Cephalexin: instructions for use, price, reviews for children, analogues

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Pharmacodynamics

The antibiotic Cephalexin is a cephalosporin . It disrupts the synthesis of the cell membrane of microorganisms, which leads to their death. Shows activity against streptococci , Escherichia , Proteus , Klebsiella . The activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Shigella spp., Neisseria meningitidis, Salmonella spp. is lower, therefore it is not used in the clinic for diseases caused by these microorganisms.

Ineffective against Enterococcus faecalis Proteus vulgaris, Morganella morganii, Clostridium spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methicillin-resistant staphylococci are also not sensitive to it .

Destroyed by beta-lactamases secreted by gram-negative microorganisms .

Pharmacokinetics

When taken orally, it is well absorbed and bioavailability is 90–95%. The maximum concentration in the blood is determined after 1 hour, and the required concentration remains for 4–6 hours. 10–15% binds to blood proteins. It is evenly distributed in many tissues and body fluids: it penetrates poorly through the blood-brain barrier and passes through the placenta. Not metabolized. T1/2 is 0.8–1.2 hours. About 89% is excreted and a small part is excreted in bile. If renal function is impaired, the elimination time is prolonged and the concentration increases.

Cefalexin

Before starting treatment with cephalexin, it is necessary to obtain a detailed history regarding previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins or other substances that cause an allergic reaction in the patient. Patients with a history of allergic reactions to penicillins and carbapenems may have increased sensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics. If an allergic reaction develops, treatment with the drug should be stopped and appropriate measures taken.

Cases of pseudomembranous colitis have been described when taking antibiotics, the severity of which can vary from mild to life-threatening. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a differential diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis in patients with diarrhea that occurs during or after a course of antibiotic treatment. If diarrhea is prolonged or severe or the patient experiences abdominal cramps, treatment with the drug should be stopped immediately and the patient should be examined. Do not use medications that inhibit intestinal motility.

Cases of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis occurring during treatment with cephalexin have been described. When prescribing the drug, patients should be informed of the signs and symptoms of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis and closely monitored for skin reactions. If skin reactions characteristic of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis develop, treatment with cephalexin should be stopped immediately. A significant proportion of cases of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis were recorded during the first week of therapy.

Long-term use of cephalexin may lead to overgrowth of resistant microorganisms. If superinfections develop during treatment, appropriate measures must be taken.

During treatment with cephalexin, a positive direct Coombs test is possible. When treated with the drug, false-positive results for determining glucose in urine may be observed in tests based on the reduction of copper ions (with Benedict's or Fehling's solutions or with Clinitest tablets).

During the treatment period, it is not recommended to consume ethanol.

In patients with impaired renal function, accumulation is possible (adjustment of the dosage regimen is required).

In staphylococcal infections, cross-resistance exists between cephalosporins and isoxazolylpenicillins.

Indications for use

respiratory tract infections ( pneumonia , lung abscess , bronchopneumonia , empyema );
diseases of the ENT organs ( sinusitis , pharyngitis , otitis media , tonsillitis );
infection of the genitourinary system ( cystitis , pyelonephritis , urethritis , endometritis , prostatitis , gonorrhea , vulvovaginitis );
purulent diseases of the skin and tissues ( phlegmon , furunculosis , pyoderma , abscess , lymphadenitis );
osteomyelitis;
endometritis;
gonorrhea.

Side effects

rash , urticaria ;
Quincke's edema;
Stevens-Johnson syndrome;
abdominal pain;
decreased appetite;
dry mouth;
nausea;
diarrhea;
cholestasis;
increased activity transaminases ;
candidiasis of the intestines and oral cavity;
colitis;
dizziness;
headache;
hallucinations;
excitation;
convulsions;
interstitial nephritis;
genital candidiasis
itching of the genitals;
vaginitis;
arthralgia;
leukopenia , thrombocytopenia .

Instructions for use of Cephalexin (Method and dosage)

Cephalexin suspension, instructions for use

Children under 10 years of age are recommended to take the suspension orally. 1 ml of the finished suspension contains 50 mg of cephalexin , and 5 ml 250 mg.

Approximate dose for children:

up to 1 year - 2.5 ml of suspension 3-4 times a day;
from 1 year to 3 years - 5 ml 3 times;
from 3 to 6 years - 7.5 ml 3 times;
from 6 to 10 years - 10 ml 3 times;
from 10 years to 14 years - 10 ml 3 times.

In each specific case, the dose and frequency of its administration is specified by the doctor depending on the disease and its severity. In some cases (non-severe skin infections, urinary tract infections, pharyngitis ), the dose is divided into 2 doses, and in severe cases of the disease it is prescribed up to 6 times a day. It is recommended to use the drug for another 2-3 days after clinical improvement.

To prepare the suspension, water is added to the bottle up to the mark on the bottle and shaken. The suspension can be stored at room temperature for 2 weeks. Shake it well before use.

Tablets and capsules are taken orally 30 minutes before meals. The average dose for adults is 250–500 mg every 6 hours, 4 times a day. Thus, the daily dose is 1–2 g (at least), if necessary it is increased to 4 g, which corresponds to the maximum DM for adults, as well as children over 6 years of age. The course of treatment is from 7 to 14 days.

If renal function is impaired, the maximum DM is 1.5 g, divided into 2–4 doses. During treatment, there may be a false positive urine reaction to glucose . It is not recommended to drink alcohol. This drug does not have injection forms (injections), only forms for oral use. A representative of the first generation injectable cephalosporins is Cefazolin , the second generation is Cefuroxime , and in the third generation there are much more of them - Cefotaxime , Ceftriaxone , Cefoperazone , Ceftazidime , Cefoperazone/sulbactam .

Cephalexin (capsules)

Long-term use of cephalexin may lead to overgrowth of resistant microorganisms. If superinfections develop during treatment, appropriate measures must be taken.

During the treatment period, it is not recommended to consume ethanol.

In patients with impaired renal function, accumulation is possible (adjustment of the dosage regimen is required).

In staphylococcal infections, cross-resistance exists between cephalosporins and isoxazolylpenicillins.

Cephalexin for children

In pediatric practice, the oral route of drug administration is the main route of administration, as it is the least traumatic. For this, there are special children's forms - syrups and suspensions. cephalosporins occupy a leading position because they have a wide spectrum of bactericidal action, are well tolerated, are resistant to beta-lactamases , are easy to dosage, and have rare side effects.

Cephalosporins are an alternative to penicillins in the treatment of respiratory tract and ENT infections. The main area of their use in pediatric practice is not severe infections. Thus, Cephalexin for children is used for tonsillitis , sinusitis , otitis , cervical lymphadenitis , streptococcal or staphylococcal skin infections . It has been noted that penicillins , which are used to treat angina , are not as effective as cephalosporins , which cause eradication of group A β-hemolytic streptococcus and effective recovery of the child.

Cephalosporins remain in the tissues of the tonsils in bactericidal concentrations, while the concentration of penicillin decreases rapidly. Sinusitis is a common complication of ARVI and occurs in 10% of sick children. For bacterial sinusitis, antibiotics (in this case, cephalosporins ) are a mandatory component of therapy. The suspension can be prescribed to children from birth, but with extreme caution during the first 6 months. The recommended doses are given above, but the doctor, based on the situation, adjusts the dose.

Pharmacological properties of the drug Cephalexin

Semi-synthetic antibiotic of the 1st generation cephalosporin group. Acts bactericidal. The following are sensitive to the drug: gram-positive microorganisms - staphylococci (coagulase-positive, coagulase-negative and penicillinase-forming strains), streptococci (with the exception of enterococci, which are highly resistant to the drug), pneumococci; gram-negative microorganisms - E. coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Neisseria spp., Proteus mirabilis , various strains of Haemophilus influenzae (about 75%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (about 50%), pale spirochetes and radiant fungi. The mechanism of bactericidal action is due to damage to the cell membrane of bacteria during the reproduction stage of the latter (specific inhibition of membrane enzymes). Stable in acidic environments. When taken orally on an empty stomach, it is quickly (after 1.5–2 hours) and almost completely adsorbed, somewhat more slowly when taken after a meal. Bioavailability when taken orally is over 90%. The therapeutic concentration in the blood after a single oral dose persists for 4–6 hours. A significant amount is excreted unchanged in the urine, a small part is excreted in the bile. Poorly penetrates the BBB.

Reviews of Cephalexin

What are Cephalexin tablets for? Since it has antistaphylococcal and antistreptococcal activity, indications for use determine its use for pyelonephritis , cystitis , pneumonia , otitis , pleural empyema , sinusitis , and skin infections.

This is evidenced by patient reviews:

“... I treat a sore throat with Cephalexin, it has been severe since childhood at high temperatures”;
“... I give it to my husband, he often gets otitis media. The only side effect he notes is drowsiness. Does not cause dyspepsia”;
“... My sinusitis is treated perfectly with it. From the second day I feel relief.”

In reviews of the drug, it is often used for urinary tract infections that do not respond to standard treatment, for example, for recurrent cystitis . It was prescribed to patients in the hospital, after cystoscopies or the use of a catheter, if the patient had diabetes mellitus .

Judging by the reviews, Cephalexin suspension was prescribed to children most often for otitis , tonsillitis , and suspected pneumonia . The suspension has a pleasant fruity smell and does not cause negative emotions in children. Reviews for children are often positive. Mothers note rapid recovery and good tolerability of the drug. Here are some reviews about Cephalexin suspension:

“... My daughter had a sore throat. The doctor prescribed cephalexin + hilak. Things are getting better";
“... The child had a cough and otitis media. This drug cleared up the fever literally in a day, and after five days we were already healthy”;
“... My daughter drank it without scandals. She had a sore throat and ear, and had a very high temperature. A day later the condition improved”;
“... I have an asthmatic child and Cephalexin is our only antibiotic for colds and sore throats. It helps a lot. The suspension is easy to prepare. He drinks it with pleasure, without even washing it down with anything.”

In some cases, stool disturbances were noted, which is associated with the effect of the antibiotic on the intestinal microflora, and nausea.

Special instructions for the use of the drug Cephalexin

Use with caution in case of impaired renal and liver function, as well as in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins. There is a possibility of cross-allergy between penicillins and cephalosporins with hypersensitivity to penicillin (approximately 5-10% of patients). Treatment with cephalexin should be discontinued if allergic reactions occur and appropriate therapy should be prescribed. It is not recommended to prescribe during pregnancy in the absence of vital indications (potential teratogenicity has not been sufficiently studied). While taking an antibiotic, a urine test may reveal a false positive reaction to glucose.

List of pharmacies where you can buy Cephalexin:

Moscow
Saint Petersburg

Cephalexin price, where to buy

You can purchase this drug at any pharmacy. Its cost depends on the manufacturer and form of release. The price of Cephalexin tablets is currently unknown, since this dosage form of the drug is not available in the pharmacy chain. Capsules 500 mg No. 16 can be purchased for 76-80 rubles.

Suspension for children is a more convenient form of release for this age category. The price of Cephalexin suspension ranges from 64-75 rubles.

Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
Online pharmacies in UkraineUkraine

ZdravCity

Cephalexin capsules 500 mg 16 pcs. Hemomont d.o.o./Hemofarm A.D.
79 RUR order

Pharmacy Dialogue

Cephalexin capsules 500 mg No. 16Hemofarm
74 RUR order

Pharmacy24

Cephalexin 250 mg/5 ml 100 ml granules
58 UAH. order
Cephalexin 0.25 No. 20 capsules PAT NEC "Borshchagivsky chemical-pharmaceutical plant", Kiev, Ukraine
37 UAH order

Use of the drug Cephalexin

Inside, regardless of food intake. A single dose of cephalexin for adults is 0.25–0.5 g, a daily dose is 1–2 g. Children are prescribed at a dose of 25–50 mg/kg/day. In case of severe infection, the dose for adults can be increased to a maximum of 4 g/day, for children - up to 100 mg/kg/day. The daily dose is divided into 4 doses. The duration of treatment is usually 7–14 days; for streptococcal infections, the duration of therapy is at least 10 days. In case of renal failure, the dose should be reduced.