Is cephalexin a strong antibiotic?

Cephalexin is called a broad-spectrum antibiotic because it is effective against a wide range of bacteria. Cephalexin belongs to the class of antibiotics known as cephalosporins. Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin and is mainly effective against gram-positive bacteria.

What is cephalexin most commonly used for?

Cephalexin is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections; and infections of the bone, skin, ears, , genital, and urinary tract. Cephalexin is in a class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria.

What illnesses does cephalexin treat?

What Conditions does CEPHALEXIN Treat?

strep throat.
strep throat and tonsillitis.
a bacterial infection.
infection of the middle ear by H.
infection of the middle ear caused by Streptococcus.
middle ear infection caused by Moraxella catarrhalis.
infection of the middle ear caused by Staphylococcus.

How quickly does cephalexin work?

A: Cephalexin antibiotic begins to kill the bacteria causing a skin infection very quickly. However, you may not notice the skin infection improving for 2 to 3 days. Follow the directions on your cephalexin medication bottle—and finish all doses of cephalexin, even after the skin infection looks and feels better.

Is cephalexin stronger than amoxicillin?

Is cephalexin or amoxicillin stronger? When dosed appropriately, both antibiotics are effective against their covered organisms. The organism coverage of cephalexin makes it effective in some conditions that amoxicillin is not, including mastitis and bone and joint infections.

What should you not eat when taking cephalexin?

Acidic foods such as citrus juice, carbonated beverages, chocolate, antacids and tomato-based products such as ketchup can all interfere with drug absorption.

What foods should I avoid while taking cephalexin?

Acidic foods such as citrus juice, carbonated beverages, chocolate, antacids and tomato-based products such as ketchup can all interfere with drug absorption. Have your child avoid these several hours before and after taking the medication, said Seidman.

What skin infections does cephalexin treat?

Cephalexin remains an effective and highly useful antibiotic for the treatment of streptococcal and staphylococcal skin infections. Twelve years of experience have not diminished its efficacy, and cure rates of 90% or higher continue to be achieved.

Is 500mg of cephalexin strong?

The usual dose is 250 mg taken every 6 hours, or a dose of 500 mg every 12 hours may be given. If you have a severe infection, your doctor may give you a larger dose. 25–50 mg/kg of body weight per day taken in divided doses. Your doctor may double your dose for severe infections.

What should you not take with cephalexin?

There may be an interaction between cephalexin and any of the following:

BCG.
cholera vaccine.
metformin.
multivitamins with minerals.
sodium picosulfate.
typhoid vaccine.
warfarin.
zinc.

Can cephalexin treat a STD?

While Cephalexin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic used to fight bacterial infections, such as skin infections and urinary tract infections, it is not used to treat STDs according to Drugs , an online resource that provides accurate and independent information on more than 24Can Cephalexin Be Used to Treat STDs?

What foods to avoid while on antibiotics?

What Foods to NOT Eat While Taking Antibiotics
- Grapefruit — You should avoid both the fruit and the juice of this sour citrus product.
- Excess Calcium — Some studies show that excess calcium interferes with absorption.
- Alcohol — Mixing alcohol and antibiotics can lead to a host of unpleasant side effects.
Is cephalexin the same as amoxicillin?

The drugs belong to different classes. Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic and amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic. Brand names for cephalexin include Keflex and Daxbia. Brand names for amoxicillin include Amoxil , Moxatag, and Larotid.

How effective is cephalexin for an uti?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI), your doctor may have prescribed an antibiotic called Keflex . An antibiotic is a medication used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Keflex is more often prescribed in its generic version, called cephalexin.

Can I stop taking cephalexin?

If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor. Continue to take cephalexin until you finish the prescription even if you feel better. If you stop taking cephalexin too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

How long for cephalexin to take effect?

The source of the abscess, the infected tooth or gum, must be treated for him to get completely better. However, taking antibiotics alone should temporarily reduce the swelling and pain. Cephalexin is a very strong antibiotic but usually can take from 24 to 48 hours to begin to work on the infection.