Cephalexin 250mg

Cephalexin 250mg — Uses and Benefits

Cephalexin 250mg is used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria in different parts of the body.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis
• Ear infections
• Bone infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Dental infections as advised by your doctor

HOW IT WORKS

• It belongs to a group of antibiotics called cephalosporins
• It stops bacteria from building their protective cell wall
• Without a proper cell wall, the bacteria die and the infection clears

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It does not work against viral infections like common cold or flu
• It is not effective against fungal infections
• It should not be used to self-treat infections without a doctor's advice
• It is not a painkiller and does not treat pain unrelated to infection

How to Use Cephalexin 250mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor
• Swallow the tablet or capsule with a glass of water
• Can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may reduce stomach upset
• Take at evenly spaced intervals to keep a steady level of medicine in your body
• Complete the full course even if you feel better before finishing it
• Do not stop the medicine early without consulting your doctor

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• Try to maintain regular dose timings going forward

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• If using a liquid suspension, check label for refrigeration instructions and discard after the advised period
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Cephalexin 250mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach upset
• Indigestion

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Mild skin rash

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe or bloody diarrhoea
• Signs of liver problems such as yellowing of skin or eyes
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Cephalexin 250mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a valid doctor's prescription in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to cephalexin or other cephalosporin antibiotics
• Have had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin antibiotics in the past

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have kidney disease
• Have a history of stomach or intestinal diseases, especially colitis
• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Are breastfeeding
• Have any known drug allergies

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• Metformin, used for diabetes
• Probenecid, used for gout
• Other antibiotics
• Oral contraceptives, as effectiveness may reduce

Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop taking it once I feel better?

No, complete the full course as prescribed to prevent the infection from returning or becoming resistant.

Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

It is best to avoid alcohol as it may worsen stomach side effects and slow recovery.

Is it safe to take during pregnancy?

• It should only be used during pregnancy if your doctor decides it is necessary, so always consult your doctor first.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.