Bacterial infections that affect the skin and soft tissue require the right medication to effectively treat the conditions. Depending on the condition, specific medications are prescribed for treatment. Medications are typically classified in generations, and specific generations of medications are used for treating particular conditions. Cephalosporins are available in five different generations with each generation of the medication known to have desired or effective outcomes for particular conditions. Here is a look at the first generation of bactericidal medication, cephalexin commonly known by its brand name – Keflex. This will help understand the side effects of Keflex and assist users in taking the right precautionary measures.
Overview of the bactericidal cephalosporin
Approved in 1971, cephalexin, as mentioned above is a first-generation cephalosporin. It is mainly known to work through inhibition of cell wall synthesis, thereby delivering desired outcomes as a bactericide. One of the most widely used antibiotics, it is considered as effective in treating infections caused by superficial wounds. The inhibition of cell wall synthesis which makes it a bactericide, is effective against gram positive bacteria. The mechanism of action eventually leads to the death of the bacteria, thereby helping in treatment of the condition, and preventing the infection from spreading.
It is important to note that bactericides are not effective in treating virus infections, for instance common cold or flu. There is a possibility of the two conditions being misunderstood as similar, with a small section of users taking incorrect medications.
Available formulation and conditions treated
Keflex is a prescription only medication and is available either as a capsule, a tablet or as oral powder suspension. It is prescribed for use in adults and children above the age of one. It is typically prescribed for treating infections in the skin, the ears, the genital area and the bone, apart from urinary tract infections. In addition to the above, the medication is also used for treating patients diagnosed with pneumonia or respiratory tract infections.
Dosage information to prevent side effects of Keflex
Undesirable effects of medications are attributed to various reasons, including overdose, or incorrect use of prescription medication. It is important to diligently follow the instructions regarding the use of the medication to prevent unwanted effects. Here is a quick look at the average recommended dosage of Keflex. The following information is only for the purpose of serving as a reference about the upper limit and the average dosages. The actual dosage will be as per the assessment and recommendations of treating specialist. Dosage depends on various factors, including the strength of the medication, the frequency of intake, the duration, the condition being treated, the existence of other conditions, and other medications being consumed.
Ideally, the average recommended dosage of capsules or suspensions for infections in adults and children above fifteen years is between 1000 to 4000 milligrams daily. This is generally split into multiple doses. For children between the age of one and fifteen, the dosage is calculated on the basis of body weight of the patient. For instance, the dosage could be anywhere between 25 to 100 mg daily for every kilo of body weight. The dosage thus calculated is ideally split into multiple doses daily. Patients are not to take double doses in an effort to make up for missed doses. Depending on the time between doses, the missed dose may be skipped or taken immediately on noticing the missed dosage. In the event it is close to the time to take the next scheduled dose, the individual is to skip the dose.
Possible drug interactions from the medication
The possibility of drug interactions is common to all medications. In certain instances, it may be necessary to take both medications, despite the possibility of interactions. Patients may require the outcomes of both medications to treat two different conditions. In such cases, treating specialists typically assess the effects, and modify the dosages of either of the medication, or change the dosage schedule. This is performed in a manner so as to reduce the possibility of drug interactions. Wherever, the interactions have a negative impact that is in excess of the benefits from the medications, one of the two medications may be temporarily discontinued.
Here is a compilation of medications that have the potential to cause interactions, and depending on the effects, the treating specialists may either change the strength of the medication or reschedule the dosage. Individuals taking vaccination against cholera are likely to experience interactions if on Keflex at the time of vaccination. Similarly, blood thinners or anticoagulants such as warfarin are also likely to interact when taken along with the antibiotic. The mechanism of action of the bactericidal antibiotic is also likely to have an impact on individuals on Probenecid. The possibility of aggravation of side effects exists when Keflex is taken along with Cholestyramine.
