Cephalexin 500 mg cap: Cephalexin: MedlinePlus Drug Information
Cephalexin Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 26, 2022.
Applies to the following strengths: 250 mg; 500 mg; 125 mg/5 mL; 250 mg/5 mL; 333 mg; hydrochloride 500 mg; 125 mg; 750 mg
Usual Adult Dose for:
- Otitis Media
- Pharyngitis
- Skin or Soft Tissue Infection
- Osteomyelitis
- Cystitis
- Prostatitis
- Pyelonephritis
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
- Bacterial Endocarditis Prophylaxis
- Bacterial Infection
Usual Pediatric Dose for:
- Otitis Media
- Pharyngitis
- Skin or Soft Tissue Infection
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
- Osteomyelitis
- Cystitis
- Prostatitis
- Pyelonephritis
- Bacterial Infection
- Bacterial Endocarditis Prophylaxis
Additional dosage information:
- Renal Dose Adjustments
- Liver Dose Adjustments
- Precautions
- Dialysis
- Other Comments
Usual Adult Dose for Otitis Media
250 to 333 mg orally every 6 hours OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours
- Maximum dose: 4 g per day
- Duration of therapy: 7 to 14 days
Use: Treatment of otitis media caused by susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Moraxella catarrhalis
Usual Adult Dose for Pharyngitis
250 to 333 mg orally every 6 hours OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours
- Maximum dose: 4 g per day
- Duration of therapy: 7 to 14 days
Use: Treatment of skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria (e.
g., S aureus, S pyogenes)
IDSA Recommendations:
Skin or soft tissue infections: 500 mg orally 4 times a day
Impetigo: 250 mg orally 4 times a day
Pharyngitis: 20 mg/kg orally 2 times a day
- Maximum dose: 500 mg/dose
- Duration of therapy: 10 days
Uses:
- Empirical treatment for nonpurulent cellulitis and diabetic foot infections caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci (e.g., methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus [MSSA], Streptococcus species)
- Treatment of skin or soft tissue infections caused by MSSA in patients who have penicillin allergies (except immediate hypersensitivity)
- Treatment of impetigo caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species
- Treatment of Group A streptococcal pharyngitis in patients with penicillin allergy (except immediate hypersensitivity)
- Treatment of surgical site infections of the trunk/extremity away from the perineum or axilla
Usual Adult Dose for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection
250 to 333 mg orally every 6 hours OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours
- Maximum dose: 4 g per day
- Duration of therapy: 7 to 14 days
Use: Treatment of skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria (e.
g., S aureus, S pyogenes)
IDSA Recommendations:
Skin or soft tissue infections: 500 mg orally 4 times a day
Impetigo: 250 mg orally 4 times a day
Pharyngitis: 20 mg/kg orally 2 times a day
- Maximum dose: 500 mg/dose
- Duration of therapy: 10 days
Uses:
- Empirical treatment for nonpurulent cellulitis and diabetic foot infections caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci (e.g., methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus [MSSA], Streptococcus species)
- Treatment of skin or soft tissue infections caused by MSSA in patients who have penicillin allergies (except immediate hypersensitivity)
- Treatment of impetigo caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species
- Treatment of Group A streptococcal pharyngitis in patients with penicillin allergy (except immediate hypersensitivity)
- Treatment of surgical site infections of the trunk/extremity away from the perineum or axilla
Usual Adult Dose for Osteomyelitis
250 to 333 mg orally every 6 hours OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours
- Maximum dose: 4 g per day
- Duration of therapy: 7 to 14 days
Use: Treatment of bone infections caused by susceptible S aureus and Proteus mirabilis
Usual Adult Dose for Cystitis
250 to 333 mg orally every 6 hours OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours
- Maximum dose: 4 g per day
- Duration of therapy: 7 to 14 days
Use: Treatment of genitourinary tract infections caused by susceptible Escherichia coli, P mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae
Usual Adult Dose for Prostatitis
250 to 333 mg orally every 6 hours OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours
- Maximum dose: 4 g per day
- Duration of therapy: 7 to 14 days
Use: Treatment of genitourinary tract infections caused by susceptible Escherichia coli, P mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae
Usual Adult Dose for Pyelonephritis
250 to 333 mg orally every 6 hours OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours
- Maximum dose: 4 g per day
- Duration of therapy: 7 to 14 days
Use: Treatment of genitourinary tract infections caused by susceptible Escherichia coli, P mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae
Usual Adult Dose for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
250 to 333 mg orally every 6 hours OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours
- Maximum dose: 4 g per day
- Duration of therapy: 7 to 14 days
Use: Treatment of respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible S pneumoniae and S pyogenes
Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Endocarditis Prophylaxis
American Heart Association (AHA) and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Recommendations: 2 g orally as a single dose 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure
Use: Prevention of infective endocarditis in patients allergic to penicillins/ampicillins undergoing a dental procedure (except in immediate hypersensitivity)
Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Infection
IDSA Recommendations: 500 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day
Uses:
- Preferred antimicrobial for chronic suppression of oxacillin-susceptible staphylococci
- Alternative antimicrobial for chronic suppression of beta-hemolytic streptococci or Propionibacterium species
Usual Pediatric Dose for Otitis Media
12.
