Antimicrobials
Cephalexin

Cephalexin

Medium
Excellent
PO: $

Spectrum of Activity

General Information

ODB Funded (capsule, tablets)

Frequency not defined

  • Central nervous system: Agitation, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, hallucination, headache
  • Dermatologic: Erythema multiforme (rare), genital pruritus, skin rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rare), toxic epidermal necrolysis (rare), urticaria
  • Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastritis, nausea (rare), pseudomembranous colitis, vomiting (rare)
  • Genitourinary: Genital candidiasis, vaginal discharge, vaginitis
  • Hematologic & oncologic: Eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia
  • Hepatic: Cholestatic jaundice (rare), hepatitis (transient, rare), increased serum ALT, increased serum AST
  • Hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis, angioedema, hypersensitivity reaction
  • Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia, arthritis, arthropathy
  • Renal: Interstitial nephritis (rare)

With prolonged therapy, monitor renal, hepatic, and hematologic function periodically; monitor for signs of anaphylaxis with first few doses; number and type of stools/day for diarrhea

  • Administer without regard to food
  • Peak antibiotic serum concentration is lowered and delayed, but total drug absorbed is not affected. Cephalexin serum levels may be decreased if taken with food