Cephalexin
Ciprofloxacin 250mg - 100's
Ciprofloxacin 250mg - 30's
Ciprofloxacin 500mg - 100's
Ciprofloxacin 500mg - 30's
Ciprofloxacin 750mg - 100's
Ciprofloxacin 750mg - 30's
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 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.
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.
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.
What side effects can this medication
cause?
Although side effects from cephalexin are not common, they can
occur. 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.
What storage conditions are needed for this
medication? 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.
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