5 to 25 mg/kg orally every 6 hours
Usual Pediatric Dose for Pharyngitis
Over 1 year of age:
Streptococcal pharyngitis: 12.5 to 25 mg/kg orally every 12 hours
Usual Pediatric Dose for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection
12.5 to 25 mg/kg orally every 12 hours
Usual Pediatric Dose for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
1 to 15 years:
Mild to moderate infections: 25 to 50 mg/kg orally per day, given in equally divided doses
Severe infections: 50 to 100 mg/kg orally per day, given in equally divided doses
Duration of therapy: 7 to 14 days
15 years and older: 250 to 333 mg orally every 6 hours OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours
- Maximum dose: 4 g per day
- Duration of therapy: 7 to 14 days
Comment: Beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections should be treated for at least 10 days.
Use: Treatment of respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible S pneumoniae and S pyogenes
Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS) and IDSA Recommendations:
Greater than 3 months:
Step-down therapy or mild infection: 75 to 100 mg/kg orally per day, in 3 to 4 divided doses
Use: Preferred treatment of community acquired pneumonia caused by MSSA
Usual Pediatric Dose for Osteomyelitis
15 years and older: 250 to 333 mg orally every 6 hours OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours
- Maximum dose: 4 g per day
- Duration of therapy: 7 to 14 days
Use: Treatment of bone infections caused by susceptible S aureus and P mirabilis
Usual Pediatric Dose for Cystitis
15 years and older: 250 to 333 mg orally every 6 hours OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours
- Maximum dose: 4 g per day
- Duration of therapy: 7 to 14 days
Use: Treatment of genitourinary tract infections caused by susceptible E coli, P mirabilis, and K pneumoniae
Usual Pediatric Dose for Prostatitis
15 years and older: 250 to 333 mg orally every 6 hours OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours
- Maximum dose: 4 g per day
- Duration of therapy: 7 to 14 days
Use: Treatment of genitourinary tract infections caused by susceptible E coli, P mirabilis, and K pneumoniae
Usual Pediatric Dose for Pyelonephritis
15 years and older: 250 to 333 mg orally every 6 hours OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours
- Maximum dose: 4 g per day
- Duration of therapy: 7 to 14 days
Use: Treatment of genitourinary tract infections caused by susceptible E coli, P mirabilis, and K pneumoniae
Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Infection
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommendations:
Children (Older than neonates):
- Mild to moderate infection: 25 to 50 mg/kg orally in 2 to 4 doses
- Severe infection: 75 to 100 mg/kg orally in 3 to 4 doses
Comment: Current guidelines should be consulted for additional information.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Endocarditis Prophylaxis
AHA and IDSA Recommendations: 50 mg/kg orally as a single dose 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure
Use: Prevention of infective endocarditis in patients allergic to penicillins/ampicillins undergoing a dental procedure (except in immediate hypersensitivity)
Renal Dose Adjustments
15 years and older:
CrCl 30 to 59 mL/min: The maximum daily dose is 1 g.
CrCl 15 to 29 mL/min: 250 mg orally every 8 to 12 hours
CrCl 5 to 14 mL/min: 250 mg orally every 24 hours
CrCl 1 to 4 mL/min: 250 mg orally every 48 to 60 hours
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Precautions
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 1 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- This drug may be taken with or without food.
- Tablets and capsules should be taken with a full glass of water.
Storage requirements:
- Capsules: Protect from light and moisture.
- Oral suspension: Store in the refrigerator (2 to 8C) when not in use.
General:
- Limitation of use: This drug should not be used to treat patients with severe systemic infections during the acute phase.
- This drug may be preferred to other antibiotics in pediatric patients due to increased tolerability and palatability.
Monitoring:
- Hematologic: Prothrombin time (especially in patients at risk of prolonged prothrombin time)
- Renal: Renal function (especially in patients with renal dysfunction)
Patient advice:
- Patients should be told to report any unusual or severe side effects.
- Patients should be instructed to report signs/symptoms of Clostridium difficile (e.g., watery/bloody stools, stomach cramps, fever), for up to 2 months after stopping treatment.
- Patients should be directed to take the full course of treatment, even if they feel better.
- Patients receiving the oral suspension/syrup formulations should be told to discard any remaining drug at the end of the duration of therapy.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the best antibiotics for a tooth infection?
- What is the best antibiotic to treat strep throat?
- Can Cephalexin treat an abscess in the mouth or gum infection?
- If people are allergic to amoxicillin can they take cephalexin?
- Can you take cephalexin for a spider bite?
