To make sure cefalexin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have :. Always follow the advice of your doctor and the instructions that come with your medicine.
The dose of cefalexin can vary but for most infections you will take mg, two or three times a day. Try to space the doses evenly throughout the day. If you take it 3 times a day, this could be first thing in the morning, mid-afternoon and at bedtime. Keep taking this medicine until you've completed the course, even if you feel better.
If you stop your treatment early, the infection could come back. Capsules or tablets — swallow whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or break them. Liquid — if you or your child are taking cefalexin as a liquid, it will usually be made up for you by a pharmacist.
The medicine will come with a plastic syringe or medicine spoon to help you measure the right dose. If you do not have one, ask a pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the right amount. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.
In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Try to leave a gap of at least 4 hours between doses. Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines. Accidentally taking 1 extra dose of cefalexin is unlikely to harm you or your child. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're worried or you take 2 extra doses or more.
Like all medicines, cefalexin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Fewer than 1 in people may have an allergic reaction to cefalexin.
In most cases, the allergic reaction is mild. Keep taking the medicine, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:. In rare cases, cefalexin can cause a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis. You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
These are not all the side effects of cefalexin. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicine packet. You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme. It's usually safe to take cefalexin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
For safety, tell your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or if you're breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you're taking any of these medicines before you start taking cefalexin :. Do not take cefalexin at the same time as zinc supplements or anything with zinc in it. This is important because zinc may reduce the amount of cefalexin in your body, meaning the medicine cannot work as it's meant to.
If you do take supplements with zinc in them, make sure there is a gap of at least 3 hours before and after you take your cefalexin. For safety, tell your doctor or a pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements. Cefalexin is from a group of medicines called cephalosporin antibiotics.
It works by killing the bacteria that causes the infection. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.
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If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine. Use Cephalexin Keflex exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device not a kitchen spoon. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication.
Cephalexin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold. Do not share cephalexin with another person , even if they have the same symptoms you have.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cephalexin. Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.
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