In case of bacterial infection, antibiotics are the most frequently prescribed drugs. Cefalexin belongs to this class of medicines, in particular to the cephalosporin family. It works by inhibiting or suppressing the growth of bacteria. Its effectiveness depends on the way it is taken; for this reason, it is important to know how to take it correctly before starting treatment. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Take Cefalexin
Step 1. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to take it
Do not take larger or smaller doses and do not take the drug for longer than prescribed. Be sure to read the instructions on your prescription carefully before starting your treatment.
Step 2. Drink some water with the medicine in capsules or tablets
These pharmaceutical forms must be accompanied by a full glass of water. Other drinks may interfere with the effectiveness of the antibiotic.
If you are taking the capsules or tablets, do not chew them and do not let them dissolve in your mouth; they must be swallowed whole with water
Step 3. Dissolve the cefalexin in water if you are taking it as a soluble tablet
You don't have to chew them or swallow them whole. Soluble tablets are formulated to be mixed with liquid before taking; in this way, the principle is metabolized more quickly by the body.
- Dissolve the antibiotic in 30ml of water. Stir the mixture until the drug has dissolved completely. Drink the solution immediately.
- To make sure you have taken the full dose, add some water to the glass, move it to collect the remnants of the medicine and drink it.
Step 4. Take cefalexin in liquid form as directed by the doctor
Follow your doctor's instructions and ask your pharmacist or doctor for more details if in doubt. If it is a liquid suspension, you must shake the bottle before drinking the dose.
It is very important to take the correct dosage by measuring it with the spoon or graduated glass that is often included in the package. The prescription usually states the dose in milliliters, so you can also use a needle-free syringe to draw up the exact amount. If you don't have a dosage control tool, ask your pharmacist to give you one
Step 5. Store the antibiotic in a cool, dry place
Unconsumed cefalexin must be stored appropriately. Put it in a dry and cool place, where the temperature does not exceed 30 ° C. Do not leave it in the bathroom, as humidity can affect the quality of the tablets or capsules.
The liquid form should be stored in the refrigerator. Do not freeze it and throw the unused one after 14 days
Step 6. Eat something or drink a glass of milk when you take cefalexin
This medicine could cause gastric discomfort if taken on an empty stomach. To prevent this from happening, accompany it with a meal, snack or glass of milk. If you continue to have stomach pain even though you take it with food or if the pain is severe, tell your doctor.
Step 7. Take any forgotten dosage as soon as you remember
However, if there is only an hour or two left until the next dose, skip the one you missed and stick to your schedule.
Never double a dose to make up for a forgotten one. You could cause an overdose and severe side effects
Part 2 of 4: Understanding the Action of Cefalexin
Step 1. This antibiotic is used to fight pathogenic bacteria in the body
It is a bactericide, which means that its main mechanism of action is to destroy the bacterial cell membrane or to inhibit its formation, causing the cell to rupture or explode.
- Cefalexin is effective against Gram-positive bacteria. In this class there are bacilli, corynebacteria, clostridium, listeria monocytogenes, staphylococci and streptococci.
- This drug has no therapeutic effect against viral infections. It is also not used against methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Step 2. Take cefalexin to fight a bacterial infection
The medicine is mainly used for this purpose, for example in infections affecting the bones and joints, the urinary tract, the skin, in cases of pneumonia and otitis media.
In some circumstances, its properties are exploited in prophylactic therapies, that is, for preventive purposes. For example, it is prescribed to avoid bacterial endocarditis
Step 3. Remember that misuse of the antibiotic can reduce its effectiveness
If you take cefalexin in the absence of bacterial infection, you reduce its therapeutic strength against future diseases. It may also be less effective if you don't complete your entire course or take all the dosage your doctor prescribes.
If you still have symptoms of infection at the end of treatment, discuss this with your doctor
Part 3 of 4: Evaluate Cefalexin with the Doctor
Step 1. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have
Do not take this antibiotic if you are allergic to the active ingredient. In the majority of cases, cephalexin-sensitive patients are also allergic to all cephalosporins.