Precautions to prevent undesirable effects of Keflex
Patients are expected to take certain precautions to prevent unwanted effects of the medication. For instance, consumption of alcohol or inhalation of tobacco is likely to have a negative impact on the outcomes of the medication. Patients are advised to stay off both during the course of antibiotic use. In addition to the above, patients with other existing conditions are also likely to experience certain ill effects. For instance, patients diagnosed with colitis or a history of colitis may experience undesirable outcomes. Similarly, the medication is also likely to have undesirable effects on individuals with diarrhea.
Patients with renal impairment, liver conditions and seizures
Certain conditions in patients with a history of seizures may aggravate or worsen during the course of use of this antibiotic. Individuals with kidney ailments or some form of renal impairment are also likely to experience complications as a result of the inability of the kidneys to process and remove the medication from the body. Similarly, patients with liver diseases are also likely to be affected due to the longer time for processing and removal of the medication from the body. Medicines that stay for a longer duration in the body are likely to increase the possibility of unwanted effects in individuals.
Patients with history of allergies and diabetes
Patients who have experienced any kind of allergies in the past to cephalosporin antibiotics are not to take the medication. Similarly, individuals with a history of allergic reactions to any medications, including penicillin are not to take the medication. Diabetics need to check with treating diabetologists before taking any liquid form of cephalosporin antibiotics as the formulations contain sugar, and this could have an impact on blood glucose levels. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are also expected to seek specific medical advice before taking the medication.
Understand the possible outcomes of the medication and take suitable precautions. For instance, as certain forms of the medication may increase blood glucose levels, the efficacy of diabetic medications may be affected. Similarly, as the medication is known to cause diarrhea, this may affect individuals with a history of diarrhea.
Possible side effects of the medication
Without exception all medications come with the possibility of undesirable effects. The occurrence of effects may differ from person to person. Certain categories of users may experience mild or moderate effects, while certain users may experience strong and adverse conditions. Similarly, the duration of effects may also vary, with some effects lasting longer, while others resolving quickly. The need for medical attention or intervention depends on the condition and the intensity of the effect. Certain effects have the potential to turn into serious conditions and therefore require intervention at the earliest on observing symptoms.
Here is a compilation of the possible unwanted effects or outcomes of the medication. A disclaimer is necessary to dispel misconceptions about side effects. Not all users of medications are likely to experience side effects, with most medications triggering some effects only in certain users. Information provided here is for the purpose of reference and to help users identify possible side effects and take suitable preventive action to mitigate possible outcomes. Patients are likely to end up with bouts of diarrhea when on the medication. In rare instances, there could be pain in the stomach or abdomen. Patients may also experience peeling of the skin, or the formation of blisters.
Common effects include possible discoloration of the urine, and the stools. The stool may get a distinct clay like appearance, while urine may appear dark in color. The patient may experience a dizzy sensation and headache apart from possible fatigue that is general in nature. Pain in the muscles or the joints are another possibility, while some may end up with a fever. A sudden loss of appetite is another possible effect, while some patients are known to experience vomiting and nausea when on the medication. In addition to the above, the outbreak of rashes is another possibility among users. The formation of red lesions, that have a distinct purple appearance in the center has been reported among users, while others have experienced itching sensations.
Serious allergic reactions
There is the possibility of serious allergic reactions when on the medication. It is essential to monitor and identify symptoms that indicate allergic reactions. For instance, skin that is peeling, or abnormally running loose in consistency and the formation of red lesions are possible symptoms. Similarly, any swelling that is similar to hives – on the face, especially on the lips, the tongue, the throat or on genitalia are to be quickly reported. Swelling may also occur in the limb extremities such as the hands and feet of users. Any difficulty in breathing or difficulty in swallowing, or pain in the chest may also require medical attention to prevent aggravation.
Relatively mild effects that may not require medical attention
As outlined earlier, certain effects may not require medical attention and may resolve naturally. This includes the possibility of an upset stomach, and unusual belching not experienced prior to the medication. A distinct burning sensation in the chest or the stomach may be felt by users, that is similar to heartburn. Patients may also end up with feelings of anxiety, while others may end up with irregular pace of heartbeats. Other indications of mild effects include indigestion and possible drying of the mouth. Users may also experience abnormal itching in the genital area, that may require some topical application to deal with pruritus.
