Questions and Answers
What drug class does cephalexin belong to?
What are the indications for cephalexin?
Infection of skin, urinary tract, respiratory tract, otitis media, streptococcal pharyngitis, osteomyelitis
What are the contraindications for cephalexin?
Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins
Name some side effects of cephalexin.
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The recommended dosage of cephalexin is _____ daily.
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What is the route of administration for cephalexin?
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What precautions should be taken when using cephalexin?
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How does cephalexin work?
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Study Notes
Drug Class
- Cephalexin belongs to the class of cephalosporins, which are a type of antibiotic.
- It is classified as a 1st generation cephalosporin, commonly known under brand names like Bio-Cef and Keflex.
Indications
- Effective for treating infections of the skin, urinary tract, and respiratory tract.
- Commonly indicated for otitis media (ear infections), streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), and osteomyelitis (bone infections).
Contraindications
- Not recommended for individuals with a known hypersensitivity to cephalosporins, which may lead to allergic reactions.
Side Effects
- Possible adverse effects include diarrhea, angioedema (swelling beneath the skin), and interstitial nephritis (kidney inflammation).
Dosage
- Typical dosage ranges from 1-2 grams daily.
- Administered as 250 mg to 1 g every 6 hours, depending on the severity of the infection.
Route
- Available in various oral forms: tablet, capsule, tablet for suspension, and powder for suspension.
- Onset of action varies, with peak effectiveness occurring around 1 hour post-administration.
- Elimination half-life ranges from 0.6 to 2 hours, with a duration of action lasting 6-12 hours.
Precautions
- Patients with history of severe reactions to penicillins may have a risk of cross-allergenicity to cephalosporins.
- C. difficile (Clostridium difficile) associated diarrhea has been reported, necessitating caution.
Mechanism of Action
- As a beta-lactam antibiotic, cephalexin works by binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) within bacterial cell walls.
- It inhibits the final stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis through the action of autolytic enzymes.
- There is a possibility that cephalexin interferes with an inhibitor of bacterial autolysins, enhancing its bactericidal action.
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Description
Explore essential information about Cephalexin with these study flashcards. Learn its drug class, indications, contraindications, and common side effects. Great for pharmacy students or healthcare professionals looking to reinforce their knowledge of this antibiotic.
