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Cephalosporins

Cefalexin

Also sold as: Keflex, Sporidex

Prescription neededCephalosporins

Comes as:CapsuleSuspension

Usual adult dose

Cephalosporins

Cefalexin

Also sold as: Keflex, Sporidex

Prescription neededCephalosporins

Comes as:CapsuleSuspension

Usual adult dose

Usual adult dose: 250 to 500 mg every 6 hours, or 500 mg every 12 hours, usually for 5 to 7 days. Finish the full course. Children: dose by weight — ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.

Side effects

Common

diarrhoea
nausea
stomach pain
mild skin rash

Serious — get help

Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:

severe allergic reaction (swelling of face or throat
difficulty breathing)
severe or bloody diarrhoea
severe skin rash with blisters

Do not take it, or take care, if

Allergy to cephalosporins
Severe allergic reaction to penicillin in the past (use with caution)
Severe kidney disease (dose may need to be lowered)

Interactions

No important interactions are listed in our database. Still tell your doctor or pharmacist everything you take.

Pregnancy

Category B

No risk seen in animal studies, but there are few studies in pregnant women. Usually considered safe when needed.

Generic alternatives

Similar medicines your doctor or pharmacist may offer instead.

Cefadroxil
Amoxicillin

Check with my other medicines

Always follow your doctor or pharmacistThis page is general information, not a prescription. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.