Cephalexin

CEPHALEXIN - ORAL

This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections. This medication is known as a Cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This medication will not work for viral infections (such as common cold or flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

• Take this medication by mouth as directed by a medical provider, usually every 6 to 12 hours with or without food.
• For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Go to your patient dashboard and request a callback from your medical provider if your condition continues or worsens over time.

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or upset stomach may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, request a callback from your medical provider. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because a medical provider has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. 
• Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Request a callback from your medical provider if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. 
• In rare cases, this medication may cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. 
• Seek medical care right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood or mucus in your stool. If you have these symptoms, do not use antidiarrheal medicines or opioid products, since they may worsen symptoms over time. 
• A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. Get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms, such as: a rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness or trouble breathing. 
• This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact us immediately.

• Before taking Cephalexin, tell your medical provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to Penicillins or other Cephalosporins (such as Cefpodoxime); or if you have any other allergies.
• This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. 
• Before using this medication, tell your medical provider about your medical history, especially if it contains: kidney disease and stomach or intestinal diseases (such as colitis). 
• Cephalexin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your medical provider that you are using Cephalexin before having any immunizations/vaccinations. 
• Before having surgery, tell your medical providers about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products). 
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your medical provider and OB-GYN. 
• This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your OB-GYN before breast-feeding.

• Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. 
• Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription and nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your medical provider and pharmacist. 
• Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without a medical provider's approval. 
• A product that may interact with this drug is: Dofetilide. This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (including Coombs' test, certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. 
• Make sure to let lab personnel and other medical providers know that you are currently taking Cephalexin.

Symptoms of overdose may include: vomiting that is severe or doesn't stop, blood in the urine, seizures. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. “If symptoms from taking this medication are less severe, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.”

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Store the capsules and tablets at room temperature away from light and moisture. 
• Do not store in the bathroom. 
• Keep the container tightly closed. Discard any unused portion after 14 days. 
• Different brands of this medication may have different storage requirements. Read the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements for the product you are using. 
• Keep all medications away from children and pets.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
• Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed by consulting your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.