What can you not take with cephalexin?

Infections triggered by bacteria are be several kind. Medications are used to stop infection-causing microbes from spreading. Such meds are bucketed under a family of drugs called antibiotics. Of this genre, cephalosporin-based antibiotic meds form a sub-genre. Cephalexin is one of the popular drugs in this sub-genre. Certain foods and drugs do not go well while you are taking this drug. So, what can you not take with cephalexin? It is quite an important thing to have needful inputs.

Use of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections is a common treatment procedure. However, using these meds when no infections are diagnosed may make these drugs ineffective. Moreover, using these meds has only limited or nil effects on infections triggered by other forms of microbes such as fungi, yeast and viruses. Persistent intake of antibiotics, when infections have not occurred, can make the strands to develop resistance to active chemicals used in these meds.

So, what is cephalexin?

This is one of the widely prescribed antibiotic drugs. It is prescribed for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria in your airways, gastric tract, urinary tract, middle-ear, etc. Essential ingredients of cephalexin focus on the inner lining or cellular walls of infection-causing microbes. Destruction of cell linings soon leads to destroying the colony of bacteria.

You need to know that no two individuals living with infections are offered the same medication plan. Your treatment varies based on how acute is the condition, age, body weight, pre-existing illnesses – if any, etc. The pill form of cephalexin is its popular version. It is consumed orally, and is available in strengths of 250 mg to 750 mg.

What can you not take with cephalexin?

This drug does not work well when taken with a few foods and meds. Among foods, you are advised not to take calcium-fortified foods. Such foods are known to reduce the extent of absorption of cephalexin. Calcium-based items are dairy-based goods like milk, cheese, etc. and soy-based foods.

Similarly, foods that contain acids are a no-go. For instance, foods such as lemons, oranges, grapes, etc. can interact adversely with cephalexin and can lead to its suboptimal absorption. In general, you are advised to eat such foods after an interval of at least 2 – 2.5 hours after a dose of cephalexin.

A few other types of foods such as those with excessive levels of sugars, fried items and caffeine are better avoided while taking this med. Intake of alcohol can interfere with cephalexin. Hence, your doctor may tell you to stop drinking alcohol.

Lastly, intake of a few drugs may produce counterproductive effects. For example, intake of drugs such as probenecid or metformin can reduce the efficacy of this med. It is a safe thing to tell your treating doctor of all your existing treatment plans.

Precautions needed while taking cephalexin

Foremost of all precautions, if you have witnessed any earlier spells of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions upon taking cephalosporin antibiotics, your treating physician must be aware of the discomforts. Also, if you are currently taking any other antibiotic meds, it is a safe thing to inform your doctor about all such drugs.

Like other cephalosporin antibiotics, cephalexin also causes a few side effects. Commonly encountered adverse effects are dyspepsia or indigestion, abdominal conditions such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. In some cases, users have also experienced an abnormal discharge from the vaginal tract and / or itchiness.

Most of these side effects of cephalexin tend to go away on their own. But, if any of the abovementioned side effects persist for a few days, it is a safe thing to consult with your caregiver. You may also dial 911 (in the US) or can seek medical assistance from a local poison management center (if you are in Canada).

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.