Cephalexin Coupon & Discounts

Cephalexin Information:

• What

Why is this medication prescribed?

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia and bone, ear, skin, and urinary tract infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

• How

How should this medicine be used?

Cephalexin comes as a capsule, tablet, and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 6 hours (four times a day) or every 12 hours (twice a day) for 7-10 days. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cephalexin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

The capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water.

Continue to take cephalexin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking cephalexin without talking to your doctor.

• Precautions

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking cephalexin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cephalexin or any other cephalosporin antibiotic such as cefadroxil (Duricef) or cephradine (Velosef), penicillin, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, colitis, or stomach problems.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking cephalexin, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking cephalexin.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Cephalexin may cause an upset stomach. Take cephalexin with food or milk.

• Missed Dose

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

• Side Effects

What side effects can this medication cause?

Cephalexin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• mild skin rash

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• severe skin rash
• itching
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• wheezing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• sore throat
• painful mouth or throat sores
• vaginal infection

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

• Storage

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the capsules and tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Keep liquid medicine in the refrigerator, tightly closed, and throw away any unused medication after 14 days. Do not freeze. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

• Overdose

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

• Additional Info

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to cephalexin.

If you are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape (not Clinitest) to test your urine for sugar while taking this drug.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the cephalexin, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names

• Keflex^® Pulvules^®

• What
What is Cephalexin?
 
Cephalexin is the first in a series of cephalosporin antibiotics that were developed in 1967. It functions by disrupting the bacteria’s ability to form cell walls. Without those cell walls, the bacterium ruptures and dies. It is taken orally in different quantities and for different periods depending on the type of infection.
• How
How do I take Cephalexin?
 
Cephalexin is taken in pill form with food or milk. Adults generally take cephalexin in either 250 or 500 mg quantities, and it is available for children at much smaller amounts; normally 12.5 or 25 mg. In the most extreme infections, doses up to 4 g per day can be taken.
• Precautions
Before taking , tell your doctor if:
• You are allergic to Cephalexin or any cephalosporin antibiotic
• You are taking other prescription or non-prescription medications, especially antibiotics and blood thinners
• You have ever had kidney or liver disease, colitis or stomach problems
• You are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast feeding
• You are planning on having surgery, including dental surgery
• Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of taking Cephalexin?
 
The most common side effect of taking cephalexin is an upset stomach. To minimize this effect, take cephalexin with food or milk. Tell your doctor if you experience severe or persistent upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting. A mild skin rash may occur but contact your doctor if it does not go away or if it is severe. 
 
If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, experience wheezing, sore throat, hives, unusual bleeding, bruising, or sores, or itching while taking cephalexin, contact your doctor immediately.
• Missed Dose
What if I forget to take a dose of cephalexin?
 
Take the missed dose as soon as you can. If it is close to your next scheduled dose of cephalexin, skip the dose and continue your regular dosage schedule. Do not take extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
• Storage
How do I store cephalexin?
 
Store cephalexin at room temperature away from excess heat and moisture. Keep it in a sealed container. After 14 days of non-use, any excess medication should be thrown away.
• Overdose
What happens if I overdose on cephalexin?
 
If you fear you have overdosed on cephalexin, contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an overdose can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and blood in the urine.
• Additional Info
Warnings
Talk to your doctor about any sensitivity to cephalosporins, penicillins, or other drugs. Though cephalexin is an alternative to penicillin, there is some cross-sensitivity between the two, so the dosage and reactions should be carefully monitored by a doctor. If you have severe stomach problems or a history of stomach problems, talk to your doctor before starting cephalexin. Cephalexin, like most other antibiotics can intensify these problems leading to serious complications. 
 
Be sure to take cephalexin for the time period specified by your doctor. The bacterium can exist in the body even after symptoms have disappeared so do not discontinue taking cephalexin before your doctor recommends. Do not take an extended dosage without consulting your doctor. Long term dosage of cephalexin can encourage the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
 
Brand Names
Brand names include Keflex® Pulvules®. Use our site to find free coupons for cheap cephalexin and related products and get up to 87% off the retail cost.