. These medications inhibit normal bacterial activity, causing bacteria to die.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nSimply put, cephalexin kills off the bacteria causing an infection.. For a more technical explanation, cephalexin interrupts the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, causing the bacteria to break down.<\/span><\/p>\nHow long does cephalexin take to work?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\nCephalexin is sold as an oral capsule or tablet and can be stored at room temperature. It is also available as an oral suspension, commonly employed for pediatric patients or those with difficulty swallowing solid dosage forms. Cephalexin will begin working on the bacteria within an hour of treatment, but the symptoms take longer to dissipate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201c<\/span>Clinical improvement in symptoms typically begins within 48 to 72 hours, although full resolution depends on the infection type and severity,\u201d explained Dr. Ambardjieva.<\/span><\/p>\nThe dosage and time frame you take cephalexin will depend on the type of infection and the severity of the condition. The oral capsule is available in 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg strengths. For patients over 15 years old, the standard cephalexin dosage will be 250 mg taken every 6 hours or 500 mg taken every 12 hours, although variation from this is anticipated as both characteristics of the patient and the infection are taken into account by prescribers. The length of time someone will take cephalexin usually ranges from 7 to 14 days.<\/span><\/p>\nIf you have a missed dose, take it as soon as possible, or continue the treatment with your next dose if it\u2019s scheduled soon.<\/span><\/p>\nSide effects of cephalexin<\/span><\/h2>\n\u201cCephalexin is safe for most adults and children, but there are side effects that may occur when taking the medication,\u201d said Lindsey Hudson, a board-certified family nurse practitioner in Charleston, South Carolina.<\/span><\/p>\nThose with certain medical conditions, like kidney problems and a history of hypersensitivity reactions or allergic reactions to certain antibacterial drugs, should also use caution before taking the prescription. A healthcare professional can provide medical advice about the risks for your particular situation before starting the treatment.<\/span><\/p>\nAs with any medication, there are side effects that may be experienced when taking it. Common side effects of cephalexin may include:<\/span><\/p>\n\nNausea\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\nAbdominal pain<\/span><\/li>\nVomiting\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\nDiarrhea\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\nRash\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\nHeadache\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\nDizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nOthers may experience serious side effects of cephalexin. While rare, they may include:<\/span><\/p>\n\nAnaphylaxis, or a severe allergic reaction<\/span><\/li>\nSwelling of the face\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\nDifficulty breathing<\/span><\/li>\nHives<\/span><\/li>\nStevens-Johnson syndrome, a serious condition characterized by flu-like symptoms, rash, and blisters<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIf you experience any of these critical adverse reactions, seek immediate medical attention.<\/span><\/p>\nYou can learn more information about adverse effects, drug interactions, and precautions about cephalexin <\/span>here<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIf you have more concerns, your health care provider or pharmacist can help by answering any questions you may have about cephalexin therapy and possible side effects. Be sure to share your complete medical history and provide a list of medications and supplements you take.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhat does <\/span>cephalexin not treat?<\/span><\/h2>\nCephalexin only treats infections caused by certain types of bacteria. Some bacteria are unaffected by cephalexin, as well as other types of infections and conditions it cannot treat, like viral infections. This may include:<\/span><\/p>\n\nViruses that cause the common cold, like rhinovirus or enterovirus<\/span><\/li>\nInfluenza<\/span><\/li>\nInfections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),<\/span><\/li>\nInfections caused by Enterococcus species<\/span><\/li>\nInfections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa<\/span><\/li>\nInfections caused by Enterobacter spp., Morganella morganii, Proteus vulgaris, and most strains of Acinetobacter\u200b.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAnother factor to consider with antibiotics is antibiotic resistance. Sometimes, bacteria adapt to the antibiotic and require a different prescription for treatment. This can also become a problem for patients with a more severe infection. In these cases, laboratory tests or other medical tests can be given to find the best drug treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cIn urological practice, if complicated UTIs or infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms are suspected, broader-spectrum antibiotics or culture-specific treatments are preferred,\u201d said Dr. Ambardjieva.<\/span><\/p>\nWhatever infection you\u2019re facing, speak with your healthcare provider for their medical advice about the best treatment options. They can go over all your best options, which may include cephalexin.<\/span><\/p>\n\n \n \n
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