Indications / Uses of SAPHLEXIN-C500 Cefalexin 500mg Capsule
Cefalexin can treat bacterial infections in the following areas:
- Respiratory tract: Tonsillitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis
- Middle ear: Otitis media
- Skin and soft tissue: Infections, including muscle infections
- Bones and joints: Infections
- Reproductive and urinary tract: Cystitis, prostatitis
- Dental infections
What are the side-effects of SAPHLEXIN-C500 Cefalexin 500mg Capsule?
Cefalexin Capsules can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Serious side effects to watch for include:
- Allergic reactions: Wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of eyelids, face, or lips, rash, or itching (especially widespread).
- Skin reactions: Severe peeling or blistering.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Severe diarrhea.
- Rash: A red, scaly rash with bumps and blisters, often accompanied by fever, which may indicate acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis.
If any of these occur, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor immediately.
The following side effects have been reported with Cefalexin:
- Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, stomach pains.
- Skin reactions: Measles-like rash, itching, red wheals (urticaria), rash with joint pain/stiffness, swollen lymph glands, fever, and possibly cloudy urine.
- Blood and organ effects: Changes in blood counts (bruising, tiredness), liver or kidney damage (detected by tests), jaundice (yellow skin/eyes).
- Neurological: Weakness, fainting, agitation, confusion, headache, dizziness, hallucinations, nervousness, sleep disturbances, tiredness, and abnormally excitable behavior.
- Infections: Vaginal or anal itching/discharge (thrush/candidiasis), vaginitis.
- Musculoskeletal: Hypertonia (muscle tightness), arthritis, joint disorder, muscle twitching (myoclonus).
- Severe reactions: Encephalopathy (brain disease), convulsions.
If any of these occur, contact a doctor promptly.
Dosage / Direction for Use of SAPHLEXIN-C500 Cefalexin 500mg Capsule
Adults and Elderly:
- General dose: 1–4 g/day, divided into doses.
- Common infections: 500 mg every 8 hours.
- Mild infections (skin, throat, UTI): 250 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours.
- Severe infections: Larger doses may be needed.
- Kidney issues: Reduce dose for severe impairment.
Children:
- General dose: 25–50 mg/kg body weight per day, divided into doses.
- For mild infections (skin, throat, or urinary tract infections): The daily dose may be divided and given every 12 hours.
Specific schedules:
- Children under 5 years: 125 mg every 8 hours.
- Children 5 years and over: 250 mg every 8 hours.
- Severe infections: The dose may be doubled.
- Middle ear infections: Total daily dose of 75–100 mg/kg, divided into 4 doses.
Cefalexin capsules can be taken before, during, or after meals.
Contraindications
Do not take Cefalexin if you:
- Are allergic to cefalexin, other cephalosporins (similar antibiotics), or any ingredients in the medicine.
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue.
Special Precautions
Tell your doctor before taking Cefalexin if you:
- Have ever had a severe skin rash, peeling, blistering, or mouth sores after taking cefalexin or other antibiotics.
- Have had an allergic reaction to cefalexin, cephalosporins, penicillins, or other drugs in the past.
- Develop severe or prolonged diarrhea during or after taking cefalexin.
- Have a severe kidney disorder (a dose adjustment may be needed).
- Are having blood or urine tests, as cefalexin may interfere with these tests.
Take special care with Cefalexin:
- Acute Generalised Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP): This serious skin reaction can occur, typically within the first week of treatment. It presents as a red, scaly rash with bumps and blisters, often accompanied by fever. The rash is usually found on skin folds, trunk, and upper extremities.
- Action: If you develop a serious skin rash or other related symptoms, stop taking cefalexin immediately and seek medical attention.
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding:
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.
Driving and Using Machines:
Cefalexin Capsules are not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Is it safe to take Cefalexin 500mg Capsule with other drugs?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines, including those obtained without a prescription. This is especially important for the following, as they may interact with Cefalexin:
- Other antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin, cefuroxime)
- Potent diuretics (e.g., furosemide, used for high blood pressure or water retention)
- Probenecid (used to treat gout)
- Metformin (used to treat diabetes)
- Drugs for leukaemia
Your doctor will determine if it is safe for you to take Cefalexin with any of these medications.
How should I store Cefalexin 500mg Capsule?
Store below 25°C. Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
