A child’s illness is the most disturbing time for parents. The body of each baby is individual, and ailments are different. Rapid mutation of viruses, adverse environmental conditions, increased stress background - all these factors negatively affect immunity. As a result, the likelihood of developing complications increases exponentially. In this case, it is very difficult to do without serious antibacterial therapy. A competent choice of a drug for treatment helps to cope with any disease. One of the popular antibiotics for young patients is Cephalexin (suspension). Reviews of parents about this medication are found only positive. It rarely causes side effects.
Can cefalexin be given to children?
This question worries many parents whose children have become "hostages" of infectious diseases. Every year the number of small patients is growing. Sinusitis, otitis media, tonsillitis, pharyngitis - all these are infectious diseases that most often attack children. It is in such cases that Cephalexin comes to the aid of many parents.
It's no secret that antibacterial drugs are quite dangerous and harmful. Despite this, many parents often insist that the doctor prescribe the antibiotic to the child. Why? Most likely, such drugs are the only ones of their kind that really help fight the infection. Only a doctor can prescribe a medication, given the patient's condition and the spectrum of action of the drug. Suspension "Cephalexin" has antibacterial properties. It is prescribed for children in the treatment of respiratory diseases of mild to moderate intensity.
Description of the drug
"Cephalexin" is a medication that belongs to the group of semi-synthetic antibiotics. It is a derivative of 7-aminocephalosporin acid.
The medicine goes on sale in the form of a yellow-orange powder. In combination with water, a suspension with a fruity aroma is obtained. The main component of the drug is cephalexin monohydrate. The following substances can be noted as auxiliary components: sodium benzoate, sucrose, yellow oxide, guar gum, flavorings.
The powder for suspension is sold in dark glass bottles. Included with the drug is a measuring spoon with a volume of 5 ml.
pharmachologic effect
"Cephalexin" for children (suspension), the instruction characterizes as a drug with a bactericidal principle of action. Its main advantage is the lack of resistance in certain microorganisms that are immune to antibacterial drugs of the penicillin group. The medication is effective against streptococci, Escherichia coli, staphylococci, Proteus, Salmonella and several other organisms. Due to this, it is actively used in the treatment of protracted tonsillitis, bronchitis and tracheitis. The main disadvantage of the antibiotic is the inability to overcome the encephalic barrier and penetrate the meninges. This completely excludes its use in encephalitis and meningitis of various etiologies.
The absorption of the drug is 90%. The antibiotic is acid resistant and fast absorption from the digestive tract. The maximum concentration of cephalexin monohydrate in the blood is observed after 1-2 hours from the time of administration. The suspension is evenly distributed over the mucous membrane of the liver, kidneys, lungs and bronchi. It is excreted along with urine and bile.
Indications for use
The main use of the drug is the fight against inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract. Suspension "Cephalexin" shows particular effectiveness in the treatment of scarlet fever, catarrhal tonsillitis and whooping cough. The antibiotic also demonstrates excellent performance in the treatment of salmonellosis.
Given the pharmacological properties, the medicine is also used for:
- skin eczema of a bactericidal nature;
- diseases of the middle and inner ear;
- pyoderma, ulcerative dermatitis;
- inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and bladder;
- focal pneumonia;
- arthritis.
To obtain a positive therapeutic effect, the annotation to the drug recommends observing a number of rules. The most important point among them is the timely detection of allergic reactions and hypersensitivity to the drug. For this, skin tests are performed. At the slightest symptoms of allergy, you should abandon the use of the suspension and seek medical help.
The second important condition for taking the medicine is the limited duration of its use. Adolescents under 15 years of age should not be given a suspension for longer than 10 days. If during this period the symptoms of the main ailment have not passed, it is recommended to seek help from a doctor to change the treatment regimen.
Contraindications
For which diseases is it better to abandon the use of the cephalexin antibiotic (suspension)? Instructions for use for children suffering from pyelonephritis or intestinal disorders, do not recommend treatment with this drug. Another contraindication is the individual sensitivity of the body to antibiotics of the cephalosporin and penicillin series. With extreme caution, it should be given to infants under 6 months of age.
