Cefalexin
Beta-lactam antibiotic / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Cefalexin, also spelled cephalexin, is an antibiotic that can treat a number of bacterial infections.[4] It kills gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria by disrupting the growth of the bacterial cell wall.[4] Cefalexin is a β-lactam antibiotic within the class of first-generation cephalosporins.[4] It works similarly to other agents within this class, including intravenous cefazolin, but can be taken by mouth.[5]
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Pronunciation | /ˌsɛfəˈlɛksɪn/ |
Trade names | Keflex, Ceporex, others[1] |
Other names | cephalexin (BAN UK), cephalexin (USAN US) |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a682733 |
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Routes of administration | By mouth |
Drug class | First-generation cephalosporin |
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Bioavailability | Well absorbed |
Protein binding | 15% |
Metabolism | 80% excreted unchanged in urine within 6 hours of administration |
Elimination half-life | 0.6–1.2 hours[3] |
Excretion | Kidney |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.036.142 |
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Formula | C16H17N3O4S |
Molar mass | 347.39 g·mol−1 |
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Melting point | 326.8 °C (620.2 °F) |
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Cefalexin can treat certain bacterial infections, including those of the middle ear, bone and joint, skin, and urinary tract.[4] It may also be used for certain types of pneumonia and strep throat and to prevent bacterial endocarditis.[4] Cefalexin is not effective against infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), most Enterococcus, or Pseudomonas.[4] Like other antibiotics, cefalexin cannot treat viral infections, such as the flu, common cold or acute bronchitis.[4] Cefalexin can be used in those who have mild or moderate allergies to penicillin.[4] However, it is not recommended in those with severe penicillin allergies.[4]
Common side effects include stomach upset and diarrhea.[4] Allergic reactions or infections with Clostridium difficile, a cause of diarrhea, are also possible.[4] Use during pregnancy or breast feeding does not appear to be harmful to the fetus.[4][6][7] It can be used in children and those over 65 years of age.[4] Those with kidney problems may require a decrease in dose.[4]
Cefalexin was developed in 1967.[8][9][10] It was first marketed in 1969 and 1970 under the names Keflex and Ceporex, among others.[1][11] Generic drug versions are available under other trade names and are inexpensive.[4][12] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[13][14] In 2021, it was the 96th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 7 million prescriptions.[15][16] In Canada, it was the fifth most common antibiotic used in 2013.[17] In Australia, it is one of the top 15 most prescribed medications.[18]