Cephalexin vs Amoxicillin
CephalexinAmoxicillin
Cephalosporin antibioticDrug ClassPenicillin-class antibiotic
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by targeting penicillin-binding proteins, leading to bacterial death.Mechanism of ActionInhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by targeting penicillin-binding proteins, leading to bacterial death.
Skin infections - Respiratory tract infections - Bone infections - Otitis media (ear infections) - Urinary tract infections (UTIs)IndicationsRespiratory tract infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis) - Ear infections (otitis media) - Sinusitis - Urinary tract infections (UTIs) - Skin infections - H. pylori infections (with other antibiotics)
Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus and Streptococcus)Effective AgainstGram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli, H. influenzae)
Capsules - Tablets - SuspensionDosage FormsCapsules - Tablets - Suspension
Adults: 250–500 mg every 6–12 hours Children: 25–50 mg/kg/day divided into doses every 6–12 hoursTypical DosageAdults: 500–875 mg every 8–12 hours Children: 20–40 mg/kg/day divided into doses every 8–12 hours
- Diarrhea - Nausea - Vomiting - Abdominal pain - Allergic reactions (rash, itching)Common Side EffectsDiarrhea - Nausea - Vomiting - Rash - Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis in rare cases)
Clostridioides difficile infection - Severe allergic reactions - Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rare)Serious Side EffectsClostridioides difficile infection - Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) - Liver issues (elevated liver enzymes)
Allergy to cephalosporins or penicillins - History of severe hypersensitivity to beta-lactamsContraindicationsAllergy to penicillins or beta-lactams - Severe renal impairment (adjust dose)
Probenecid (increases cephalexin levels) - Anticoagulants (increased bleeding risk)Drug InteractionsAllopurinol (increased rash risk) - Methotrexate (reduced clearance) - Oral contraceptives (reduced effectiveness)
Category B: No evidence of harm in animal studies; considered safe during pregnancy.Pregnancy CategoryCategory B: No evidence of harm in animal studies; considered safe during pregnancy.
Safe: Small amounts pass into breast milk but generally safe.Breastfeeding SafetySafe: Small amounts pass into breast milk but generally safe.
Generally affordable; generic versions widely available.CostGenerally affordable; generic versions widely available.
Narrow spectrum; primarily effective against Gram-positive bacteria.Spectrum of ActivityBroad spectrum; effective against Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria.
Adjust dose in renal impairment. Use cautiously in elderly patients.Use in Special PopulationsAdjust dose in renal impairment. Generally safe for pediatric and elderly patients.
Keflex - Biocef - KeftabBrand NamesAmoxil - Moxatag
Typically within 1–2 hours after administration.Onset of ActionTypically within 1–2 hours after administration.
0.5–1.2 hoursHalf-Life1–1.5 hours
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