Cephalexin Capsules 250MG 500MG BP / USP Antibiotics Medicines

CEPHALEXIN 500 MG Capsules

COMPOSITION:

Each capsules containing cephalexin monohydrate equivalent to 500 mg cephalexin.

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION:

Cephalexin is an acid-stable cephalosporin and is well absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations, reached at about 1 hour after ingestion of the drug, are approximately 9 and 18 ug/mL after oral doses of 250 and 500 mg, respectively.
Cephalexin inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis in a manner similar to that of penicillin. In-vitro sensitivity does not necessarily indicate in-vivo efficacy. Cephalexin is active in vitro against both gram-positive and gram-negative micro-organisms.

The ingestion of food may delay absorption.

INDICATIONS:

Infections caused by susceptible organisms.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS:

Patients who are known or suspected to be allergic to other cephalosporins should not be treated with cephalexin.

DOSAGE AND DIRECTIONS FOR USE:

The usual adult dose is 250-500 mg every 6 hours and for children 25 to 50 mg per kg body mass daily in divided doses.
When high doses are required the use of a parenteral cephalosporin should be considered. In patients with impaired kidney function smaller doses should be employed: with creatinine clearances of 5, 20 and 50 mL per minute, daily doses should not exceed 0,5, 1,5 and 3 g respectively and 8, 25 and 50 mg per kg respectively in children.

SIDE-EFFECTS AND SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:
Side-effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. Skin rashes occur in about 1% of patients treated with cephalexin and rises in serum transaminases have been noted. Eosinophilia and neutropenia have occurred in a few patients. Supra-infection with resistant micro-organisms, particularly Candida, may follow treatment.
Care is necessary in treating patients known to be hypersensitive to penicillin or with known histories of allergy. Reduced dosage is necessary in patients with impaired kidney function.
The urine of patients taking cephalexin may give a false positive reaction for glucose with copper-reduction reagents. Positive results to the Coomb's test have been reported with cephalexin.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store below 25°C and protect from light.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.