cephalexin (redirected from Ceporex)

cephalexin /ceph·a·lex·in/ (-lek´sin) a semisynthetic first-generation cephalosporin, effective against a wide range of gram-positive and a limited range of gram-negative bacteria; used as the base or the hydrochloride salt.

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ceph·a·lex·in (sf-lksn)

n.

A semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic used especially in the treatment of respiratory and urinary tract infections.

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cephalexin

[sef′əlek′sin]

an oral first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.

indications It is prescribed for oral treatment of selected infections caused by susceptible bacterial strains, especially lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin and soft tissue, and bone and joint infections. It is also used as a prophylaxis against bacterial endocarditis in high-risk patients undergoing surgical or dental procedures.

contraindications Known hypersensitivity to this drug or to any cephalosporin medication prohibits its use, as does severely impaired renal function. It is used with caution in patients who are allergic to penicillin or other drugs.

adverse effects Nausea, diarrhea, and hypersensitivity reactions may occur.

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cephalexin (sef´lek´sin),

n brand names: Ceporex, Keftab, Keflex;
drug class: first-generation cephalosporin;
action: inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, rendering cell wall osmotically unstable;
uses: removal of gram-negative bacilli from the upper and lower respiratory tracts, urinary tract, and skin; treatment of bone infections and otitis media.

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cephalexin

a first generation cephalosporin antibiotic which is effective following oral administration. It is widely used in bacterial infections of the skin in dogs and cats.

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cephalexin

Apo-Cephalex (CA), Biocef, Ceporex (UK), Keflex, Novo-Lexin (CA), Nu-Cephalex (CA), Panixine DisperDose, PMS-Cephalexin (CA)

Pharmacologic class: First-generation cephalosporin

Therapeutic class: Anti-infective

Pregnancy risk category B

Action

Interferes with bacterial cell-wall synthesis, causing cell to rupture and die. Active against many gram-positive bacteria; shows limited activity against gram-negative bacteria.

Availability

Capsules: 250 mg, 333 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg

Oral suspension: 100 mg/ml, 125 mg/5 ml, 250 mg/5 ml

Tablets: 250 mg, 500 mg

Tablets for oral suspension (DisperDose): 125 mg, 250 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Respiratory tract infections caused by streptococci; skin and skin-structure infections caused by methicillin-sensitive staphylococci and streptococci; bone infections caused by methicillin-sensitive staphylococci or Proteus mirabilis; genitourinary infections caused by Escherichia coli, P. mirabilis, and Klebsiella species; Haemophilus influenzae, methicillin-sensitive staphylococcal, streptococcal, and Moraxella catarrhalis infections

Adults: 1 to 4 g P.O. daily in divided doses (usually 250 mg P.O. q 6 hours). For uncomplicated cystitis, skin and soft-tissue infections, and streptococcal pharyngitis, 500 mg P.O. q 12 hours.

Children: 25 to 50 mg/kg/day P.O. in divided doses

➣ Otitis media caused by S. pneumoniae

Children: 75 to 100 mg/kg/day P.O. in four divided doses

Dosage adjustment

• Renal impairment

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins or penicillin

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• renal impairment, phenylketonuria
• history of GI disease
• debilitated or emaciated patients
• elderly patients
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients.

Administration

• Give with or without food.
• Be aware that DisperDose tablet is intended for suspension. Mix with water before administering.
• Refrigerate oral suspension.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	Rapid	1 hr	6-12 hr

Adverse reactions

CNS: fever, headache, lethargy, paresthesia, syncope, seizures

CV: edema, hypotension, vasodilation, palpitations, chest pain

EENT: hearing loss

GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, oral candidiasis, pseudomembranous colitis

GU: vaginal candidiasis, nephrotoxicity

Hematologic: lymphocytosis, eosinophilia, bleeding tendency, hemolytic anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, bone marrow depression

Musculoskeletal: joint pain

Respiratory: dyspnea

Skin: rash, maculopapular and erythematous urticaria

Other: superinfection, chills, pain, allergic reaction, hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, serum sickness

Interactions

Drug-drug. Aminoglycosides, loop diuretics: increased risk of nephrotoxicity

Chloramphenicol: antagonistic effect

Probenecid: increased cephalexin blood level

Drug-diagnostic tests. Alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, eosinophils, lactate dehydrogenase, lymphocytes: increased values

Coombs' test: false-positive result (especially in neonates whose mothers received drug before delivery)

Granulocytes, neutrophils, white blood cells: decreased counts

Patient monitoring

• Assess for signs and symptoms of serious adverse reactions, including hypersensitivity, severe diarrhea, and bleeding.
• During long-term therapy, monitor CBC and liver and kidney function test results.

Patient teaching

☞ Instruct patient to stop taking drug and contact prescriber immediately if he develops rash or difficulty breathing.
• Tell patient to take drug with full glass of water.
• Instruct patient to mix DisperDose tablet with water before taking.
• Advise patient to report severe diarrhea.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs and tests mentioned above.

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cephalexin

Keflex^® Infectious disease A 3^rd generation broad-spectrum cephalosporin