The treatment of certain diseases without the use of antibiotics is simply impossible. This group of drugs is the most diverse among drugs. The representative of the first generation cephalosporins is Cephalexin. The drug is considered the most powerful semi-synthetic antibiotic, which is used for a variety of pathological conditions. If necessary, the attending physician can choose an analogue of âCephalexinâ, the effect of which will be no less effective. Let us consider in more detail the drug itself and its popular substitutes.
"Cephalexin": a general description of the drug
The drug "Cephalexin", like first-generation cephalosporin, has a fairly wide range of therapeutic effects. Most pathogens exhibit sensitivity to it: streptococci, Klebsiella, staphylococci, Escherichia, Salmonella, various pathogens of intestinal infections, Shigella, Proteus, Haemophilus influenzae. Mycobacteria that cause tuberculosis, enterobacteria and enterococci are resistant.
The drug has a bactericidal effect, that is, leads to the death of microorganisms. This is especially important if the patientâs body is too weak and is not able to withstand the disease. In pediatric practice, the cephalexin antibiotic is also used. The suspension is specifically designed to treat small patients and has a pleasant taste and fruity aroma.
The bioavailability of the drug is 90-95%, the drug is almost completely absorbed from the intestine. The antibiotic has a high acid resistance, but still, eating after or while taking the drug will slow down adsorption somewhat, but will not affect its completeness. The maximum concentration of the drug is observed 2 hours after the use of the medication. In case of impaired functioning of the liver and kidneys, the concentration of âCephalexinâ increases.
Indications for appointment
Instructions for use of the cephalexin antibacterial drug (patient reviews confirm its effectiveness) recommends its use in various inflammatory and infectious processes in the body that were caused by bacteria sensitive to the active substance.
According to the annotation, the medicine is prescribed for the following pathologies:
- diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract (tonsillitis, bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, pharyngitis, lung abscess);
- inflammatory processes of the urinary system (cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis);
- pathologies of the infectious nature of the reproductive system (endometritis, vulvovaginitis, inflammation of the ovaries, gonorrhea);
- infectious diseases of the skin (pyoderma, furunculosis);
- pathology of the musculoskeletal system (osteomyelitis, inflammation of the joints).
Release Forms
Semi-synthetic antibiotic âCephalexinâ, the price of which is much lower than many analogues of the latest generation, is available in several forms. For adult patients, it is preferable to use the drug in the form of tablets (capsules). One capsule contains 250 mg of the active substance cephalexin. The second form of release is granules (powder) for the preparation of a suspension. This option is suitable for treating children. 1 ml of a ready-made oral solution contains 25 mg of the active ingredient.
In the form of injections, the drug is not released. If necessary, intramuscular or intravenous administration can be prescribed an analogue of âCephalexinâ, for example, âCeftriaxoneâ (the third generation of antibiotics of a number of cephalosporins).
The use of "Cephalexin" in pediatrics
The practice of treating children with the antibiotic in question is quite common. Like more advanced analogues, âCephalexinâ successfully copes with various pathologies of a bacterial and infectious nature in children of all age groups. Manufacturers of the drug warn that the medicine should be prescribed with caution to babies up to six months. The decision on the need for the use of an antibiotic in this case can be made only by the attending physician, taking into account the child's history.
"Cephalexin" (suspension) can be prescribed for children under 14 years of age. It is much more effective compared to penicillin antibiotics, which are not resistant to enzymes produced by pathogenic microorganisms.
The antibacterial agent successfully copes with tonsillitis, protracted bronchitis, E. coli, inflammation of the bladder, otitis media and other ailments characteristic of children.
How to apply?
The drug, like any other analogue of âCephalexinâ, must be taken strictly in accordance with the age dosage. Correction can only be made by the attending physician. Adults are shown to use no more than 2 g of the active substance per day. The dosage should be divided into several doses at regular intervals.
A suspension intended for the treatment of children is prepared by adding cooled boiled water to a bottle of powder to the indicated level. The volume of liquid will depend on the dosage of the active substance. After adding water, the bottle should be closed with a lid and shaken until a homogeneous mass is formed. The resulting suspension has a pleasant taste, which will greatly facilitate the child's medication. It should be borne in mind that before each subsequent use of the drug, the vial must be shaken. Store the suspension for 14 days.
