Cephalexin 250mg Capsules

What is Cephalexin 250mg ?

Cephalexin 250mg is a beta-lactam antibiotic of the cephalosporin family used to treat several kinds of bacterial infections which are present in your body. This medicine is a beta-lactam antibiotic and comes within the first generation of the cephalosporin class. Cephalexin 250MG is an oral antibiotic pill used to treat various bacterial infections of the middle ears, lungs, skin, urinary tract, throat, soft tissues, bones, and joints. It helps to prevent and kill certain bacteria to cure the infection.

Cephalexin was developed in 1967and it was sold under brand names like Leflex and Ceporex in 1969 and 1970 in the US. In 2019 this medicine was considered under the 83rd list of most commonly prescribed drugs with more than 9 million prescriptions in the US. Its generic drug versions are also available on the market with different brand names. Furthermore, Cephalexin is FDA approved and it can be used by humans (both adults and children) and dogs for the treatment of several medical conditions.

What are The Uses of Cephalexin 250mg Capsule ?

Cephalexin 250mg is an effective antibiotic medication prescribed to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections including those of the middle ears, bone, and joint infections, skin, and urinary tract infections. Following is the list of medical conditions which can be treated with the help of Cephalexin:  

• It treats a certain type of pneumonia which is a severe lung condition where tiny air sacs of the lungs called alveoli are filled with fluid causing lung inflammation 
• Treats strep throat which is a type of bacterial infection making your throat feel sore and itchy
• Prevents bacterial endocarditis a condition where there’s an infection in the heart valves/endocardium
• Can be also used as an alternative medicine for people who have mild to moderate allergies to penicillin
• Middle ear infections like Otitis Media can be treated along with 
• Bacterial infection condition of throat name Streptococcal Pharyngitis
• Bone and joint infections including septic arthritis, prosthetic joint infections, osteomyelitis, spinal infections, and diabetic foot osteomyelitis
• Prevents and combats several Urinary tract infections and their recurrence
• Treats pneumonia cellulitis that is a type of bacterial infection leading to invasion of the bloodstream, suppurative complications, and tissue necrosis
• It can be used to treat dog’s skin conditions, respiratory and urinary tract infections as well.

What Happens When Cephalexin 250mg Capsule Interacts?

Cephalexin 250mg is a beta-lactam antibiotic of the cephalosporin family and it is bactericidal that is, it kills bacteria. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell walls. As this drug closely resembles d-alanyl-d-alanine it can irreversibly bind the active sites of Penicillin-binding proteins (PBP) which are essential for cell wall synthesis. This drug is most active against gram-positive cocci at the same time, it’s moderately effective against gram-negative bacilli.

How and When to Take Cephalexin 250mg Capsule?

Cephalexin 250mg should be consumed with water. You can take this pill with or without food. Usually, doctors prescribe it for a time duration of 7 to 14 days and it is consumed at the same time every day.  

This drug cannot be consumed more or less and it should be consumed as per doctor’s prescriptions. This medicine usually starts to come under effect in the first few days but if you’re unable to see any such in a few days then consult your doctor for the same. The dosage depends upon the patient’s sex, weight, height, and past medical history. Any doubts and queries regarding this should be discussed with your doctor.

How Long does Cephalexin 250mg Capsule Last ?

Antibiotics like Cephalexin are flushed out of the body 90% within 8 hours after consuming the medicine. However, several factors like the patient’s medical condition, the body’s interaction speed with the medicine, and many such things can influence the effect of this medicine on the body.

What is The Dosing Pattern of The Cephalexin 250mg Capsule ?

Doctors prescribe this medicine for 7 to 14 days which same time as pill consumption should be maintained. This medicine can be prescribed to humans (children and adults) and dogs.

For adults and kids above 15 years of age, Cephalexin 250mg Capsule is usually consumed every 6 hours daily.

On the other hand, for children over 1 year of age, 25 to 50 mg per kg is prescribed which is equally divided.

This medicine is also available in other dosage levels and doctors will prescribe you Cephalexin depending on the severity of your medical conditions. Any queries regarding dosage patterns, please consult your doctor properly.

What If One Misses A Dose of Cephalexin 250mg Capsule ?

If you missed your dose first inform your doctor regarding this. You can consume this tablet as soon as you remember it and if it’s near to the next dose period then you should skip it. Double dosage to cover up the missed dose should be avoided to prevent yourself from medicine’s side effects.

