Brand Names: Keflex, Panixine

Generic Name: cephalexin (Pronunciation: sef a LEX in)

• What is cephalexin (Keflex)?
• What are the possible side effects of cephalexin (Keflex)?
• What is the most important information I should know about cephalexin (Keflex)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cephalexin (Keflex)?
• How should I take cephalexin (Keflex)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Keflex)?
• What happens if I overdose (Keflex)?
• What should I avoid while taking cephalexin (Keflex)?
• What other drugs will affect cephalexin (Keflex)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is cephalexin (Keflex)?

Cephalexin is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics. Cephalexin fights bacteria in the body.

Cephalexin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria, including upper respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.

Cephalexin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cephalexin 250 mg Tab-TEV

oblong, white, imprinted with 22 38, TEVA

Cephalexin 250 mg-IVA

gray/red, imprinted with Z4073

Cephalexin 250 mg-RAN

green/white, imprinted with RX675

Cephalexin 250 mg-TEV

gray/red, imprinted with 93 3145

Cephalexin 500 mg Cap-TEV

red, imprinted with TEVA, 3147

Cephalexin 500 mg Tab-TEV

oblong, white, imprinted with 22 40, TEVA

Cephalexin 500 mg-IVA

red, imprinted with Z4074

Cephalexin 500 mg-RAN

dark green/light green, imprinted with RX657

Cephalexin 500 mg-TEV

red, imprinted with 93 3147

Keflex 750 mg

green, imprinted with Keflex 750 mg

What are the possible side effects of cephalexin (Keflex)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• seizure (convulsions);
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• confusion, agitation, hallucinations (seeing things that are not there); or
• urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• dizziness, tired feeling;
• joint pain; or
• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Keflex (cephalexin) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about cephalexin (Keflex)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to cephalexin, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Cefzil, Duricef, Fortaz, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, and others.

Before using cephalexin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have kidney or liver disease, a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis, diabetes, or if you are malnourished.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cephalexin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.