobials Antimicrobials

Cephalexin

C difficile risk
Medium
Oral Bioavailability
Excellent

Spectrum Of Activity

Spectrum Of Activity

Antibiogram Data

Dosing

PO Mild/Moderate

25-50 mg/kg/DAY divided q6-8h. Max 1 g/DOSE.

PO Severe

100 to 150 mg/kg/DAY divided q6h. Max 1 g/DOSE.

Renal

Renally cleared, requires dosage adjustment with changes in renal function. Consult a pharmacist for renal dosing.

General Information

Common Usage

Uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infection, MSSA infections

Adverse Effects

Allergy/rash (immediate or delayed).

Can cause positive Coombs, cytopenias, eosinophilia.

Pharmacology

Antimicrobial class: First generation cephalosporin - oral

Average serum half life:

  • Neonates: 5 hours.

  • Children 3 to 12 months: 2.5 hours.

  • Adults: 0.5-1.2 hours

Route of Elimination: 80% to 100% of dose excreted as unchanged drug in urine within 8 hours