How long does cephalexin last

Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device not a kitchen spoon. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Cephalexin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold. Do not share cephalexin with another person , even if they have the same symptoms you have.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cephalexin. Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator.

Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days. Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and blood in your urine. Cephalexin is used to treat many types of infections.

Health Topics. Health Tools. Cephalexin Keflex. Brand Names: Biocef , Keflex , Zartan. For most infections, you'll start to feel better in a few days, but this depends on the type of infection you have. It is important that you take the full course your doctor has advised, even if you feel better. It will stop the infection coming back. Tell your doctor if you do not start to feel better after taking cefalexin for 2 to 3 days, or if you feel worse at any time.

Your doctor will tell you how long to take cefalexin for, as this can vary depending on the type of infection you have. Cefalexin is generally used for a short time to treat an infection. It can also be used long term to prevent infections which keep coming back. For some types of infection, you may need to take cefalexin for at least 10 days. If you need to take antibiotics like cefalexin often, they can become less effective as the bacteria gets used to the medicine.

This is called antibiotic resistance. If your symptoms start to get worse again, tell your doctor or a pharmacist. If your symptoms do not improve at all after a few days, or they start to get worse again, tell your doctor or a pharmacist. Do not stop taking your medicine early, even if you feel better, as this makes it more likely that the infection will come back and the bacteria will be resistant to cefalexin. Carry on taking cefalexin until you've completed the course, even if you feel better.

Do not stop taking it early, as there's a risk the infection could come back. It also gives any remaining bacteria a chance to change or adapt, which means the antibiotic could stop working. This is known as antibiotic resistance. Cefalexin belongs to a group of antibiotics called cephalosporins.

This group also includes other antibiotics such as cefradine, cefuroxime and ceftazidime. Different antibiotics are used to treat different infections. Your doctor will choose the antibiotic based on which bacteria they think is causing your infection. Cefalexin can only be given as capsules, tablets or a liquid, but some other antibiotics can be given as injections.

Cefalexin does not affect contraceptive pills working, including the combined pill and emergency contraception. However, if cefalexin makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.

Look on the pill packet to find out what to do. Read more about what to do if you're on the pill and you're being sick or have diarrhoea. There is no firm evidence to suggest cefalexin will affect fertility in men or women. However, speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant.

Page last reviewed: 20 March Next review due: 20 March Cefalexin - Brand name: Keflex On this page About cefalexin Key facts Who can and cannot take cefalexin How and when to take it Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.

About cefalexin Cefalexin is an antibiotic. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today?

You'll usually start to feel better in a few days, depending on the type of infection you have. The most common side effects of cefalexin are feeling sick nausea and diarrhoea. You can drink alcohol while taking cefalexin. It's important to keep taking cefalexin until you've completed the course, even if you feel better. Cefalexin can be taken by most adults and children.

Dosage The dose of cefalexin can vary but for most infections you will take mg, two or three times a day. The dose may be higher for severe infections and lower for children. Important Keep taking this medicine until you've completed the course, even if you feel better.

She is a former Consumer Reports editor and Knight Science Journalism Fellow at MIT and has more than two decades' experience reporting on science, health, and consumer issues. Sign In. Become a Member. Remember Me. Forgot username or password? Not a member? Need further assistance? Please call Member Services at How Long Do Antibiotics Last? You may be tempted to use leftover drugs, originally prescribed for friends, family, and even pets.

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