Keflex (Cephalexin) - Summary

KEFLEX SUMMARY

Keflex^® Capsules (Cephalexin Capsules, USP) is a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic intended for oral administration. It is 7-(D-α-Amino-α-phenylacetamido)-3-methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid monohydrate.

Keflex is indicated for the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms:

Respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes  (Penicillin is the usual drug of choice in the treatment and prevention of streptococcal infections, including the prophylaxis of rheumatic fever. Keflex is generally effective in the eradication of streptococci from the nasopharynx; however, substantial data establishing the efficacy of Keflex in the subsequent prevention of rheumatic fever are not available at present.)

Otitis media due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Moraxella catarrhalis

Skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and/or Streptococcus pyogenes

Bone infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and/or Proteus mirabilis

Genitourinary tract infections, including acute prostatitis, caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae

Note  — Culture and susceptibility tests should be initiated prior to and during therapy. Renal function studies should be performed when indicated.

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Keflex and other antibacterial drugs, Keflex should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

See all Keflex indications & dosage >>

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Keflex (Cephalexin)

Randomized controlled trial of cephalexin versus clindamycin for uncomplicated pediatric skin infections. [2011.03]
OBJECTIVE: To compare clindamycin and cephalexin for treatment of uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) caused predominantly by community-associated (CA) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We hypothesized that clindamycin would be superior to cephalexin (an antibiotic without MRSA activity) for treatment of these infections... CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference between cephalexin and clindamycin for treatment of uncomplicated pediatric SSTIs caused predominantly by CA-MRSA. Close follow-up and fastidious wound care of appropriately drained, uncomplicated SSTIs are likely more important than initial antibiotic choice.

Effects of sodium bicarbonate and ammonium chloride pre-treatments on PEPT2 (SLC15A2) mediated renal clearance of cephalexin in healthy subjects. [2011]
PEPT2 mediates the H(+) gradient-driving reabsorption of di- and tri-peptides, and various peptidomimetic compounds in the kidney... This effect was more obvious for the PEPT2*2/*2.

Efficacy and tolerability of once-daily cephalexin in canine superficial pyoderma: an open controlled study. [2008.08]
OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of oral cephalexin given at 30 mg/kg once daily in dogs with superficial pyoderma and to compare them with those of oral cephalexin given at 15 mg/kg twice daily. METHODS: Twenty dogs with superficial pyoderma were treated with cephalexin at 30 to 60 mg/kg orally once daily (group A) and compared with 20 dogs treated at a dose of 15 to 30 mg/kg orally twice daily (group B)...

randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of cephalexin for treatment of uncomplicated skin abscesses in a population at risk for community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. [2007.11]
Empirical use of beta-lactam antibiotics, the preferred agents for treating uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections, may no longer be appropriate for these infections because of the increasing prevalence of community strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)...

Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Cephalexin for Treatment of Uncomplicated Skin Abscesses in a Population at Risk for Community Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection. [2007.09.10]
Background- Empirical use of beta-lactam antibiotics, the preferred agents for treating uncomplicated skin and soft-tissue infections, may no longer be appropriate for these infections because of increasing prevalence of community strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)...

more studies >>

Clinical Trials Related to Keflex (Cephalexin)

A Study of Cephalexin in Healthy Participants [Completed]
The purpose of this study is to compare two different preparations of an antibiotic called cephalexin to determine if they are essentially the same. The study has two periods. Participants will receive one preparation of cephalexin in each period. At least 7 hours will pass between the study periods. The study is expected to last about 2 days for each participant, not including screening or follow-up.

A Study of Cephalexin Capsules in Healthy Participants [Completed]
The purpose of this study is to compare two different preparations of an antibiotic called cephalexin in capsules to determine if they are essentially the same. The study has two periods. Participants will receive one preparation of cephalexin in each period. At least 7 hours will pass between the study periods. The study is expected to last about 2 days for each participant, not including screening or follow-up.

