CEFALEXIN

Posology Adults The dosage is 1-4 g daily in divided doses. Most infections will respond to 500 mg every 8 hours. I's, the usual dosage is 250 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours. For more severe infections or those caused by less susceptible organisms, larger doses may be needed.

Older people The dosage is as for adults. The dosage should be reduced if renal function is markedly impaired. Paediatric population and adolescents The usual recommended daily dosage for children is 25-50 mg/kg in divided doses. For skin and soft tissue infections, streptococcal pharyngitis and mild, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, the total daily dose may be divided and administered every 12 hours.

For most infections the following schedule is suggested: children under 5 years: 125 mg every 8 hours children 5 years and over: 250 mg every 8 hours In severe infections the dosage may be doubled. In the therapy of otitis media, clinical studies have shown that a dosage of 75-100mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses is required.

In the treatment of beta-haemolytic streptococcal infections, a therapeutic dose should be administered for at least 10 days. Method of administration Cefalexin tablets BP 250mg/Ospexin tablets 250mg/Tenkorex tablets 250 mg/ Kiflone tablets 250mg are for oral use.

Each tablet should be swallowed whole with water.

Side effects of cefalexin include gastro-intestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. The most common of these effects is diarrhoea, but this is rarely severe enough to warrant cessation of therapy.

Dyspepsia has also occurred. Transient hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have rarely been reported. Allergic reactions have been reported such as rash, urticaria, angioedema and rarely erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (exanthematic necrolysis).

These reactions usually subsided upon discontinuation of the drug, although in some cases supportive therapy may be necessary. Anaphylaxis and Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have also been reported. Other side effects such as genital and anal pruritus, genital candidiasis, vaginitis and vaginal discharge, dizziness, fatigue, headache, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, arthralgia, arthritis and joint disorders have been reported.

As with other cephalosporins interstitial nephritis has rarely been reported. Eosinophilia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia and slight elevations in AST and ALT have been reported. g. candida. This may present a vulvo-vaginitis.

There is a possibility of development of pseudomembranous colitis and it is therefore important to consider its diagnosis in patients who develop diarrhoea while taking cefalexin. It may range in severity from mild to life threatening with mild case usually responding to cessation of therapy.

Appropriate measures should be taken with moderate to severe cases. Reporting of suspected adverse reactions Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in Google Play or Apple App Store.

Cefalexin should be given cautiously to patients who have shown hypersensitivity to other drugs. Cephalosporins should be given with caution to penicillin-sensitive patients, as there is some evidence of partial cross-allergenicity between the penicillins and cephalosporins.

Patients have had severe reactions (including anaphylaxis) to both drugs. Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with virtually all broad-spectrum antibiotics, including macrolides, semisynthetic penicillins and cephalosporins. It is important, therefore, to consider its diagnosis in patients who develop diarrhoea in association with the use of antibiotics.

Such colitis may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Mild cases of pseudomembranous colitis usually respond to drug discontinuance alone. In moderate to severe cases, appropriate measures should be taken. If the patient experiences an allergic reaction cefalexin should be discontinued and treatment with the appropriate agents initiated.

Prolonged use of cefalexin may result in the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms. Careful observation of the patient is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken. Cefalexin should be administered with caution in the presence of markedly impaired renal function as it is excreted mainly by the kidneys.

Careful clinical and laboratory studies should be made because the safe dosage may be lower than that usually recommended. Positive direct Coombs' tests have been reported during treatment with cephalosporin antibiotics. For haematological studies, or in transfusion cross-matching procedures when antiglobulin tests are performed on the minor side, or in Coombs' testing of newborns whose mothers have received cephalosporin antibiotics before parturition, it should be recognised that a positive Coombs' test may be due to the drug.

A false positive reaction for glucose in the urine may occur with Benedict's or Fehling's solutions or with copper sulphate test tablets. Tests based on glucose oxidation reactions may be safely used. Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) has been reported in association with cefalexin treatment.

Severe systemic infections, which require parenteral cephalosporin treatment, should not be treated orally during the acute stage.