- Here is a short list of some cephalosporins: cefachlor, cefadrossil, cefdinir, cefditoren pivoxil, cefixime, cefprozil, ceftazidime and cefuroxime sodium.
- As you can see, antibiotics belonging to the cephalosporin family have names starting with "cef". Remember this simple detail and you can avoid these medicines if you are allergic to them.
- Tell your doctor if you are also allergic to penicillin or amoxicillin, because in this case there is a high probability that you are also sensitive to cefalexin.
Step 2. Remember to also report any underlying medical conditions you suffer from
You shouldn't take this drug if you have certain diseases. Certain ailments may prevent you from taking cefalexin; these include liver disease, colitis, diabetes and malnutrition. Most of these diseases affect the body's ability to metabolize the antibiotic.
For example, cefalexin contains sugar, so you shouldn't take it if you are diabetic
Step 3. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant
There are not many studies regarding the effects this drug has on the fetus. However, it is best to discuss alternative therapies with your gynecologist if you are expecting a baby. A pregnant woman should only take it if there is no other choice.
Step 4. Tell the doctor about all the medicines you are taking
If you are following other drug therapies, in addition to antibiotics, you must inform your doctor; there is in fact the possibility that drug interactions may develop, ie the various active ingredients can interfere with each other.
- For example, cefalexin can interfere with some vaccines that contain bacteria such as typhoid and Calmette-Guérin bacillus. Furthermore, some studies have shown that this antibiotic alters the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. If you are taking cefalexin and taking the pill, be aware that you could get pregnant.
- The other medicines which may show interactions with this active ingredient are Coumadin, metformin and probenecid.
Step 5. Tell your doctor if you are taking any herbal products
Some herbal medicines can alter the effectiveness of cefalexin, so you must always tell your doctor everything you take.
Step 6. If you are concerned that this drug is not a good solution for you, talk to your doctor
If you feel that there is some valid reason why you shouldn't take it, it's worth weighing it up with him. Your doctor may decide to reduce the dosage or change medicine.
You can undergo some tests, especially skin tests, to understand if cephalexin is safe for you
Part 4 of 4: Knowing When to See Your Doctor
Step 1. Consult your doctor before taking the antibiotic
Your doctor can provide you with complete and accurate instructions regarding the correct use of the drug. Never "self-prescribe" cefalexin and never take other people's medications.
Step 2. Tell your doctor promptly if you experience severe or persistent side effects
Cephalexin carries some common adverse effects which should be mild and short-lived. If they become unmanageable or severe, call your doctor. These are:
- Stomach ache;
- Diarrhea;
- He retched;
- Mild rash.
Step 3. Go to the doctor's office immediately if you experience severe symptoms or a potential allergic reaction
When you are on cefalexin therapy you should call your doctor immediately if you experience severe side effects. Your doctor may report your case to the Ministry of Health to expand the adverse reaction database for the drug. Severe symptoms include:
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing;
- Abnormal bleeding or bruising
- Sore throat;
- Vaginal infection;
- Dyspnea;
- Urticaria;
- Severe skin rash;
- Itching;
- Pain in the mouth and throat ulcers
- Severe diarrhea with blood or mucus
- Dark or scarce urine
- Fever;
- Pale or yellow skin.
Advice
- The correct dosage of cefalexin can vary. Factors to consider are age, weight, gender, the type and severity of the bacterial infection, the presence of any allergies, and more. It is important to know the right dosage that you should respect. Do not take any amount of antibiotic without consulting your doctor beforehand.
- In the event of an overdose, call your region's poison control center.
Warnings
- Take cefalexin for the duration of the therapy. The drug makes you feel better in no time, sooner than you might expect, but that doesn't mean you need to stop taking it. Some people have experienced a recurrence of their infection when they stopped taking the medicine earlier than expected.
- Don't let other people take your medicines. Your doctor has prescribed them specifically for you and they may not have the same effect on other individuals.
