Cefalexin
Also sold as: Keflex, Sporidex
Prescription neededCephalosporins
Comes as:CapsuleSuspension
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose: 250 to 500 mg every 6 hours, or 500 mg every 12 hours, usually for 5 to 7 days. Finish the full course. Children: dose by weight — ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- diarrhoea
- nausea
- stomach pain
- mild skin rash
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe allergic reaction (swelling of face or throat
- difficulty breathing)
- severe or bloody diarrhoea
- severe skin rash with blisters
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Allergy to cephalosporins
- Severe allergic reaction to penicillin in the past (use with caution)
- Severe kidney disease (dose may need to be lowered)
Interactions
No important interactions are listed in our database. Still tell your doctor or pharmacist everything you take.