Cephalexin 500 MG Capsule

Cephalexin 500 MG Capsule is used for the treatment of various infections that are caused by bacteria. It includes infections in the respiratory tract, bone infections, middle ear infection, urinary tract infection, skin infections and sore throat. It can also be used for preventing endocarditis (heart valve inflammation) that is caused by an infection.

Cephalexin 500 MG Capsule belongs to the drug group known as cephalosporin (antibiotic). It interferes in the formation of the cell walls of the bacteria. This results in the rupturing of the walls and hence kills the bacteria. The medication is available in tablet and liquid form for oral consumption.

The dosage of Cephalexin 500 MG Capsule depends on your age, general health, the condition for which the treatment is being done and its severity, as well as your body’s reaction to the first dose. Take the dosages as directed by the doctor. If you miss a dose, you can have it as soon as you remember about it, but skip it if the time for your next scheduled dose is near.

Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one as overdosing can lead to nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, diarrhea and blood in urine. The common side effects of Cephalexin 500 MG Capsule include indigestion, stomach pain and inflammation or irritation in the lining of the stomach. Being mild in nature, they tend to go away in a few days.

There are some serious side effects though that may occur, which would require immediate medical help:

• A serious allergic reaction, the symptoms of which may include hives, swelling of the face and lips or trouble breathing
• Oral thrush or a yeast infection; symptoms include white patches inside the mouth and changes in vaginal discharge
• Persistent diarrhea with the presence of blood or mucus in stool

Cephalexin 500 MG Capsule can pass on to a new born baby by the mother through breastfeeding and affect the baby. Therefore it is important to inform your doctor regarding the same before taking the medicine. Pregnant women or those planning to get pregnant must also inform their doctor about their condition beforehand.

Take as directed, at regular intervals around-the-clock (with or without food). Chilling oral suspension improves flavor (do not freeze). Complete full course of medication, even if you feel better. Drink 2-3 L fluid/day.

If diarrhea occurs, yogurt or buttermilk may help. May cause false-positive test with Clinitest®; use another form of testing. May interfere with oral contraceptives; additional contraceptive measures are necessary. Report severe, unresolved diarrhea; vaginal itching or drainage; sores in mouth; blood, pus, or mucus in stool or urine; easy bleeding or bruising; unusual fever or chills; rash; or respiratory difficulty.

The medication is primarily used for the following conditions:

• Bacterial Infections

• Allergy

Side effects that can occur because of consuming this medication are:

• Diarrhoea

• Abdominal Pain

• Dark Or Clay Colored Stools

• Fever

• Itching Or Rash

• Joint Pain

• Dark Urine

• Loss Of Appetite

• Dizziness

• Yellow Colored Eyes Or Skin

• Confusion

• Agitation

• How long is the duration of effect?

  This medicine is excreted in urine and the effect lasts for a duration of 4 to 5 hours.

• What is the onset of action?

  The peak effect of this medicine can be observed within 1 hour after oral administration.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medicine should be taken during pregnancy only if it is clearly needed under doctor's supervision.

• Is it habit forming?

  No habit forming tendency has been reported.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This medicine is known to excreted in human breast milk. It should be taken only if clearly needed under doctor's supervision. Monitoring of undesired effects like diarrhea or thrush is necessary.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  It is found to be safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  Usually this medicine does not affect the alertness of the patient.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Caution must be taken in patient with kidney disease, Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

• Does this affect liver function?

  Caution must be taken in patient with liver disease, Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

Below is the list of medicines, which have the same composition, strength and form as Cephalexin 500 MG Capsule , and hence can be used as its substitute.

• Gerfex 500 MG Capsule

  Zydus Cadila

• Lecef 500 MG Capsule

  Micro Labs Ltd

• Cefacure 500 MG Capsule

  Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Lecef 500 MG Capsule

  Micro Labs Ltd

• Missed Dose instructions

  The missed dose should be taken as soon possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it's already time for your next scheduled dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of overdose.

Cephalexin 500 MG Capsule belongs to the first generation cephalosporins. It works as a bactericidal by inhibiting the bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to the penicillin-binding proteins which inhibits the growth and multiplication of bacteria.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

• Interaction with Alcohol

  Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

• Interaction with Lab Test

  Information not available.

• Interaction with Medicine

  Chloramphenicol

  The desired effect of Cephalexin 500 MG Capsule will not be achieved if these medicines are taken together. Appropriate dose adjustments or an alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.

  Metformin

  Taking these medicines together may increase the risk of lowering the blood glucose levels. Monitor blood glucose levels constantly If coadministration is necessary. Suitable dose adjustments or an alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.

  Ethinyl Estradiol

  The desired effect of contraceptive pills will not be achieved if these medicines are taken together. Consult the doctor if you are receiving these medicines. Suitable dose adjustments or an alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition

  Cholera Vaccine

  Avoid taking cholera vaccine if you have taking Cephalexin 500 MG Capsule. Usage of other antibiotics and vaccines should be reported to the doctor.

• Interaction with Food

  Information not available.

• Interaction with Disease

  • Increased effect: High-dose probenecid decreases clearance.
  • Increased toxicity: Aminoglycosides increase nephrotoxic potential.