What is Cefalexin?
Cefalexin is an oral, semi-synthetic cephalosporin antibiotic medication used in the treatment of various bacterial infections, such as streptococcal pharyngitis, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. It is a first-generation cephalosporin, exhibiting efficacy against gram-positive bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and some strains of E. coli. Cefalexin acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis through binding to penicillin-binding proteins, ultimately leading to bacterial lysis and death.
What is Cefalexin used for?
Cefalexin, also known as Cephalexin, is a generic name for the brand-name antibiotic Keflex, among others. It belongs to the first-generation cephalosporins class of antibiotics, which are beta-lactam antibiotics that inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). As such, cefalexin works primarily against gram-positive bacteria and certain gram-negative bacteria.
Cefalexin is used to treat various infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including mild to moderate bacterial infections of the skin, soft tissue, bone, respiratory tract, and urinary tract. It is particularly effective in treating streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis, and skin infections like cellulitis or abscesses. Cefalexin also exhibits good oral bioavailability, allowing for convenient once-daily dosing when administered orally.
It’s worth noting that cefalexin has a relatively narrow spectrum of activity and may not be effective against more severe infections or those caused by gram-negative bacteria that produce beta-lactamases, which can break down the antibiotic.
Cefalexin side effects
• Abdominal or stomach cramps • Abnormal taste • Amenorrhea (reduced menstrual flow) • Dizziness • Diarrhoea • Hiccups • Itching sensations • Muscle pain • Nausea and vomiting • Rash • Somnolence • Vaginitis
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