Keforal (Cefalexin)

Cefalexin is a broad‑spectrum antibiotic that targets bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it effective for several common infection types.

• Skin and soft tissue infections: reduces bacterial load and promotes healing of infected skin lesions.
• Respiratory tract infections: eradicates causative bacteria in conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
• Urinary tract infections: eliminates uropathogens responsible for cystitis and pyelonephritis.
• Bone and joint infections: assists in clearing bacterial involvement in osteomyelitis and septic arthritis.

• Cefalexin binds to penicillin‑binding proteins on the bacterial cell wall, inhibiting the transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis. This disruption weakens the cell wall, leading to osmotic instability and bacterial lysis, thereby exerting its bactericidal effect against susceptible Gram‑positive and some Gram‑negative organisms.

Cefalexin may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild stomach upset that may resolve without intervention.
• Diarrhea: increased bowel movements, occasionally watery.
• Abdominal pain: cramping or discomfort in the stomach area.
• Vomiting: expulsion of stomach contents.
• Rash: skin redness or itching.
• Headache: mild to moderate head discomfort.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Anaphylaxis: severe allergic reaction with breathing difficulty.
• Clostridioides difficile‑associated diarrhea: severe colitis after antibiotic use.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: rare, life‑threatening skin disorder.
• Blood dyscrasias: abnormal blood cell counts such as leukopenia.
• Hepatic enzyme elevation: potential liver function changes.
• Neutropenia: reduced neutrophil count increasing infection risk.

Before using Cefalexin, consider the following safety measures.

• Renal impairment: dose may need adjustment in patients with reduced kidney function.
• History of penicillin allergy: assess cross‑reactivity before prescribing.
• Pregnancy: use only if clearly needed after risk‑benefit evaluation.
• Concurrent oral contraceptives: may reduce contraceptive efficacy; consider additional methods.
• Prolonged therapy: monitor for superinfection or fungal overgrowth.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and light.

Cefalexin can interact with other medicines, requiring attention to avoid adverse outcomes.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Probenecid: may increase cefalexin plasma levels, raising toxicity risk.
• Warfarin: can enhance anticoagulant effect, increasing bleeding risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Oral contraceptives: may reduce hormonal effectiveness.
• Allopurinol: may increase the likelihood of rash.
• Aminoglycosides: combined use may add nephrotoxic potential.