What kind of medication is cephalexin

Bacterial infections come in many forms. Antibiotics are the pinnacle of treatment against bacterial infections. The first antibiotic discovered was penicillin, and it belongs to a group of antibiotics known as beta-lactam antibiotics. Beta-lactams attack the cell wall of bacteria, rendering the bacteria powerless and allowing the body to resolve the infection.

Since the discovery of penicillin, there have been many classes and types of beta-lactam antibiotics developed.

Cephalexin and amoxicillin are two commonly used beta-lactam antibiotics. Cephalexin is a prescription medication used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, which belongs under the larger classification of beta-lactam antibiotics.

Cephalexin interferes with cell wall synthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins inside the cellular wall. Ultimately, when cephalexin is dosed appropriately, it causes lysis, or destruction, or the bacterial cell.

Different bacterial types contain different bacterial binding proteins, so the effectiveness of cephalexin varies with different types of bacteria. Cephalexin is available as an oral tablet or capsule, as well as an oral suspension. The brand name of cephalexin is Keflex. It is used by infants, children, and adults. Amoxicillin is a prescription medication also used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is a penicillin antibiotic but also falls under the larger classification of beta-lactam antibiotics.

Amoxicillin, like cephalexin, interferes with cell wall synthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins inside the cellular wall leading the destruction of the bacterial cell. Amoxicillin is available as an oral tablet or capsule, chewable tablet, as well as an oral suspension. The brand name of amoxicillin is Amoxil or Polymox. Sign up for Amoxicillin price alerts and find out when the price changes! Get Price Alerts. Cephalexin has been shown to be active against a variety of bacterial organisms including Escherichia coli , Haemophilus influenzae beta-lactamase negative , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Moraxella catarrhalis , Proteus mirabilis , Staphylococcus aureus MSSA , Staphylococcus epidermidis , Streptococcus pneumoniae , and Streptococcus pyogenes.

The sensitivity of these organisms allows cephalexin to also be effective in treating many common types of infections including upper respiratory infections such as sinusitis , pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. Amoxicillin is also effective against lower respiratory infections such as community-acquired pneumonia.

Other uses of cephalexin include skin infections cellulitis , bone and joint infections, otitis media, and urinary tract infections UTI. Amoxicillin has been shown to be active against a variety of bacterial organisms including Enterococcus faecalis , Escherichia coli , Haemophilus influenzae beta-lactamase negative , Helicobacter pylori , Proteus mirabilis , Staphylococcus sp. The sensitivity of these organisms allows amoxicillin to also be effective in treating many common types of infections including upper and lower respiratory infections.

Other uses include skin tissue infections, otitis media, and urinary tract infections. Sign up for Cephalexin price alerts and find out when the price changes! Both cephalexin and amoxicillin have commonly been used off-label for endocarditis prophylaxis. Patients with congenital heart defects or prosthetic heart valves are at an increased risk of developing an infection in the lining of their heart after dental procedures.

Prophylactic doses of antibiotics such as amoxicillin and cephalexin given prior to these procedures have been shown to decrease the risk of such infections. The effectiveness of cephalexin or amoxicillin will vary with each bacteria type and each patient. With any sensitive bacteria, each drug may be effective so long as it is dosed appropriately at the correct intervals. The effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics are dependent upon the amount of time that free, non-protein bound drug is above the minimum inhibitory concentration MIC of the bacteria.

Another factor in antibiotic therapy is antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria changes in response to an exposure to an antibiotic. The change is adaptive to allow it to survive in spite of the antibiotic. Symptoms may include:. Call your doctor or local Poison Control Center, or go to the nearest emergency room.

What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose.

Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects. How to tell if the drug is working: Your symptoms and your infection should go away if this drug is working. A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled.

Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. Your doctor may do blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working. There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date.

However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication.

The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Double ear infection is when an ear infection affects both ears. They are caused by bacteria or viruses and should be seen immediately by a doctor in…. The ears are linked to the nose and throat, and infections in any of these areas can cause ear pain when swallowing.

A range of other issues, such as…. A urinary tract infection is a painful condition that has a variety of symptoms, including frequent urination accompanied by a burning feeling. Although ear infections are most common in children, adults can also get them. Learn all about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options here. What is cephalexin? Important warnings. Cephalexin side effects. Cephalexin may interact with other medications. Cephalexin warnings. How to take cephalexin. Take as directed.

Important considerations for taking cephalexin. Are there any alternatives? Latest news Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cephalexin. Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days. Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.

Do not take two doses at one time. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and blood in your urine. Cephalexin is used to treat many types of infections. Health Topics. Health Tools. Cephalexin Keflex. Brand Names: Biocef , Keflex , Zartan. Reviewed: November 16, Tell your doctor if you have ever had: an allergy to any drug especially penicillin ; liver or kidney disease; or intestinal problems, such as colitis. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Side Effects. Side Effects What are the side effects of Cephalexin Keflex? Call your doctor at once if you have: severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody even if it occurs months after your last dose ; unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath; easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin; a seizure; pale skin, cold hands and feet; yellowed skin, dark colored urine; fever, weakness; or pain in your side or lower back, painful urination.