#keflex

me: Mom. You don't want to see the rash.

Mom: I do want to see the rash!

*I show her the rash.*

Brand Name: Keflex

Generic Available

Common Dosage Forms:

Capsules: 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg.

Powder for oral suspension: 125 mg/5 mL and 250 mg/5 mL (following reconstitution.

Tablets: 250 mg and 500 mg.

FDA Indications/Dosages:

Infections due to susceptible strains of the following organisms: streptococci, staphylococci, E. coli, P. mirabilis, Klebsiella species, H. influenzae, and M. catarrhalis: 250 mg to 1 gram every six hours. May use 500 mg every 12 hours for streptococcal pharyngitis, skin and skin structure infections and uncomplicated cystitis in patients over 15 years of age.

Children: 25 to 100 mg/kg/day in four equally divided doses.

Pharmacology/Pharmacokinetics: Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin which inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis via acrylation of the transpeptidase enzyme. This acrylation occurs in the third and final stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis and is believe to be due to the structural similarity of the cephalosporin nucleus to D-alanyl-D-alanine. 70% is excreted unchanged in the urine.

Drug Interactions: May alter the absorption of estrogens including oral contraceptives. Probenecid increases serum concentration. May cause a false positive for nonspecific urine glucose tests, for some proteinuria tests, and for direct Coombs’ test. May falsely elevate urinary 17-ketosteroid values.

Contraindication/Precautions: Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to penicillins and/or cephalosporins. Estimated incidence of cross-sensitivity is 5 to 16%. Use with caution in patients with renal function impairment. Cases of pseudomembranous colitis have occurred during treatment with cephalosporins. Report persistent or severe diarrhea to a physician. Pregnancy Category B.

Adverse Effects: Nausea, vomiting, DIARRHEA, HIVES, ITCHING, and RASH.

Patient Consultation:

Preferably taken on an empty stomach (once hour before or two hours after meals) with a full glass (240 mL) of water.

Take at even intervals, preferably around the clock.

Complete full course of therapy unless otherwise directed.

Keep suspension refrigerated. Discard unused portion after 14 days.

Shake suspension well before using.

Report severe or persistent diarrhea to a physician.

Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and children.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible.