In the treatment of diseases caused by bacteria, you can not do without antibiotics. “Cephalexin” refers to the first generation of cephalosporins. A convenient form in the form of a suspension and tablets allows the drug to be used for both children and adults. You can read the detailed instructions for the use of "Cephalexin" in this article.
Composition and form of release
The release form of "Cephalexin" is different. On sale, you can find both tablets and powder for the preparation of a suspension. One tablet contains 250 or 500 mg of cephalexin. In addition to the active component, magnesium stearate and cellulose are also present in the preparation. "Cephalexin" is well tolerated by patients suffering from allergic diseases or diabetes, since it does not contain sugar and lactose.
When prescribing the drug to small patients, the doctor, as a rule, recommends Cephalexin in the form of a suspension. Sweet and tasty, it can be conveniently measured with a measuring spoon. 5 ml of the prepared solution contains 250 mg of cephalexin, it is this dosage that is prescribed to children at one time. Among the excipients in the composition of "Cephalexin" for children, the following components can be distinguished:
- Sodium saccharinate providing a sweet taste.
- Citric acid as a preservative.
- Sodium benzoate.
- Sucrose.
- Flavoring.
The medicine can be found in almost any pharmacy. The powder for the preparation of the suspension comes immediately with a measuring spoon, so you do not have to suffer with the dosage.
Effects on the body
Cephalosporins are one of the most common groups of antibiotics. Doctors often prescribe them: cephalosporins act on a wide list of bacteria and microorganisms, while rarely causing allergic reactions. Drugs of this group are prescribed, for example, with an allergy to penicillin. “Cephalexin” refers to the first generation of cephalosporins. These antibiotics have been developed for a long time, but they still cure simple diseases.
"Cephalexin" in capsules has excellent bioavailability - it reaches 95%. Experts recommend taking this antibiotic half an hour before meals, as in this case it is most rapidly absorbed. Eating does not affect the effectiveness of the drug, but slows down the rate of absorption. The action of "Cephalexin" is quite short: only 4-5 hours, so doctors recommend taking the medicine 3-4 times a day to maintain optimal concentration. Most of the drug is excreted by the kidneys (about 80%). In the event that the patient has renal failure, the withdrawal of the drug lengthens, so it is important to control urination during administration.
Before prescribing an antibiotic to the patient, the doctor must prescribe an analysis of sensitivity to antibiotics. It identifies the cause of inflammation and allows you to prescribe exactly the drug that is more effective than others to cope with bacteria. What is the effect of cephalexin on the body? Penetrating into the human body, the antibiotic destroys bacteria, affecting the synthesis of the cell wall. "Cephalexin" is active against the following bacteria:
- Staphylococcus
- Streptococcus.
- Klebsiella.
- Salmonella.
- Escherichia if.
- Treponema.
- Radiant mushrooms.
It makes no sense to take cephalosporin if inoculation has revealed the following bacteria:
- Enterococcus.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis;
- Hydrophilic aeromonad.
Indications
The instructions for use of "Cephalexin" states that this drug can be prescribed for a wide variety of diseases.
- It is most effective against infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Pneumonia, bronchitis, lung abscess - all these diseases can serve as a reason for the appointment of "Cephalexin." With an uncomplicated course of the disease, the drug quickly acts, after a couple of days improving the patient's condition.
- Infections of ENT organs (sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis media, tonsillitis).
- Diseases of the urinary system: urethritis, endometritis, inflammation of the bladder, cystitis.
- Gonorrhea.
- Inflammatory processes in soft tissues.
- Prevention of postoperative complications.
- Bone and joint tissue infections.
Instructions for use
Instructions for use "Cephalexin" is simple. It is better to drink the tablets with water or juice, 30 minutes before eating. The daily dose of the antibiotic is best divided into 3-4 doses after an equal number of hours. This must be done so that the optimal concentration of the active substance is always maintained in the blood. Unlike tablets, a suspension of the cephalexin antibiotic requires a more detailed approach. It is important to dilute it correctly with water in order to maintain the correct dosage. First you need to boil and cool the water. Then add 80 ml of the resulting liquid to the original packaging and shake thoroughly for 3-5 minutes. Next, leave the bottle upside down and shake again after five minutes. The resulting suspension can be stored at room temperature for 14 days. Before each use, the drug must be shaken to evenly distribute the active substance.
Dosage regimens
According to the instructions for use of "Cephalexin", the daily dose for children over 12 years of age and adults should be approximately 1-2 grams. Spread this amount is better at 0.25-0.5 grams every 6-8 hours. Depending on the condition of the patient, the dosage may be increased, but it is not worth reducing it. In this case, the likelihood of bacterial resistance to the antibiotics of the cephalosporin group is high. For children under 12 years of age, the dosage of Cephalexin is calculated based on the weight of the patient. The amount of active substance is calculated by the formula weight × 25 - 100 mg / kg. This rule applies to all children weighing less than 40 kilograms.
Also, the dosage of cephalosporin may vary depending on the disease and its severity:
- With otitis media, the dosage for children is 75 mg / kg.
- For skin infections and inflammatory processes in the tissues, “Cephalexin” should be taken twice a day, 500 mg each.
- During severe infections in children, you can increase both the dosage and the frequency of taking the drug: up to 100 mg / kg and 6 times a day, respectively.
- In adults, the maximum permitted dosage of the drug during severe illness is 4 g per day.
- Patients with kidney problems need to be especially careful, with the slightest suspicion of kidney failure, the medicine is either canceled or reduced to 1.5 g per day.
