Cephalexin

Cephalexin is an antibiotic from the first generation of cephalosporins.

[1], [2], [3], [4]

Indications of the cefalexin

It is used to treat the following disorders:

• infectious diseases of the respiratory system (pulmonary abscess, pneumonia, empyema, and bronchopneumonia);
• diseases affecting the ENT organs (otitis, sinusitis, sore throat, or pharyngitis);
• infectious pathologies in the area of the urogenital system (pyelonephritis with prostatitis, cystitis and gonorrhea, and in addition urethritis with vulvovaginitis and endometritis);
• purulent lesions of tissues and skin (furunculosis with phlegmon, abscess with pyoderma and lymphadenitis);
• osteomyelitis.

Release form

The release is carried out in tablets with a volume of 0.25 g and capsules with a volume of 0.25 and 0.5 g. It is also produced in granules (volume 0.25 g) for suspensions - 5 ml inside the vial.

Cephalexin alkaloid

Cefalexin alkaloid is produced in the form of a powder - in bottles of 65.4 g. Inside the package - 1 bottle of powder and a measuring spoon.

[5], [6], [7]

Pharmacodynamics

Cephalexin disrupts the binding processes inside the walls of bacterial cells, as a result of which they die. Has an effect on the protein, streptococci with Klebsiella and Escherichia. The lower activity is demonstrated for shigella, gonococcus, salmonella and meningococcus, which is why it is not used in the treatment of diseases that were provoked by these bacteria.

The drug is inactive with respect to vulgar protea, fecal enterococci, clostridia, Morgan bacteria and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Resistance to methicillin is also resistant to methicillin.

The drug is destroyed by the action of β-lactamases produced by gram-negative microbes.

[8], [9], [10]

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, it is well absorbed, demonstrating a bioavailability index of 90-95%. Peak values within the blood are noted after the lapse of the first hour, and the drug-effective level remains for 4-6 hours. The medicine is synthesized with blood protein by 10-15%.

Passes the process of uniform distribution within most liquids with tissues. It does not penetrate well through the BBB, but it can pass the placental barrier. Not exposed to metabolic processes.

The half-life is about 0.8-1.2 hours. Approximately 89% of the substance is excreted in the urine, and a small part of the drug - with bile. In persons with disorders in the work of the kidneys, the duration of excretion and the increase in medicinal values are observed.

[11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16],

Dosing and administration

For children under 10 years of age, oral administration of the suspension is prescribed. The content of cephalexin within 1 ml of the finished drug suspension is 50 mg. In 5 ml of the drug contains 250 mg of the substance.

The size of approximate children's portions:

• younger than 1 year: 2.5 ml of drug suspension, take 3-4 times / day;
• children aged 1-3 years: 5 ml each, three times a day;
• children within 3-6 years: 7.5 ml each, three times a day;
• children in the age category 6-10 years: 10 ml, three times a day;
• children, whose age is 10-14 years: three times a day for 10 ml.

In every situation, the doctor must determine the frequency of taking the dosage and its size individually, taking into account the type of pathology and the degree of its severity. Sometimes (with mild forms of infections in the area of the urethra or skin, as well as with pharyngitis), it is allowed to divide the portion into 2 uses, but in severe stages of the disease, the drug can be taken up to 6 times / day. It is recommended to take drugs even during 2-3 days after the improvement of the condition.

To prepare a medicinal suspension, it is necessary to add water (to the mark indicated on it), then shake it. Ready suspension is allowed to store up to 14 days at room temperature. It is required to carefully shake the medicine before each new treatment.

Capsules or tablets should be taken orally before meals (for half an hour). The size of the average portion for an adult is 0.25-0.5 g with reception every 6 hours, four times a day. In this case, the total dosage for the day will be 1-2 g (minimum). If there is such a need, it is allowed to raise the dose to 4 g (the maximum permissible average dosage in adults and children from 6 years). The entire treatment course lasts for 1-2 weeks.

If the patient has problems with kidney activity, then the maximum daily dose is 1.5 g, which should be divided into 2-4 uses.

During therapy, a falsely positive reaction can be observed during the urine test to glucose level.

It is forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages during treatment.

[19], [20], [21]

Use of the cefalexin during pregnancy

It is forbidden to prescribe Cephalexin to pregnant women.

Contraindications

The main contraindications:

• the presence of hypersensitivity to the drug;
• lactation period;
• lack of sugar in the body;
• malabsorption of fructose.

Caution is necessary in case of use in kidney failure, pseudomembranous form of colitis, as well as in infants younger than six months (suspension).

[17], [18]

Side effects of the cefalexin

Use of the drug may cause some side effects:

• hives and rashes, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and angioedema;
• weakening of appetite and abdominal pain, diarrhea, dryness of the oral mucosa, nausea;
• an increase in the activity of hepatic transaminases and cholestasis;
• oral or intestinal candidiasis, as well as colitis;
• headaches, a feeling of excitement, convulsions and hallucinations, as well as dizziness;
• vaginitis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, thrush, itching in the genital area;
• arthralgia;
• thrombocyto- or leukopenia.

Overdose

Poisoning with the drug causes such symptoms as nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting and the appearance of blood impurities in the urine.

To eliminate the disorders, it is necessary to give the patient activated charcoal, as well as to monitor the work of systems and organs, and electrolyte balance indicators.

[22], [23]

Interactions with other drugs

Cephalexin potentiates the properties of indirect anticoagulants.

Due to the combination of drugs with phenylbutazone, polymyxins, furosemide, and in addition, ethacrynic acid and aminoglycosides increase the likelihood of developing renal disorders.

Use with metformin requires a change in the size of its dosage during the period of combined use.

Indomethacin and salicylates inhibit the excretion of the active element of cephalexin.

[24]

Storage conditions

Cephalexin is contained in standard for medicines conditions. Temperature marks - not above 25 ° C.

[25], [26]

Shelf life

Cephalexin is allowed to be used for 3 years from the date of release of the drug.

[27], [28]

Reviews

Cephalexin has an active effect on streptococci with staphylococci, which allows it to be used for the treatment of cystitis, maxillary sinusitis, pyelonephritis, pyotorax, skin infections, as well as otitis and pulmonary inflammation.

The testimonies indicate that the drug is often used to eliminate infections within the urinary system that can not be cured by standard therapeutic methods (eg, recurrent cystitis). The medicine was prescribed to people who were treated at the hospital, after cystoscopy procedures or using a catheter, and in addition to people with diabetes.

Also, the reviews demonstrate that the children were often prescribed a suspension for angina, otitis, or suspected pulmonary inflammation. Thanks to the pleasant fruity smell of the suspension, the children take it without complaint. Parents often note that the medicine effectively helps children - the drug is well tolerated and helps to speed up recovery.

In some patients, stool disorders were observed occasionally (this effect is due to the fact that the antibiotic affects the intestinal microflora), and also nausea.