Cephalexin
General
- Type: 1st generation cephalosporin
- Dosage forms
- Tabs: 250mg, 500mg, 750mg
- Liquid: 125mg/5mL; 250mg/5mL
- Common Trade Names: Keflex
Adult Dosing
General
250-500mg PO q6h
Strep Pharyngitis
500mg PO q12h x 10 days
Uncomplicated UTI
500mg PO q12h x 7-14 days
Cellulitis and Other Skin Infections
500mg PO q12h
Pediatric Dosing
General
- 25-50 mg/kg/day PO divided q6-12h
Otitis Media
- 75-100 mg/kg/day PO divided q12h x 10 days
- Max: 4,000 mg/24h
Community Acquired Pneumonia
- 75-100 mg/kg/day PO divided q12h x 10 days
Contraindications
Adverse Drug Reactions
- Caution advised with contraceptives
Pharmacology
- Half-life: 1h (~20hr ESRD)
- Metabolism: Minimal
- Excretion: Primarily urine (>90% unchanged)
- Mechanism of Action:
- Bactericidal, inhibits cell wall
Pregnancy/Lactation
- Pregnancy: B
- Lactation: Safe
See Also
Source
- Sanford 2010
- Epocrates