RiteMED Cefalexin

Cefalexin monohydrate

Infections of the skin & skin structure, bone & joint, GUT (including acute prostatitis), resp tract (including acute & chronic bronchitis & infected bronchiectasis), ear, nose & throat (including otitis media, mastoiditis, sinusitis, follicular tonsillitis & pharyngitis), & dental infections caused susceptible organisms.

Adult & elderly 250 mg every 6 hr (max of 4 g/day). Streptococcal pharyngitis, skin & skin structure infections & uncomplicated cystitis Patient >15 yr 500 mg every 12 hr. More severe infections or those caused by less susceptible organisms Larger doses (up to 4 g daily) may be needed. Renal impairment CrCl 11-40 mL/min 500 mg every 8-12 hr, 5-10 mL/min 250 mg every 12 hr, <5 mL/min 250 mg every 12-24 hr. Ped patient 25-50 mg/kg/day in equally divided doses every 6 hr. Severe infections Dose may be doubled (Max dose: 4 g/day). Streptococcal pharyngitis in patient >1 yr, skin & skin structure infections & mild, uncomplicated UTI The total daily dose may be divided & administered every 12 hr. Otitis media May increase dose to 75-100 mg/kg/day in equally divided doses every 6 hr. Children receiving intermittent dialysis Additional dose of 8 mg/kg. Duration of treatment: 5 to 7 days for mild to moderate infections; 7 to 14 days for cystitis; at least 10 days for β-hemolytic streptococcal infections.

May be taken with or without food: May be taken w/ meals to reduce GI discomfort.

Hypersensitivity to cefalexin, cephalosporins or penicillins.

Cross sensitivity especially on patients w/ history of allergy to penicillin. Discontinue if allergic reaction to cefalexin occur. Consider diagnosis of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea & colitis in patients w/ diarrhea. Seizures particularly in patients w/ impaired renal function; fall in prothrombin activity particularly in patients w/ renal or hepatic impairment or poor nutritional state & those receiving a protracted course of antibiotic therapy. Monitor prothrombin time in patients at risk & exogenous vit K administration. False +ve Coombs' test. Perform indicated surgical procedures (eg, incision & drainage of abscesses). Periodic exam of organ system functions including renal, hepatic & hematopoietic in prolonged therapy. Prophylactic indication is unlikely & increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria. Long-term or repeated use may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. Renal impairment. Pregnancy & lactation.

Abdominal cramp/pain, anorexia, (eg, oral thrush), C. difficile-associated diarrhea & colitis, diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastritis, gastroenteritis, glossitis/stomatitis, nausea, vomiting; dermatologic/hypersensitivity reactions; decreased Hb &/or hematocrit, hemolytic anemia, reversible leukopenia; neutropenia, decreased platelets; +ve direct & indirect antiglobulin Coombs' test results; thrombocytopenia; transient increases in BUN & serum creatinine conc, dysuria, reversible interstitial nephritis; nephrotoxicity, leukorrhea, pruritus vulvae, vag discharge, vulvo-vaginitis; transient increases in serum ALT, AST & alkaline phosphatase conc; increased serum bilirubin; transient hepatitis & cholestatic jaundice; agitation, confusion, diplopia, dizziness, fatigue, headache, hallucinations, insomnia, malaise, paresthesia, somnolence, tremor; vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss & behavioral changes in young childn; arthralgia, myalgia, arthritis, joint disorder, back pain, nuchal swelling, cardiac arrhythmia, vasodilatation, dyspnea, superinfection, elevated cholesterol.

Disulfiram-like reactions w/ alcohol. Inhibited tubular secretion w/ probenecid. May reduce efficacy of OCs (estrogens or progestins). May decrease renal clearance of metformin. Increased risk of nephrotoxicity w/ nephrotoxic agents eg, aminoglycosides, colistin, polymyxin B or vancomycin. May adversely affect renal function w/ high doses of cephalosporins & potent diuretics (eg, furosemide). May cause antagonism w/ chloramphenicol. False +ve glucose reaction in urine w/ Benedict's & Fehling's soln & Clinitest; false +ve direct Coombs' test; false high reading w/ alkaline picrate assay for creatinine; precipitation of cefalexin in the urine w/ quantitative determination of urinary protein excretion.

Cephalosporins

J01DB01 - cefalexin ; Belongs to the class of first-generation cephalosporins. Used in the systemic treatment of infections.

Rx