Mode of application
How to use "Cephalexin" (suspension)? Instructions for use for children are attached to the drug. Thanks to the detailed annotation, you can prepare the medicine very quickly. You just need to add boiled water to the bottle to the specially marked risks. After that, the bottle can be closed and shaken thoroughly. The medicine is ready to eat!
The suspension is suitable for use within two weeks. The prepared solution instruction recommends storage at room temperature. Shake the vial thoroughly before each use. In order to conveniently measure the required dosage, you can use a special measuring spoon. She comes with the drug.
"Cephalexin" is taken orally every 6 hours. This mode guarantees the best effect of the drug components on the pathogenic microflora. The dosage is selected individually, taking into account the stage of the disease and the age of the small patient. Parents note improvement on the second day of therapy. For the treatment of chronic diseases in the acute stage, preventive methods of suspension are prescribed at home.
How to take "Cephalexin" (suspension): dosage for children
The drug is taken orally 30 minutes before a meal. The dosage is calculated individually, based on the weight of the child. For each kilogram of body weight, the doctor usually prescribes 25-50 mg of the drug. Children over 10 years old - 250-500 mg every six hours. The dosage may be increased if the disease is accompanied by complications or severe symptoms.
The duration of therapy is 7-10 days. In the fight against chronic urinary tract infections, this period is increased to 14 days. It is important to undergo the full course of therapy recommended by your doctor. If there is an improvement in the patient's condition earlier than this period, the suspension should not be stopped. Otherwise, the bacteria that caused the disease may not die completely. Surviving organisms gradually become antibiotic resistant. This means that next time more powerful medications will be needed for treatment.
Side effects
With an independent increase in the dosage of the drug and hypersensitivity to its components, disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract are possible. They manifest in the form of diarrhea and bloating. In rare cases, small patients are diagnosed with colitis. This disorder is characterized by a deterioration in overall well-being, dizziness and nausea.
The appearance of rashes or hives on the skin requires immediate withdrawal of the antibiotic and its replacement with an analog. In acute allergic reactions, the suspension of cephalexin can provoke Quincke edema. In this case, it is necessary to immediately call a team of medical workers, and before her arrival give the child a double dose of an antihistamine (Suprastin, Detralex).
Cost of medicine
When choosing an antibiotic for treatment, parents are guided not only by the advice of a doctor, but also by the total cost of the medicine. The suspension described in the article can be purchased at a price of 200-250 rubles. Other semi-synthetic antibiotics are usually several times more expensive. Against the background of low cost and high efficiency, the suspension of “Cephalexin” “wins” among drugs with similar pharmacological effects.
Analogues of the drug
Choosing an effective antibiotic does not always work the first time. The fact is that it is very difficult to correctly identify the bacterium that caused the disease. If after 2-3 days from the moment of treatment the condition of the child does not improve, it is necessary to replace “Cephalexin”. Suspension for children is considered the most convenient form of medication. Therefore, doctors recommend looking for similar options among analogues.
Amoxicillin is the most popular analogue of Cephalexin. Both of these drugs have a similar composition. The only difference is the manufacturing company. Therefore, it is very difficult to say which medicine is better. They belong to the same group of cephalosporins and act almost identically.
Among the other known antibiotic analogues, the following can be noted:
- Ospexin.
- Keflex.
- "Sporidex."
- "Felexin."
- Solexin.
It should be borne in mind that only a doctor can select analog products.
Cephalexin for children (suspension): reviews
The antibiotic described in the article has formed only positive opinions about itself. Parents note that its use contributes to the rapid recovery of the child. The course of treatment is no more than two weeks, but after 2-3 days the first results of therapy are noticeable.
An important advantage of the drug is its dosage form. Many children refuse to take pills or capsules. Pharmaceutical companies have taken this fact into account. The suspension has a pleasant aroma, and the taste is very sweet.
Conclusion
Children's health is an important component of a happy life. When the baby gets sick, parents direct all their forces to his speedy recovery. Today, treatment often has to resort to antibiotics. One of the most popular drugs is Cephalexin (suspension). The dosage of this medicine and the treatment regimen are determined strictly by the doctor. If you follow all his recommendations, you can not be afraid of side effects and complications. Be healthy!