A Study of Cephalexin Suspension in Healthy Participants [Completed]
The purpose of this study is to compare two different preparations of an antibiotic called cephalexin to determine if they are essentially the same. The study has two periods. Participants will receive one preparation of cephalexin in each period. At least 7 hours will pass between the study periods. The study is expected to last about 2 days for each participant, not including screening or follow-up.

A Study of Cephalexin Liquid for Pediatrics in Healthy Adults Participants [Completed]
The purpose of this study is to compare two different preparations of an antibiotic called cephalexin to determine if they are essentially the same. The study has two periods. Participants will receive one preparation of cephalexin in each period. At least 7 hours will pass between the study periods. The study is expected to last about 2 days for each participant, not including screening or follow-up.

A Study of Cephalexin Liquid in Healthy Participants [Completed]
The purpose of this study is to compare two different preparations of an antibiotic called cephalexin to determine if they are essentially the same. The study has two periods. Participants will receive one preparation of cephalexin in each period. At least 7 hours will pass between the study periods. The study is expected to last about 2 days for each participant, not including screening or follow-up.

more trials >>

Reports of Suspected Keflex (Cephalexin) Side Effects

Drug Hypersensitivity (41),  Rash (10),  Drug Ineffective (9),  Hypersensitivity (8),  Nausea (7),  Cellulitis (5),  Staphylococcal Infection (5),  Arthralgia (5),  Adverse Drug Reaction (4),  Urticaria (4), more >>

PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Keflex review by 43 year old male patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Considerably Effective
Side effects:		No Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		post surgery antibiotic
Dosage & duration:		500mg taken one cap 3 x day for the period of week
Other conditions:		depression
Other drugs taken:		noone
		Reported Results
Benefits:		removed bacteria from a rather invasive surgery that could have encountered complications which could lead to other serious side effects
Side effects:		None - i experienced no side effects and was very happy with the results. Will use this product again if i need to.
Comments:		Taking One capsule 3 times per day to combat infection and I found it to work effectively

Keflex review by 40 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Ineffective
Side effects:		Severe Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		infected lymph node
Dosage & duration:		don't remember (dosage frequency: twice daily) for the period of 5 days
Other conditions:		none
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		there were no treatment benefits in taking this drug
Side effects:		i broke out into hives all over my torso
Comments:		i was seen in the doctor's office for a swollen lymph node in my groin. at first i was told to use warm compresses; this didn't work, so they put me on an antibiotic (keflex) and within 2 days i had broken out into hives all over my torso, and the lymph node did not decrease at all in size. it was still red, swollen, and painful. i then heard about lymph drainage, done by a certified massage therapist. went for one session. by the end of the session, my lymph node was smaller, no longer red, and no longer painful; within a day after the session, the lymph node was no longer swollen.

Keflex review by 54 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Highly Effective
Side effects:		Severe Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		tooth infection
Dosage & duration:		500mg taken 1st course: 3x day, 2nd course, 2x day for the period of 9 days, then 2 days
Other conditions:		hypothyroid, mitral valve prolapse
Other drugs taken:		Synthroid, estrogen, darvocet, 1 small dose immodium
		Reported Results
Benefits:		Really cut down the tooth infection/pain and swollen glands, during the first course of treatment I did not have any side effects at all.
Side effects:		Severe diarrhea, very severe vomiting
Comments:		I was given keflex (3x daily) for an infected root canal that needed to be redone. The swelling, pain and swollen glands subsided substantially while I was waiting 2 weeks for my appt to have the root canal redone. After the root canal, the dentist put me back on the keflex (2x daily) to insure against further infection, also since I have mitral valve prolapse. After 2 doses I developed diarrhea and took .5mg of immodium (I am sensitive to immodium, only need a very small dose). 8 hours later I developed worse diarrhea and then very severe vomiting, stomach pain, severe headache, dizziness, chills. Also my muscles were shaking and cramping as if I was very cold. I had to be taken to the urgent care, received an injection of phenergan which helped, and told never to take keflex again. Flu test was negative, I had not eaten anything during that day which could have caused food poisoning. Dx: gastroenteritis caused by keflex.