Cephalexin 500mg

Cephalexin 500mg — Uses and Benefits

Cephalexin 500mg is used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria affecting 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
• Infections of the throat and tonsils in certain cases

HOW IT WORKS

• It belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics
• It works by damaging the bacterial cell wall
• This action stops bacteria from growing and multiplying
• It eventually kills the bacteria causing the infection

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It does not work against viral infections like flu or common cold
• It is not effective for fungal infections
• It should not be used to treat infections not confirmed or suspected to be bacterial
• It is not a painkiller and does not treat pain unrelated to infection

Always use this medicine only for the condition your doctor has prescribed it for, and complete the full course even if symptoms improve early.

How to Use Cephalexin 500mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

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

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 a regular dosing schedule

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct heat and moisture
• Keep in its original container
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Cephalexin 500mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach upset
• Indigestion

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Loss of appetite
• Skin rash

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe allergic reaction with swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe or bloody diarrhoea that does not stop
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Severe skin reactions with blistering or peeling

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

Cephalexin 500mg — Safety Information and Precautions

Cephalexin 500mg is a prescription-only medicine in India and should be used only under medical supervision.

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 disease like colitis
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have any known drug allergies

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Probenecid
• Blood-thinning medicines like warfarin
• Metformin used for diabetes
• Other antibiotics
• Oral contraceptive pills, as effectiveness may be reduced

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop taking it once I feel better?

No, you should complete the full course as prescribed even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning or bacteria becoming resistant.

Can I take this medicine with alcohol?

It is best to avoid alcohol while on antibiotics as it may worsen side effects like stomach upset.

Is this medicine safe during pregnancy?

• It should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor after weighing benefits and risks.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.