CEPHALEXIN
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING CEPHALEXIN.
CEPHALOSPORINS - ORAL
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Ceclor, Duricef, Keflex, Keftab, Ultracef, Velosef
USES:
CEPHALEXIN is an antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of
bacterial infections.
HOW TO TAKE CEPHALEXIN:
Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is
kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly
spaced intervals throughout the day and night. CEPHALEXIN works best
when taken on an empty stomach. However, if stomach upset occurs, it
may be taken with food. Continue to take CEPHALEXIN until the full
prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few
days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to
continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS:
CEPHALEXIN may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, loss of appetite,
nausea, and vomiting. If these effects persist or worsen, inform
your doctor. Unlikely to occur but report:
fever, easy bleeding or bruising, change in the amount of urine.
Notify your doctor immediately if an allergic reaction occurs while
taking CEPHALEXIN. Symptoms include:
difficulty breathing, skin rash, hives, itching. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking CEPHALEXIN, tell your doctor if you are allergic to
any medications, especially:
penicillins, cephalosporins. Inform your doctor of any medical
conditions, especially of:
kidney disease. Use of CEPHALEXIN for prolonged or repeated periods
may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal
yeast infection). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using
CEPHALEXIN. CEPHALEXIN is excreted into breast milk. Though no
problems have been noted, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs
you may use, especially of:
medication for gout (e.g., probenecid). CEPHALEXIN may interfere
with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other
methods of birth control with your doctor. Cephalosporins may cause
false positive results in tests for sugar in the urine. Diabetics
should use Clinistix rather than Clinitest tablets. Blood sugar
testing is not affected. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
NOTES:
CEPHALEXIN has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do
not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A
different medication may be necessary.
MISSED DOSE:
If you should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it
is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next
dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do
not "double-up" the dose.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not
store in the bathroom.
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