Why is cephalexin used

To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to cephalexin. Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking cephalexin. If you are diabetic and test your urine for sugar, use Clinistix or TesTape not Clinitest to test your urine while taking this medication.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Generic alternatives may be available. Cephalexin pronounced as sef a lex' in.

Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause?

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Brand names. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you. If we combine this information with your PHI, we will treat all of that information as PHI, and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices.

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Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body. Your doctor may give you a larger dose if you have a severe infection. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages.

Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Cephalexin oral capsule is a short-term drug treatment. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times. If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of this drug in your body. 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.