- Can you take antibiotics while pregnant?
- Cephalexin – is this a drug that can be abused by teens?
More about cephalexin
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (491)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- Drug class: first generation cephalosporins
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
- Drug Information
- Cephalexin (Advanced Reading)
- Cephalexin Capsules and Tablets
- Cephalexin Suspension
Other brands
Keflex, Biocef
Professional resources
- Prescribing Information
Related treatment guides
- Bladder Infection
- Bacterial Infection
- Bacterial Endocarditis Prevention
- Acne
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Medical Disclaimer
Cephalexin Interactions Checker – Drugs.com
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There are 35 drugs known to interact with
cephalexin, along with
5 disease interactions, and 1 alcohol/food interaction.
Of the total drug interactions,
3 are major, and 32 are moderate.
Does cephalexin interact with my other drugs?
Enter other medications to view a detailed report.
- View all 35 medications that may interact with cephalexin
- View cephalexin alcohol/food interactions (1)
- View cephalexin disease interactions (5)
Most frequently checked interactions
View interaction reports for cephalexin and the medicines listed below.
- Major
- Moderate
- Minor
- Unknown
- Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)
- Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Claritin (loratadine)
- CoQ10 (ubiquinone)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Eliquis (apixaban)
- Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
- Flonase (fluticasone nasal)
- Lasix (furosemide)
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Lipitor (atorvastatin)
- Lyrica (pregabalin)
- Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol)
- Metoprolol Tartrate (metoprolol)
- MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350)
- Mucinex (guaifenesin)
- Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone)
- ProAir HFA (albuterol)
- Probiotic Formula (bifidobacterium infantis / lactobacillus acidophilus)
- Singulair (montelukast)
- Synthroid (levothyroxine)
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
- Zofran (ondansetron)
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
Cephalexin alcohol/food interactions
There is 1 alcohol/food interaction with cephalexin.
Cephalexin disease interactions
There are 5 disease interactions with cephalexin which include:
- colitis
- renal dysfunction
- dialysis
- liver disease
- seizure disorders
Report options
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More about cephalexin
- cephalexin consumer information
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (491)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- Drug class: first generation cephalosporins
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Related treatment guides
- Bladder Infection
- Bacterial Infection
- Bacterial Endocarditis Prevention
- Acne
Drug Interaction Classification
| Major | Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. |
|---|---|
| Moderate | Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. |
| Minor | Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. |
| Unknown | No interaction information available. |
The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Medical Disclaimer
Cefalexin, capsules (500 mg) (16 pcs) Hemofarm A.D., Serbia
Manufacturer
Hemofarm A.D., Serbia
Composition
Active ingredient:
Cefalexin – 500 mg (in the form of cephalexin monohydrate 5 25.9 mg).
Excipients:
Magnesium stearate,
Microcrystalline cellulose pH 102. ,
Iron oxide black E 172,
Indigo carmine (Indigotin I) E 132,
Gelatine.
Pharmacological action
Cephalexin has an antibacterial, bactericidal effect.
Indications
Diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, soft tissues, otitis media, osteomyelitis, endometritis, gonorrhea.
Use in pregnancy and lactation
Possible if the expected effect of therapy outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
Breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment with Cefalexin.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins and penicillins.
Side effects
From the nervous system and sensory organs: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, hallucinations (rarely).
From the side of the cardiovascular system and blood (hematopoiesis, hemostasis): eosinophilia, reversible leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia.
From the digestive tract: nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, loss of appetite, diarrhea, cholestatic jaundice, hepatitis, transient increase in liver transaminases.
Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, dermatitis, rarely – Quincke’s edema, arthralgia, candidiasis.
Interaction
When used simultaneously with furosemide, ethacrynic acid, nephrotoxic antibiotics (eg aminoglycosides), the risk of kidney damage increases.
Salicylates and indomethacin slow down the elimination of cephalexin.
Reduces the prothrombin index, enhances the effect of indirect anticoagulants.
How to take, course of administration and dosage
Cefalexin is taken orally.
Adults: 250-500 mg 4 times a day.
Children: 25-50 mg/kg/day.
In severe infection: the daily dose of Cefalexin is increased for adults – up to 4 g (maximum), for children – up to 100 mg / kg and divided into 4 doses. The course of treatment is 7-14 days.
At Cl creatinine 10 ml / min, the maximum daily dose for adults is 1.5 g.
Overdose
Vomiting, nausea, epigastric pain, diarrhea, hematuria.
Treatment: activated charcoal (more effective than lavage), airway management, monitoring of vital signs, blood gases, electrolyte balance.
Special instructions
Patients with a history of allergic reactions to penicillins and carbapenems may be hypersensitive to cephalosporin antibiotics.
During treatment with cephalexin, a positive direct Coombs test is possible, as well as a false positive urine test for glucose.
It is not recommended to use ethanol during treatment.
In staphylococcal infections, cross-resistance exists between cephalosporins and isoxazolylpenicillins.