Keflex (cephalexin), is a semi-synthetic cephalosporin antibacterial drug intended for oral administration. It is the monohydrate of 7- (D-α-Amino-α-phenylacetamido) -3-methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid. Cephalexin has the molecular formula C16H17N3O4S • H2O and the molecular weight is 365.41.
Cephalexin has the following structural formula:
Each capsule contains cephalexin monohydrate equivalent to 250 mg, 500 mg or 750 mg of cephalexin. The capsules also contain sodium carboxymethylcellulose, D&C Yellow n. 10, Dimethicone, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD & C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and titanium dioxide.
Index
Keflex benefits
Keflex can be beneficial in treating the following problems:
Respiratory tract infections: KEFLEX is indicated for the treatment of respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Otitis media: KEFLEX is indicated for the treatment of otitis media caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
Skin and skin structure infections: KEFLEX is indicated for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible isolates of the following Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Bone infections: KEFLEX is indicated for the treatment of bone infections caused by susceptible isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis.
Genitourinary tract infections: KEFLEX is indicated for the treatment of genitourinary tract infections, including acute prostatitis, caused by susceptible isolates of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Secondary Keflex Projects
The following serious events are described in more detail in the Warning and Precautions section:
- Hypersensitive reactions
- Diarrea asociada a Clostridium difficile
- Coombs direct serology test
- Attack potential
- Effect on prothrombin activity
- Development of Drug Resistant Bacteria
Clinical trial experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under highly variable conditions, the rates of adverse reactions seen in clinical trials of one drug cannot be directly compared to rates in clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates seen in the drug. practice
In clinical trials, the most common adverse reaction was diarrhea. Nausea and vomiting, dyspepsia, gastritis, and abdominal pain have also occurred. As with penicillins and other cephalosporins, transient hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported.
Other reactions have included hypersensitivity reactions, genital and anal itching, genital candidiasis, vaginitis and vaginal discharge, dizziness, fatigue, headache, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, arthralgia, arthritis, and joint disorder. Reversible interstitial nephritis has been reported. Eosinophilia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and mild elevations in aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) have been reported.
In addition to the adverse reactions listed above that have been observed in patients treated with KEFLEX, the following adverse reactions and other altered laboratory tests have been reported for cephalosporin class antibacterial drugs:
Other adverse reactions
Fever, colitis, aplastic anemia, hemorrhage, kidney dysfunction, and toxic nephropathy.
Keflex dosage forms and strengths
- 250 mg capsules : a white to light yellow powder in an opaque dark green opaque capsule that is imprinted with KEFLEX 250 mg in edible black ink on the white body.
- 500 mg capsules : a white to light yellow powder filled into an opaque light green and dark green capsule that is imprinted with KEFLEX 500 mg in edible black ink on the light green body.
- 750 mg capsules: a white to light yellow powder in an elongated opaque dark green capsule imprinted with KEFLEX 750 mg in edible white ink on the dark green body.
Keflex storage and handling
Keflex e supplies as follows:
- 250 mg capsules, 100 bottles – NDC 59630-112-10
- 500 mg capsules, 100 bottles – NDC 59630-113-10
- 750 mg capsules, 50 bottles – NDC 59630-115-05
KEFLEX should be stored at 25 ° C (77 ° F); excursions allowed at 15 ° to 30 ° C (59 ° to 86 ° F)
Precautions to keep in mind when consuming keflex
Hypersensitive reactions
Allergic reactions in the form of skin rash, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported with the use of KEFLEX. Before instituting KEFLEX therapy, investigate whether the patient has a history of hypersensitivity reactions to cephalexin, cephalosporins, penicillins, or other drugs. Cross-hypersensitivity between beta-lactam antibacterial drugs can occur in up to 10% of patients with a history of penicillin allergy.
Diarrea asociada a Clostridium Difficile
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (DACD) has been reported with the use of almost all antibacterial agents, including KEFLEX, and can range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents disrupts the normal flora of the colon and leads to overgrowth of C. difficile.
C. difficile produces toxins A and B, which contribute to the development of CDAD. Strains of C. difficile that produce hypertoxin cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections may be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD should be considered in all patients who develop diarrhea after antibiotic use. A careful medical history is needed as CDAD has been reported to occur more than two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.
Attack potential
Several cephalosporins have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal failure when the dose was not reduced. If seizures occur, stop KEFLEX. Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.