What is cephalexin 500 mg used for?

Cephalexin is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. It belongs to the class of medicines known as cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.

What kind of infections does cephalexin treat?

Cefalexin is an antibiotic. It belongs to a group of antibiotics called cephalosporins. It's used to treat bacterial infections, such as pneumonia and other chest infections, skin infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Is cephalexin 500 mg a strong antibiotic?

Cephalexin is called a broad-spectrum antibiotic because it is effective against a wide range of bacteria.

How long does it take for cephalexin to start working?

How quickly does cephalexin work to treat an infection? Cephalexin starts to work right away and becomes the most effective one hour after taking it. That being said, it can take up to 48 hours after taking the drug to start seeing your symptoms improve.

What should I avoid while taking cephalexin?

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Uses for Cephalexin 500 mg and Side Effects

Is cephalexin a penicillin?

Cephalexin (Keflex) is a cephalosporin antibiotic, and amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic.

Does cephalexin make you tired?

Cephalexin oral capsule doesn't cause drowsiness.

Is cephalexin good for Covid 19?

Inclusion of Cephalexin in COVID-19 Treatment Combinations May Prevent Lung Involvement in Mild Infections: A Case Report with Pharmacological Genomics Perspective. Glob Med Genet. 2021 Jun;8(2):78-81. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1726461.

Is cephalexin the same as amoxicillin?

While cephalexin and amoxicillin are each beta-lactam antibiotics, they are not the same. Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic, and amoxicillin is a penicillin derivative. While they cover some of the same bacterial organisms, they each cover unique organisms.

How long does cephalexin 500mg stay in your system?

The half-life of cephalexin is one hour. It takes about five half-lives, or about five hours, for a dose of medication to be eliminated from the body. For people with severe kidney problems, the drug stays in the system much longer, and the half-life can be up to 19 to 22 hours.

What is the strongest antibiotic for bacterial infection?

Vancomycin, long considered a "drug of last resort," kills by preventing bacteria from building cell walls.

What is the side effects of cephalexin 500mg?

Does cephalexin 500mg treat UTI?

Cephalexin is a type of antibiotic that is frequently used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is one of the top 100 most commonly prescribed medications in the US, and can be very effective for many common bacterial infections.

When should I take cefalexin 500mg?

Cefalexin is indicated for the treatment of respiratory tract infections (RTI's), urinary tract infections (UTI's), skin and soft tissue infections, otitis media and other infections due to sensitive organisms. The dosage is 1-4 g daily in divided doses. Most infections will respond to 500 mg every 8 hours.

Is cephalexin good for tooth infection?

Yes, Cephalexin can be used to treat tooth abscess and gum infections. Cephalexin is in a group of drugs called cephalosporins antibiotics and is used to fight bacteria infections in the body. It works by interfering with the bacteria's cell wall formation, causing it to rupture, and killing the bacteria.

How good is cephalexin?

Abstract. 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.

Can you take cephalexin for a sinus infection?

Results showed that cephalexin was effective in treating sinusitis and that adverse reactions were rare. Bacteriology results showed that many of the pathogens usually involved in infectious maxillary sinusitis were resistant to the recommended or frequently prescribed antibiotics.

What happens if you take antibiotics without infection?

They can cause bacteria to become increasingly resistant to treatment, for example, and destroy healthy flora in the gut. Now, a new study from Case Western Reserve University shows that antibiotics can damage immune cells and worsen oral infections.

Does cephalexin make your pee smell?

It is normal for cephalexin to have a strong sul- furous odor which may smell like cat urine.

How do you know if antibiotics are working?

Antibiotics can take a few days before they start to work, so you may need to wait 3-5 days before you notice improvements. Depending on the infection, it may take longer to feel fully better (like with bacterial pneumonia).

Can you take ibuprofen with cephalexin?

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between Advil and cephalexin. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Can you take Tylenol with cephalexin?

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between cephalexin and Tylenol. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

What's the strongest antibiotic for tooth infection?

Amoxicillin is usually the first choice for tooth infection treatment. If your tooth infection is more serious, your dentist may prescribe a combination of amoxicillin and another drug called Clavulanate. This combination is stronger and more effective against tooth infections.

Can cephalexin cause a yeast infection?

The more common side effects include: oral or vaginal thrush (a type of yeast infection in the mouth or vagina)