Cephalexin

Cephalexin - semisynthetic Packaging The cephalex antibiotic of the cephalosporin group is a derivative of 7-aminocephalosporinic acid.

Successfully fights against bacteria, both gram-positive and with some gram-negative. It is used in diseases of the respiratory system caused by microorganisms that differ in sensitivity to the agent. Has a wide range of applications.

Eliminates inflammatory processes in the lungs, bronchi, pleural sheets, impaired functions of the genitourinary system. Used in the treatment of ENT diseases - an inflammatory process in the ear, tonsils, nasal sinuses, as well as diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Eliminates dermatological problems of infectious origin.

Clinical and pharmacological group

Cephalosporin I generation.

Terms of sale from pharmacies

Can buyby prescription.

Price

How much does Cephalexin cost in pharmacies? The average price is at the level of75 rubles.

Composition and form of release

The drug Cephalexin is available in the form of hard gelatin capsules for oral administration. Capsules are packed in blisters of 8 pieces (2) in a cardboard box with the attached detailed instructions.

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Each capsule contains active ingredient Cephalexin 250 mg or 500 mg, as well as a number of additional auxiliary components.

Pharmacological effect

The principle of action of Cefalexin according to the instructions is bactericidal. Streptococcus, staphylococcus, pneumococcus, salmonella, Escherichia coli, Shigella, Proteus, hemophilic rod, Klebsiella, treponema and some other organisms are susceptible to the effects of the drug. Resistance to cephalexin has enterobacteria, enterococci and mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Absorption of cephalexin is almost 90%, the drug is well absorbed from the digestive tract. Despite the fact that the antibiotic Cefalexin is acid-fast, the intake of food after or during taking the drug may slow its absorption, but, in general, does not affect its completeness. The maximum concentration of the active substance in the blood is reached after 1-2 hours after the application of cephalexin: while the antibiotic is evenly distributed in the bronchial mucosa, lungs, liver, kidneys, heart. Against the background of diseases associated with impaired renal function, the concentration of the drug in the blood increases, and the half-life is prolonged, amounting to 20-40 hours.

Indications for use

What helps? Cephalexin is prescribed for infectious lesions of the following organs and targets:

joints and bones (including osteomyelitis);
soft tissues and skin (pyoderma, furunculosis, lymphadenitis, abscess, lymphangitis, phlegmon);
upper and lower respiratory tract (angina, bronchitis, pharyngitis, bronchopneumonia, otitis media, exacerbation of chronic pneumonia, sinusitis, abscess and empyema of the lungs);
organs of the genitourinary system (vulvovaginitis, pyelonephritis, endometritis, cystitis, gonorrhea, urethritis, epididymitis, prostatitis).

Contraindications

Absolute contraindications: increased sensitivity to any of the components of the drug, as well as to other beta-lactam antibiotics.

Additionally for capsules: age up to 10 years.

Additionally for tablets: age up to 3 years, deficiency of sucrose or isomaltose, intolerance to fructose, glucose-galactose malabsorption.

In addition, for granules for the preparation of a suspension for ingestion: a deficiency of sucrose or isomaltose, intolerance to fructose, glucose-galactose malabsorption.

Relative contraindications:

pseudomembranous colitis (in the anamnesis);
kidney failure;
pregnancy and lactation.

In addition, for powder and granules for the preparation of a suspension for oral administration: the age is up to 6 months.

Intended use for pregnancy and lactation

Cefalexin is not prescribed to women during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that drugs cephasporin series easily penetrates the placental barrier and can provoke a toxic damage to the internal organs and nervous system of the fetus. Clinical experience of capsules use Cefalexin, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, is absent, and the safety of the drug for the mother and fetus is not established.

During breastfeeding, the use of Cefalexin in the form of capsules is possible only if the expected benefit for the mother exceeds the possible risks for the baby. When a negative side reaction occurs in the infant, treatment with the drug is stopped or the lactation is completed.

Dosage and route of administration

As indicated in the instructions for use Cefalexin is prescribed orally, 30 to 60 minutes before meals, washed down with water.

The average dose for adults and children over 10 years is 250-500 mg every 6 hours. The daily dose of the drug should be at least 1-2 g, if necessary, can be increased to 4 g. The duration of the course of treatment is 7-14 days. For infections caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, the minimum duration of treatment is 10 days.

Adult patients withimpaired renal functionthe daily dose is reduced taking into account the value of CC: with KK 5-20 ml / min the maximum daily dose is 1.5 g / day; with SC less than 5 ml / min - 0.5 g / day. The daily dose is divided into 4 divided doses.