What Happens When You Overdose on Cephalexin 250mg Capsules?

If you overdosed on Cephalexin 250mg Capsule then seek immediate help from your nearest hospital facility or contact your doctor or Healthline number. Symptoms of overdosing on this medicine may include passing out, difficulty in breathing, vomiting, bloody urine, or seizure.

What are The Side Effects of Cephalexin 250mg Capsules?

Every drug has its limitations and if you consume medicines excessively without a doctor’s prescription can affect you with side effects. Some common list of side effects that some people may experience from Cephalexin 250mg Capsule include:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach ache
• Chills
• Cough
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Rashes and itches
• Vomiting
• Sore throat
• Bloating
• Increased thirst
• Pale skin
• Red spots on the skin
• Unpleasant breath odor

Every drug has its limitations and excess use of medicine without a doctor’s prescription can affect you with side effects. Here’s a list of adverse side effects that some people had experienced from Cephalexin 250 mg Capsule include:

• Swelling up in the body
• Hives
• Difficult and painful urination
• Paralysis
• Nose bleed
• Increase in menstrual flow and vaginal bleeding
• Chest pain
• Difficulty in breathing and swallowing
• Fast heartbeat
• Coughing up blood
• Blistering/peeling/loosening of the skin
• Dark or reddish urine
• Dark or reddish stool
• Red skin lesions which purplish color in the center
• Joint muscle pain
• Red irritated eyes
• Gum bleeding

Who should Avoid Consuming Cephalexin 250mg Capsule ?

Some people are intolerant to certain kinds of medicines, quickly get prone to medicine’s side effects or their medical condition worsens. Therefore, it’s important to know what kind of people should avoid consuming certain drugs for their safety. In this case, people who are allergic to cephalexin or any kind of drug belonging to the same cephalosporin class must avoid consuming this tablet.

What Medicines should be Avoided While Treating Yourself with Cephalexin 250mg Capsule ?

Some combinations of medicines with Cephalexin 250mg Capsule can cause adverse side effects to patients. Here are a few names of medicines to avoid with the Cephalexin 250 MG Capsule as follows:

• Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) 
• Cholera vaccine
• Metformin
• Multivitamins and minerals
• Sodium picosulfate
• Typhoid vaccine
• Warfarin
• Zinc

What are The Alternative Medicines for Cephalexin 250mg ?

Here is a list of alternative medicines which have more or less similar effects to the Cephalexin 250mg Capsule in case you find it difficult to get them as follows:

• Amoxicillin
• Ciprofloxacin
• Metronidazole
• Ceftriaxone
• Levofloxacin
• Augmentin

What Precautions do We Need to Follow While having Cephalexin 250mg Capsule ?

Cephalexin is a bactericidal antibiotic hence, do not use this medication for the treatment of viral infections such as the common cold, flu, or acute bronchitis. It does not work effectively against most Enterococcus, or Pseudomonas and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus caused infections. 

This medicine can be alternative for people who are allergic to penicillin on mild to moderate levels, so undoubtedly Cephalexin is not recommended for people with severe penicillin allergies.  If you see any signs of side effects after consuming Cephalexin 250mg Capsule, please visit a doctor immediately and avoid overdosing or double dosing in any cases.

Who Manufactures Cephalexin 250 mg Capsule ?

Cephalexin 250 mg Capsule is manufactured by a pharmaceutical company named Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

What is The Chemical Name of The Cephalexin 250mg Capsule ?

The chemical name of Cephalexin 250mg Capsule is 7-(D-α-Amino-α-phenyl acetamido)-3-methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid monohydrate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Is Cephalexin 250mg Capsule a strong antibiotic?

Cephalexin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic because it treats a wide range of bacteria and it kills bacteria like penicillin.

Q. Is Cephalexin 250mg Capsule a form of penicillin?

Cephalexin 250mg Capsule is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works similarly to penicillin but it is not a form of penicillin.

Q. Does cephalexin treat UTIs?

Cephalexin is frequently used for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). So, it can treat UTI.

Q. Can I consume Cephalexin 250mg Capsule without food?

You can take Cephalexin 250mg Capsule with or without food.

Q. Can I take vitamins and mineral supplements with Cephalexin?

Do not take Vitamins and mineral supplements with Cephalexin at the same time to avoid side effects.