What does the instruction say?
According to the instructions, an antibiotic must be taken at least half an hour before eating. The optimal interval between doses is 6 hours. Individually, the dosage of the cephalexin preparation should be selected. For children under 12 months - weight up to 10 kg - no more than 500 mg (2.5 ml at a time). If the age of the child is from 1 to 6 years - the daily dose is 1 g (5 ml single dose). In some cases, the doctor may increase the dose to 7.5 ml. For children 6-14 years old, the dosage of the active substance should not exceed 2 g per day.
Contraindications and side effects
The main contraindication for the use of an antibiotic is the presence of increased sensitivity in the patient to the active component. With caution, a medicine is used for allergies to antibacterial drugs from the penicillin group.
Before starting treatment, you should familiarize yourself with the side effects that Cephalexin can cause. Patient reviews indicate that negative reactions are manifested to a greater extent on the part of the gastrointestinal tract (dysbiosis, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, lack of appetite).
Allergic reactions in the form of urticaria, itching of the skin, anaphylactic shock (rare) are possible. Disorders in the functioning of the nervous system may appear: dizziness, hallucinations, headache. Side effects from the hematopoietic system, such as lymphopenia, thrombocytosis, and leukopenia, are most rarely observed.
We select analogues
If an allergic reaction and various undesirable side effects occur, the doctor can choose a substitute for the original drug. The same procedure is carried out if, within a few days after the start of treatment, positive dynamics are not observed. The analogue of âCephalexinâ can be selected from both the first and the last generation. In the latter case, antibiotics have an extended spectrum of action and are active in almost all pathogenic pathogens, while practically without causing side effects.
The following medicines belong to the first generation of cephalosporins:
- "Antsef."
- "Sporidex."
- Ospexin.
- "Orizolin".
- "Natsef."
- "Ecocephron."
- Solexin Forte.
These drugs are characterized by a low level of activity against gram-negative bacteria. Most are available in various forms - suspensions, tablets, injectable solutions. The most suitable option for therapy should be selected by the attending physician.
Representatives of the second generation are âCefaclorâ, âAxotsefâ, âCefuroxime axetilâ, âTseclorâ. Third-generation cephalosporins possess a broader spectrum of action: Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone, Ceftazidime, Pantsef, Medaxon.
Antibiotic Ospexin
Instructions for use indicate that the drug can be used for various infectious and inflammatory processes. Indications for use are diseases of the ENT organs (sinusitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia), infections of the genitourinary system and soft tissues.
A medicine is available in the form of tablets and powder for the preparation of a suspension. In the latter form, âOspeksinâ is often used in pediatric practice. The dosage of an antibiotic can only be calculated by the attending physician. In case of side effects (skin reactions, digestive or nervous system disorders), you should stop taking the drug and consult a specialist to adjust the treatment.
Sporidex or Cephalexin?
The antibacterial drug "Sporidex" instruction refers to the first generation cephalosporins. It is recommended for use in mild to moderate diseases. Indications for prescribing an antibiotic are infections of the skin, genital and urinary systems, upper and lower respiratory organs, and musculoskeletal system.
Capsules and granules for the preparation of a suspension are available in different dosages - 125, 250 and 500 mg of the active substance. Children are recommended to prescribe an antibiotic in the form of a suspension. The daily dosage is calculated depending on the severity of the disease and the age of the patient.
The medicine has the same spectrum of action as Cephalexin. The price of drugs differs slightly, however, "Sporidex" is rare in pharmacies.
The drug "Ecocephron": a brief description
First-generation cephalosporin has a bactericidal effect and is active against gram-positive microorganisms. The drug is available in the form of capsules. The active substance is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. In case of hypersensitivity to cephalosporins, it is recommended not to prescribe "Ecocephron".
Price almost always affects the choice of drugs for treatment. Therefore, among cephalosporins, first-generation drugs of this group of antibiotics are popular . So, a bottle of "Cephalexin" costs an average of about 100 rubles. While for "Ecocephron" will have to pay 80 rubles.
In any case, it should be remembered that doctors do not recommend self-medication and medication without a preliminary medical examination.