What is Cephalexin monohydrate?
Cephalexin monohydrate, also known as Keflex, is a semi-synthetic cephalosporin antibiotic. It functions by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis through binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) on the bacteria’s surface, ultimately leading to cell lysis and death. Cephalexin monohydrate is effective against a range of susceptible gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria, commonly used in the treatment of urinary tract infections, skin infections, and respiratory tract infections. It is typically administered orally with doses adjusted based on the patient’s renal function.
What is Cephalexin monohydrate used for?
Cephalexin monohydrate, also known as cephalexin monohydrous or simply cephalexin, is an antibiotic medication that belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics. It is a water-soluble derivative of cefalosporine, which was first synthesized in the 1950s by English chemist John B. Kenner and his team. Cephalexin monohydrate has a broad spectrum of activity against various bacterial infections.
As a generic or brand-name medication, cephalexin monohydrate is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections caused by both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. This includes skin infections such as cellulitis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia, bone infections, and more. Cephalexin monohydrate works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, ultimately leading to their death and resolution of symptoms. Its efficacy in treating various types of bacterial infections has made it a widely prescribed medication across different healthcare settings.
Cephalexin monohydrate side effects
- Abdominal pain
- Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, hives)
- Bleeding or bruising
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Hiccups
- Increased coughing
- Inflammation of the large intestine (colitis)
- Joint pain and swelling
- Lightheadedness
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the ears, neck, stomach, or throat
- Red blood cells destroyed faster than normal (hemolytic anemia)
- Swelling
- Tiredness
- Urine output decreases
- Vaginal yeast infection
- White blood cell count decreased
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