Perhaps you have had a fever, a cough, or a wound and went to see a doctor, and he or she would have prescribed you a medicine called 'Cephalexin'. This is a very commonly used antibiotic in our country. So today, let's find out exactly what this medicine is and what we need to be careful about while using it.
What kind of medicine is Cephalexin?
Simply put, Cephalexin is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to the class of drugs called 'Cephalosporin'. It works by destroying harmful bacteria that have entered our body.
It is very important to note that this medicine does not cure viral illnesses such as colds and the common flu. Therefore, using these without the advice of a doctor will not yield any results.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is important for your doctor to have a complete history of your health before prescribing this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have ever been allergic to Cephalexin, Penicillin, or any other antibiotic . This is the most important thing.
- If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
- If you have previously had an intestinal infection, for example, colitis.
- If you have a bleeding disorder.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .
- If you have allergies to other foods, medicines, or preservatives.
How to use Cephalexin correctly?
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly.
How to take the medicine
It is very important to take the correct dose, at the correct time, as prescribed by the doctor. You can take this before or after meals. However, some people experience stomach discomfort when taking this medicine. If that is the case for you, it is best to take the pill with a meal.
Most importantly: complete the medication course!
One of the biggest mistakes many people make is to stop taking their medication when they feel better. Never do that. You should finish the entire course of medication until your doctor tells you to stop. If you don't, the infection may not be completely cured and may come back more severely. It can also cause the bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you accidentally take too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Side effects to be aware of when taking Cephalexin
Like all medications, Cephalexin can cause minor or serious side effects. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Severe Allergic Reactions | Redness on the skin, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. If you have difficulty breathing, go to an ETU immediately. |
| Severe skin reactions | Redness, blistering, peeling of the skin (can even occur inside the mouth). A severe red rash that comes with a fever. |
| Severe diarrhea | Severe, watery diarrhea that lasts more than two days, fever, and stomach ache. Do not take medication from the pharmacy, but talk to your doctor. |
| Problems faced by women | Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor (this could be a fungal infection). |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Normal diarrhea | Flatulence, stomach discomfort. |
| Headache | Slight headache. |
| Nausea | Feeling like your stomach is churning. |
Special notice for diabetics
If you are diabetic, a urine sugar test may give a false-positive result while taking this medication. Therefore, talk to your doctor about this and get advice on the best way to monitor your sugar levels.
Interactions with other medications
When you are taking Cephalexin, it is very important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). This is especially true when combined with medications like Probenecid and other antibiotics, as they may interact with Cephalexin.
Remember, it is for your own safety to inform your doctor about all medications you take.
How to store medicine?
Store this medicine at room temperature, out of the reach of children and pets , away from excessive heat and moisture. Discard any expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Cephalexin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It will not treat viral infections (such as the common cold).
- Take the full amount of medication prescribed by the doctor for the full duration. Do not stop taking it just because your symptoms have subsided.
- If you are allergic to penicillin or other medications, are pregnant, or have any other medical conditions, tell your doctor before starting the medication.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as severe skin rashes, severe diarrhea, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you overdose, immediately go to the National Poisons Information Center or the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
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