Keflex capsule 500mg

About Keflex capsule 500mg

Keflex Capsule 500mg Uses

• Treats skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible bacteria
• Treats respiratory tract infections including bronchitis and pneumonia
• Treats urinary tract infections
• Treats middle ear infections known as otitis media
• Treats bone and joint infections
• Treats streptococcal throat infections when penicillin cannot be used
• Used before certain dental and surgical procedures to prevent infection

Keflex Capsule 500mg Benefits

• Absorbed quickly from the stomach for fast symptom relief
• Effective against a wide range of gram positive bacteria
• Can be taken with or without food
• Available as an affordable generic option in Pakistan
• Suitable for patients who are allergic to sulfa drugs
• Considered safe for use during pregnancy under medical supervision

What Experts Say

Physicians prescribe Keflex Capsule 500mg when a stronger oral dose is needed than the 250mg strength provides. This higher strength suits adults with moderate skin infections, bone infections, or respiratory infections where the bacterial load is significant.

Cephalexin works by stopping bacteria from building their protective cell wall, which kills the bacteria before they can multiply further. The 500mg strength is usually dosed every 12 hours for uncomplicated infections and every 6 hours for more severe ones, always guided by a doctor's assessment of the infection's severity.

Doctors also check kidney function before prescribing this strength, since cephalexin is cleared through the kidneys and needs a lower dose or longer interval in patients with reduced renal function. A short course finished completely, even after symptoms improve, helps prevent bacteria from becoming resistant to future antibiotic treatment.

Drug Class

• Cephalosporin antibiotic
• First generation cephalosporin
• Beta lactam antibiotic

Keflex capsule 500mg formula

• Cephalexin

Available forms

• Capsule

How to use Keflex capsule 500mg?

• Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water
• Can be taken with or without food, but food may reduce stomach upset
• Space doses evenly through the day as directed by your doctor
• Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve early
• Do not double the dose if a dose is missed, take the next one as scheduled
• Shake liquid forms of cephalexin well before use if switching formulations

Drug Interactions

• Probenecid: Increases cephalexin levels in the blood by slowing its removal from the kidneys
• Metformin: Cephalexin may raise metformin blood levels, requiring closer blood sugar monitoring
• Warfarin: May increase bleeding risk when combined with cephalexin, needing closer monitoring
• Oral contraceptives: Antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills in some patients
• Live bacterial vaccines: Cephalexin can reduce the effectiveness of live vaccines such as typhoid vaccine

Risks and warnings

• Penicillin allergy: Patients with a severe penicillin allergy should use this capsule with caution due to possible cross reaction
• Kidney impairment: Dose or dosing interval needs adjustment in patients with reduced kidney function
• Intestinal infection risk: Prolonged use can lead to a serious diarrhea caused by Clostridioides difficile overgrowth
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Generally considered safe but should only be used under a doctor's supervision
• Superinfection: Extended use may allow resistant bacteria or fungi to overgrow

Keflex Capsule 500mg Side Effects

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Indigestion
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Severe allergic reaction with swelling or difficulty breathing
• Severe watery or bloody diarrhea
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Storage Conditions

• Store below 25°C in a cool dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Keep the capsule in its original blister pack until use