Bacterial infections that affect the skin and soft tissue require the right medication to effectively treat the conditions. Depending on the condition, specific medications are prescribed for treatment. Medications are typically classified in generations, and specific generations of medications are used for treating particular conditions. Cephalosporins are available in five different generations with each generation of the medication known to have desired or effective outcomes for particular conditions. Here is a look at the first generation of bactericidal medication, cephalexin commonly known by its brand name – Kelfex. This will help understand the side effects of Keflex and assist users in taking the right precautionary measures.
Overview of the bactericidal cephalosporin
Approved in 1971, cephalexin, as mentioned above is a first-generation cephalosporin. It is mainly known to work through inhibition of cell wall synthesis, thereby delivering desired outcomes as a bactericide. One of the most widely used antibiotics, it is considered as effective in treating infections caused by superficial wounds. The inhibition of cell wall synthesis which makes it a bactericide, is effective against gram positive bacteria. The mechanism of action eventually leads to the death of the bacteria, thereby helping in treatment of the condition, and preventing the infection from spreading.
It is important to note that bactericides are not effective in treating virus infections, for instance common cold or flu. There is a possibility of the two conditions being misunderstood as similar, with a small section of users taking incorrect medications.
Available formulation and conditions treated
Keflex is a prescription only medication and is available either as a capsule, a tablet or as oral powder suspension. It is prescribed for use in adults and children above the age of one. It is typically prescribed for treating infections in the skin, the ears, the genital area and the bone, apart from urinary tract infections. In addition to the above, the medication is also used for treating patients diagnosed with pneumonia or respiratory tract infections.
Dosage information to prevent side effects of Keflex
Undesirable effects of medications are attributed to various reasons, including overdose, or incorrect use of prescription medication. It is important to diligently follow the instructions regarding the use of the medication to prevent unwanted effects. Here is a quick look at the average recommended dosage of Keflex. The following information is only for the purpose of serving as a reference about the upper limit and the average dosages. The actual dosage will be as per the assessment and recommendations of treating specialist. Dosage depends on various factors, including the strength of the medication, the frequency of intake, the duration, the condition being treated, the existence of other conditions, and other medications being consumed.
Ideally, the average recommended dosage of capsules or suspensions for infections in adults and children above fifteen years is between 1000 to 4000 milligrams daily. This is generally split into multiple doses. For children between the age of one and fifteen, the dosage is calculated on the basis of body weight of the patient. For instance, the dosage could be anywhere between 25 to 100 mg daily for every kilo of body weight. The dosage thus calculated is ideally split into multiple doses daily. Patients are not to take double doses in an effort to make up for missed doses. Depending on the time between doses, the missed dose may be skipped or taken immediately on noticing the missed dosage. In the event it is close to the time to take the next scheduled dose, the individual is to skip the dose.
Possible drug interactions from the medication
The possibility of drug interactions is common to all medications. In certain instances, it may be necessary to take both medications, despite the possibility of interactions. Patients may require the outcomes of both medications to treat two different conditions. In such cases, treating specialists typically assess the effects, and modify the dosages of either of the medication, or change the dosage schedule. This is performed in a manner so as to reduce the possibility of drug interactions. Wherever, the interactions have a negative impact that is in excess of the benefits from the medications, one of the two medications may be temporarily discontinued.
Here is a compilation of medications that have the potential to cause interactions, and depending on the effects, the treating specialists may either change the strength of the medication or reschedule the dosage. Individuals taking vaccination against cholera are likely to experience interactions if on Keflex at the time of vaccination. Similarly, blood thinners or anticoagulants such as warfarin are also likely to interact when taken along with the antibiotic. The mechanism of action of the bactericidal antibiotic is also likely to have an impact on individuals on Probenecid. The possibility of aggravation of side effects exists when Keflex is taken along with Cholestyramine.
