Keflex (Cephalexin Capsules and Tablets) Information - Drugs.com (2024)

Generic name: Cephalexin Capsules and Tablets [sef-a-LEKS-in]
Brand name: Keflex
Drug class: First generation cephalosporins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 23, 2024.

Uses of Keflex:

• It is used to treat bacterial infections.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Keflex?

• If you have an allergy to cephalexin or any other part of Keflex (cephalexin capsules and tablets).
• If you are allergic to Keflex (cephalexin capsules and tablets); any part of Keflex (cephalexin capsules and tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are taking probenecid.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Keflex (cephalexin capsules and tablets).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Keflex (cephalexin capsules and tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Keflex?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Keflex (cephalexin capsules and tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have your blood work checked if you are on Keflex (cephalexin capsules and tablets) for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes) and test your urine glucose, talk with your doctor to find out which tests are best to use.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take Keflex (cephalexin capsules and tablets).
• Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, amoxicillin, doxycycline, cephalexin, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, metronidazole

How is this medicine (Keflex) best taken?

Use Keflex (cephalexin capsules and tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Keep taking Keflex (cephalexin capsules and tablets) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Fever, chills, or sore throat; any unexplained bruising or bleeding; or feeling very tired or weak.
• Feeling confused.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
• Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
• Seizures.
• Very bad dizziness.
• Very bad headache.
• Very bad joint pain.
• vagin*l itching or discharge.
• Diarrhea is common with antibiotics. Rarely, a severe form called C diff–associated diarrhea (CDAD) may happen. Sometimes, this has led to a deadly bowel problem (colitis). CDAD may happen during or a few months after taking antibiotics. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain, cramps, or very loose, watery, or bloody stools. Check with your doctor before treating diarrhea.
• A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.

What are some other side effects of Keflex?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Keflex?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Keflex (cephalexin capsules and tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

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?

View more FAQ

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circ*mstances.

Medical Disclaimer