Children up to 10 years of age, the drug is recommended to be administered in the form of a suspension for oral administration. With a body weight of less than 40 kg, the average daily dose is 25-100 mg / kg body weight; frequency of reception - 4 times / day. With an average otitis - a dose of 75 mg / kg / day, the frequency of reception - 4 times / day. With streptococcal pharyngitis, infections of the skin and soft tissues, the frequency of reception is 2 times / day. In severe infections, the daily dose can be increased to 100 mg / kg of body weight, and the frequency of intake - up to 6 times / day.

Preparation of the suspension:in the vial add water to the risks and shake well. The prepared suspension is stable at room temperature for 14 days. Before each use, the suspension must be shaken. 5 ml of the finished suspension contains 250 mg of cephalexin.

Adverse Reactions

According to some reviews of Cephalexin, the following side effects with antibiotic use can be noted:

On the part of the reproductive system: vaginal discharge, vaginitis, genital candidiasis;
On the part of the digestive system: vomiting, nausea, dry mouth, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, candidomycosis intestines, indigestion, in some cases - pseudomembranous enterocolitis, hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice;
From the central nervous system: agitation, weakness, hallucinations, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, convulsions;
From the side of the urinary system, interstitial nephritis is possible;
On the part of the hematopoiesis system: neutropenia, reversible leukopenia, thrombocytopenia;
On the part of laboratory indicators: increased prothrombin time, increased activity of alkaline phosphatase and hepatic transaminases.

In addition, there is the possibility of the appearance of allergic reactions, hives, malignant exudative erythema, anaphylaxis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, arthritis, genital itching, dermatitis, in rare cases - edema of Quincke.

Overdose Symptoms

It is not recommended to specifically exceed the dose indicated in the instructions, since prolonged use of an antibiotic in large doses can lead to an overdose, which is clinically manifested by the following symptoms:

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bloody diarrhea;
discharge of blood in the urine;
pain in the kidney, the development of acute renal failure;
Crohn's disease, development of intestinal necrosis.

Treatment: activated charcoal, monitoring of body functions and electrolyte balance.

special instructions

Before you start using the drug, read the special instructions:

During the treatment it is not recommended to use ethanol.
In patients with impaired renal function, cumulation is possible (correction of the dosing regimen is required).
With staphylococcal infection, there is a cross-resistance between cephalosporins and isoxazolylpenicillins.
During treatment with cephalexin, a positive direct Coombs reaction is possible, as well as a false positive urine reaction to glucose.
Patients with allergic reactions to penicillins and carbapenems in history may have increased sensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.

Compatibility with other drugs

When using the drug, it is necessary to take into account the interaction with other drugs:

Salicylates and indomethacin slow the excretion of cephalexin.
Cefalexin reduces the prothrombin index, increases the effect of indirect anticoagulants.
When used simultaneously with furosemide, ethacrynic acid, nephrotoxic antibiotics (eg, aminoglycosides), the risk of kidney damage increases.

Patient Reviews

We offer you to read reviews of people who used Cephalexin:

Marina. The child had cough and otitis. The temperature was cleaned literally in a day, and after five days we were already healthy.
Olga. I give my husband, he often has otitis. Of the adverse reactions, he only notes drowsiness. Dyspepsia does not cause
Sasha. I have an asthmatic child and Cefalexin is our only antibiotic for colds and sore throats. It works very well. Suspension is easy to prepare. He drinks it with pleasure, does not even wash down with anything.

In reviews about the drug, it is often found in urinary tract infections that do not respond to standard treatment, for example, in relapsing cystitis. He was assigned to patients in the hospital, after cystoscopies or using a catheter, if the patient has diabetes.

Judging by the reviews, the suspension of cephalexin was prescribed to children most often with otitis, angina and with suspected pneumonia. The suspension has a pleasant fruity smell and does not cause negative emotions in children. Reviews for children are more often positive. Mom noted a rapid recovery and good tolerability of the drug.

Analogues

Structural analogs for the active substance:

Ceflex;
Opexin;
Palitrex;
Piassan;
Soleksin;
Soleksin Forte;
Felaxin;
Cefaklen;
Cephalexin AKOS;
Cef;
Ecocephron.

Before buying an analogue, consult your doctor.

Shelf life and storage conditions

List B. Store in a dry place, protected from light, out of reach of children, at a temperature of + 15... + 25 ° С. Shelf life - 2 years.

Ready-made aqueous suspension should be stored at a temperature of + 15... + 25 ° C for no more than 6 days, in a refrigerator - no more than 14 days.