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What is Keflex
 Keflex
is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called cephalosporins.
Keflex fights bacteria in the body.
Keflex
is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections
such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, ear infections, skin infections,
and urinary tract infections.
Keflex
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Keflex
Take all of the Keflex that has been prescribed for
you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may
start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Keflex can be taken on an empty stomach or with food
or milk if it causes stomach upset.
What you should find out before taking
Keflex
Do not take Keflex if you have ever had an allergic
reaction to another cephalosporin or to a penicillin unless
your doctor is aware of the allergy and monitors your therapy.
Before taking Keflex, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease, or
- a gastrointestinal
(digestive) disease such as colitis.
You may not
be able to take Keflex, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you have either
of the conditions listed above.
The Keflex suspensions
contain sucrose. Individuals with diabetes may need to be
aware of the sucrose contained in these suspensions.
Keflex is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that
it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not,
however, take Keflex without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Keflex passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing
infant. Do not take this medication without first talking
to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Keflex Take this medication exactly as directed by your
doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your
pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Keflex
can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or milk if
it causes stomach upset.
To ensure that you get a
correct dose, measure the liquid form of Keflex with a dose-measuring
spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have
a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.
Take Keflex at evenly spaced intervals to keep a
constant level of drug in the body.
It is important
to take Keflex regularly to get the most benefit.
Take all of the Keflex that has been prescribed for you
even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start
to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away
from moisture and heat.
Store the suspension in the
refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 14
days.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then
try to evenly space the rest of the doses for that day until
you can return to a normal schedule. Do not take a double
dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your
doctor.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is
suspected.
Symptoms of a Keflex overdose may include
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, seizures,
numbness and tingling in the arms or legs, and muscle spasms.
Avoid while taking Keflex There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or
activities during treatment with Keflex unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
Possible side effects of Keflex If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Keflex and seek emergency medical attention
or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, face, or tongue; hives; or a rash);
-
rash, redness, or itching;
- severe nausea, vomiting,
or diarrhea;
- mucous or blood in the stool; or
-
unusual bleeding or bruising.
Other, less serious
side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
Keflex and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
mild nausea or diarrhea, or
- a yeast infection of
the mouth or vagina.
Side effects other than those
listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Keflex Before taking Keflex, tell your doctor if you are
taking any of the following medicines
- probenecid
(Benemid);
- a loop diuretic (water pill) such as
furosemide, bumetanide (Bumex), torsemide (Demadex), or
ethacrynic acid (Edecrin);
- warfarin (Coumadin);
or
- another antibiotic.
You may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Keflex.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals,
and herbal products. |