Precautions to prevent undesirable effects of Keflex
Patients are expected to take certain precautions to prevent unwanted effects of the medication. For instance, consumption of alcohol or inhalation of tobacco is likely to have a negative impact on the outcomes of the medication. Patients are advised to stay off both during the course of antibiotic use. In addition to the above, patients with other existing conditions are also likely to experience certain ill effects. For instance, patients diagnosed with colitis or a history of colitis may experience undesirable outcomes. Similarly, the medication is also likely to have undesirable effects on individuals with diarrhea.
Patients with renal impairment, liver conditions and seizures
Certain conditions in patients with a history of seizures may aggravate or worsen during the course of use of this antibiotic. Individuals with kidney ailments or some form of renal impairment are also likely to experience complications as a result of the inability of the kidneys to process and remove the medication from the body. Similarly, patients with liver diseases are also likely to be affected due to the longer time for processing and removal of the medication from the body. Medicines that stay for a longer duration in the body are likely to increase the possibility of unwanted effects in individuals.
Patients with history of allergies and diabetes
Patients who have experienced any kind of allergies in the past to cephalosporin antibiotics are not to take the medication. Similarly, individuals with a history of allergic reactions to any medications, including penicillin are not to take the medication. Diabetics need to check with treating diabetologists before taking any liquid form of cephalosporin antibiotics as the formulations contain sugar, and this could have an impact on blood glucose levels. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are also expected to seek specific medical advice before taking the medication.
Understand the possible outcomes of the medication and take suitable precautions. For instance, as certain forms of the medication may increase blood glucose levels, the efficacy of diabetic medications may be affected. Similarly, as the medication is known to cause diarrhea, this may affect individuals with a history of diarrhea.
Possible side effects of the medication
Without exception all medications come with the possibility of undesirable effects. The occurrence of effects may differ from person to person. Certain categories of users may experience mild or moderate effects, while certain users may experience strong and adverse conditions. Similarly, the duration of effects may also vary, with some effects lasting longer, while others resolving quickly. The need for medical attention or intervention depends on the condition and the intensity of the effect. Certain effects have the potential to turn into serious conditions and therefore require intervention at the earliest on observing symptoms.
Here is a compilation of the possible unwanted effects or outcomes of the medication. A disclaimer is necessary to dispel misconceptions about side effects. Not all users of medications are likely to experience side effects, with most medications triggering some effects only in certain users. Information provided here is for the purpose of reference and to help users identify possible side effects and take suitable preventive action to mitigate possible outcomes. Patients are likely to end up with bouts of diarrhea when on the medication. In rare instances, there could be pain in the stomach or abdomen. Patients may also experience peeling of the skin, or the formation of blisters.
Common effects include possible discoloration of the urine, and the stools. The stool may get a distinct clay like appearance, while urine may appear dark in color. The patient may experience a dizzy sensation and headache apart from possible fatigue that is general in nature. Pain in the muscles or the joints are another possibility, while some may end up with a fever. A sudden loss of appetite is another possible effect, while some patients are known to experience vomiting and nausea when on the medication. In addition to the above, the outbreak of rashes is another possibility among users. The formation of red lesions, that have a distinct purple appearance in the center has been reported among users, while others have experienced itching sensations.
Serious allergic reactions
There is the possibility of serious allergic reactions when on the medication. It is essential to monitor and identify symptoms that indicate allergic reactions. For instance, skin that is peeling, or abnormally running loose in consistency and the formation of red lesions are possible symptoms. Similarly, any swelling that is similar to hives – on the face, especially on the lips, the tongue, the throat or on genitalia are to be quickly reported. Swelling may also occur in the limb extremities such as the hands and feet of users. Any difficulty in breathing or difficulty in swallowing, or pain in the chest may also require medical attention to prevent aggravation.
Relatively mild effects that may not require medical attention
As outlined earlier, certain effects may not require medical attention and may resolve naturally. This includes the possibility of an upset stomach, and unusual belching not experienced prior to the medication. A distinct burning sensation in the chest or the stomach may be felt by users, that is similar to heartburn. Patients may also end up with feelings of anxiety, while others may end up with irregular pace of heartbeats. Other indications of mild effects include indigestion and possible drying of the mouth. Users may also experience abnormal itching in the genital area, that may require some topical application to deal with pruritus.
