Country of origin - Germany
Pharm-Group - First generation cephalosporins
Manufacturers - Ratiopharm GmbH (Germany)
International name - Cephalexin
Synonyms - Apo-Cephalex, Kefexin, Keflex, Klorcef, Novo-Leksin, Oracef, Ospexin, Palitrex, Piassan, Prilex, Prolexin, Sepexin, Sef, Solexin, Sporidex, Torlasporin, Ulex, Felexin, Tseporex, Cephabene, Cefadar, Cephaclene, Cephalex, Cephalexin, Cephalexin for
Dosage forms - film-coated tablets 500 mg, granulate for the preparation of oral suspension 250 mg
Composition - Active ingredient - cephalexin.
Indications for use - Infections (mild and moderate severity) of the ENT organs (otitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis), upper and lower respiratory tract (pharyngitis, pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, pleural empyema, lung abscess), genitourinary system (acute and chronic pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, epididymitis, gynecological infections, gonorrhea), skin and soft tissues (furunculosis, abscess, phlegmon, pyoderma, lymphangitis), bones and joints (acute and chronic osteomyelitis).
Contraindications - Hypersensitivity (including to other beta-lactamines - penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems), lactation period. Use during pregnancy is possible if the expected effect of therapy exceeds the potential risk to the fetus.
Side effects - Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, transient increase in the activity of serum aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase, pseudomembranous colitis, cholestatic jaundice, hepatitis, headaches, dizziness, weakness; leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, dysbacteriosis, superinfection, allergic reactions: itching, skin rash, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylactic shock.
Interaction - Enhances the effect of indirect anticoagulants. Furosemide, ethacrynic acid and nephrotoxic antibiotics increase the risk of kidney damage. Salicylates and indomethacin slow down elimination.
Overdose - No data available.
Special instructions - Patients with impaired renal function require adjustment of the dosage regimen, because cumulation is possible. Use with caution (it is better to refuse) if there is a history of allergic reactions to penicillin antibiotics. A false positive reaction to sugar in the urine and a positive reaction to the Coombs test may occur. In staphylococcal infections, cross-resistance exists between cephalosporins and isoxazolylpenicillins.
Literature - Encyclopedia of Medicines 2003, Encyclopedia of Medicines 2006.