Cephalexin antibiotic for children in the form of a suspension has completely different dosages. To calculate the right amount of medication, you need to see a doctor or adhere to the following values:
- Patients up to a year should be given an antibiotic only under the supervision of a specialist. At one time, you can give 2-2.5 ml of suspension.
- For children from one to three years old, “Cephalexin” is enough to drink 5 ml three times a day.
- At preschool age (from 3 to 7 years), doctors are allowed to give 7.5 ml of the drug 3 times / day.
- Children from 7 to 12 years old can take 10 ml of cephalosporin several times a day.
Choosing the right dosage is a decisive factor in successful treatment, so it is important not to make a mistake and calculate the required amount of the drug as accurately as possible.
Contraindications and overdose
Before starting a course of any antibiotic, the patient must pass an analysis to reveal the sensitivity of bacteria to different groups of drugs. However, often health deteriorates too quickly, so doctors prescribe the use of the drug without preliminary tests. In this case, it is important to understand all the possible harm from such a serious intervention. Some patients are better off not using Cephalexin at all. For example, in severe renal failure, you need to look for other treatment options, since cephalosporins are excreted by the kidneys. The same applies to liver diseases, intolerance to the drug and an individual allergic reaction. For children under 12 years of age, “Cephalexin” is best given in the form of a suspension, and at the age of 6 months it can only be prescribed by a doctor in case of severe illness.
If you or your child accidentally took too much a dose of Cephalexin, then one can expect an increase in side effects. The degree of their severity depends on the amount of substance taken and individual characteristics. In any case, you need to see a doctor or hospital, where you will be given symptomatic treatment and sorbents.
Side effects
Like any antibiotic, Cephalexin has side effects that may occur while taking it.
- The most common problems occur in the digestive tract: candidiasis, dysbiosis, ulcer, stomatitis, impaired digestibility of food. This is due to the fact that the antibiotic destroys not only bacteria harmful to the body, but also beneficial ones.
- Allergic reactions after taking "Cephalexin" are also not uncommon. Patients observe skin itching, urticaria and other dermatological reactions in 2% of cases. Very rarely there is such a strong reaction to cephalosporin that leads to anaphylactic shock or edema.
- Perhaps a change in blood count - a decrease in the number of white blood cells and platelets, anemia. As a rule, a similar side effect disappears shortly after drug withdrawal.
- Since “Cephalexin” affects the kidneys, the appearance of jade, pain during urination is possible. In some cases, acute renal failure may develop.
- Lethargy, nausea, confusion, dizziness are very rare. During the course of "Cephalexin" allowed to drive vehicles.
If at least one of the above side effects occurs, you should consult a doctor for subsequent course adjustment.
The use of the drug during pregnancy
In medical practice, the use of cephalexin tablets during pregnancy is very rare. Cephalosporins belong to the group of drugs that penetrates the placental barrier and can provoke various disorders of the fetus. No studies have been conducted in pregnant women because of the high risks, therefore, the drug is prescribed only in case of mortal danger to the mother, if other methods are not available. Nursing mothers are also advised to refrain from taking the antibiotic, since it penetrates into breast milk and may affect the body of the newborn.
Cost
“Cephalexin” is one of the most affordable drugs in pharmacies. The cost of one package with tablets is about 50 rubles, and a suspension can be purchased for 90 rubles. Although an antibiotic is a prescription drug, it is dispensed without a doctor's prescription.
Before buying the drug, all patients need to consult a specialist. It is important to know that an incorrect dose calculation can cause allergic reactions and in no way improve your health. Also, the use of an antibiotic in conjunction with alcohol is not allowed, since alcohol reduces the activity of the drug and gives a double load on the liver. If this rule is neglected, the patient may develop kidney or liver failure.
Analogs
Sometimes, in the treatment of certain diseases, it may be necessary to replace Cephalexin tablets with analogues. It is not difficult to do this, since there are many funds of the cephalosporin group on the market.
- Keflex contains the same active substance in its composition: cephalexin. The cost starts from 25 rubles, the medicine is sold in the form of tablets, suspensions and capsules.
- Cephalex attracts many customers with its German-made products. At the same time, its price remains quite affordable: in the region of 100 rubles.
- “Sef” is an antibiotic similar to “Cephalexin”, also belonging to the first generation cephalosporins. It is sold freely in any pharmacy, its cost is 46 rubles. Especially often it is used in dermatology, urology and for lung infections.
- Ceftriaxone is one of the first cephalosporins, which to this day has retained high efficiency. It is sold only in the form of powder for injection, the price of one bottle is 15-16 rubles.
- “Zinnat” is very often used in pediatric practice, as it is easy to breed, and it has good efficiency. You can use the medicine for infections of ENT organs, respiratory tract, otitis media and other diseases. The cost of Zinnat is 400 rubles.
- If you trust only imported drugs, then you should pay attention to "Rocefin". It was produced in France and belongs to the third generation of cephalosporins. One bottle of the drug costs 500 rubles, but its side effects are much less than that of domestic counterparts.
Reviews about the drug
Reviews of patients about the drug fully cover all the pros and cons of the drug. Among the positive aspects, patients distinguish accessibility, high efficiency and low price. Reviews prove that it cures of sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis media, bronchitis and even pneumonia. In this case, after its use, side effects rarely appear. Despite this, some buyers note that after a course of treatment with Cephalexin, they needed a course of probiotics in order to restore the intestinal flora and eliminate unpleasant sensations in the stomach.
For the appointment of "Cephalexin" the testimony must be significant, do not treat this drug with a common cold and a runny nose. Indeed, in this case, resistance to the drug may occur, which will make the immune system less strong. But if the drug "Cephalexin" is prescribed correctly, then it will quickly cure the disease and bring the body back to normal literally in a matter of days.