Cephalexin
Cephalexin
What is Cephalexin?
Cephalexin is a prescription first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections including skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory tract infections (like strep throat and pneumonia), urinary tract infections (UTIs), bone infections, and ear infections. It is effective against many gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. Cephalexin is taken orally as capsules or liquid and is generally well-tolerated. Typical adult doses are 250–500 mg every 6 hours (or 500 mg every 12 hours for certain infections) for a course of 7–14 days. Like all antibiotics, completing the full course is essential. A licensed provider can determine if cephalexin is the right antibiotic for your infection and send a prescription through Rx.com. Generic cephalexin is affordable with an Rx.com coupon.Side Effects
- Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
- Severe diarrhea, especially if bloody or ongoing
- Severe stomach pain, vomiting
Warnings
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of digestive problems, such as colitis. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin.
- This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
- Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
- Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
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- Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
- Severe diarrhea, especially if bloody or ongoing
- Severe stomach pain, vomiting
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of digestive problems, such as colitis. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin.
- This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
- Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
- Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Cephalexin Coupons & Prices
Cephalexin
What is Cephalexin ?
Cephalexin is a prescription first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections including skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory tract infections (like strep throat and pneumonia), urinary tract infections (UTIs), bone infections, and ear infections. It is effective against many gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. Cephalexin is taken orally as capsules or liquid and is generally well-tolerated. Typical adult doses are 250–500 mg every 6 hours (or 500 mg every 12 hours for certain infections) for a course of 7–14 days. Like all antibiotics, completing the full course is essential. A licensed provider can determine if cephalexin is the right antibiotic for your infection and send a prescription through Rx.com. Generic cephalexin is affordable with an Rx.com coupon.
What Is Cephalexin?
Cephalexin (brand name Keflex) is an oral, first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic commonly prescribed for mild-to-moderate bacterial infections. It is one of the most frequently used antibiotics in the US, valued for its broad activity against common gram-positive bacteria, oral availability, and excellent safety profile — including in pregnancy (category B).
What Does Cephalexin Treat?
- Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) — including cellulitis, impetigo, and wound infections
- Strep throat (pharyngitis / tonsillitis)
- Respiratory tract infections — mild community-acquired pneumonia, bronchitis
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) — uncomplicated bladder infections
- Bone infections (osteomyelitis) — step-down therapy after IV antibiotics
- Otitis media (ear infections)
How Does Cephalexin Work?
Like all beta-lactam antibiotics, cephalexin works by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in bacterial cell walls, inhibiting the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains. This weakens the bacterial cell wall, causing the bacteria to lyse (burst) and die. It is bactericidal — it kills bacteria rather than just inhibiting their growth.
Dosage Overview
- Adults: 250–500 mg every 6 hours, or 500 mg every 12 hours for 7–14 days
- Skin infections: 500 mg every 6 hours is often recommended
- Children: 25–50 mg/kg/day in divided doses
Save on Cephalexin
Generic cephalexin is very affordable. With a free Rx.com coupon, a 10–14 day course of 500 mg capsules can cost as little as $10–$20 at major pharmacies.
Get Your Antibiotic Prescription Online
Skin infections, UTIs, and strep throat can often be evaluated and treated online. See a licensed provider on Rx.com for a fast telehealth visit and same-day prescription.
