Antibiotics are the most commonly prescribed drug for infections.The family of cephalosporins includes the antibiotic drug Cephalexin.Keflex has the ability to stop the growth ofbacteria.The effectiveness of the drug depends on how you take it.Before you begin a course of treatment, it is important to know how to properly take Cephalexin.Continue reading to learn how to take the drug.
Step 1: Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not take larger or smaller amounts of the drug if the doctor has prescribed it.Before you start taking the drug, make sure to read the instructions on the label.
Step 2: You can drink water with your tablets.
Take a full glass of water with your cepexin capsule or tablets.The effectiveness of the drug may be affected by drinks.If you are taking the capsule or tablet form, do not chew or try to swallow it.It needs to be swallowed with the water.
Step 3: If you take the dissolvable form of Cephalexin, use water to dissolving tablets.
Don't chew or swallow the dissolvable tablets.Dissolvable tablets are designed to be combined with liquid before taking the medicine so that it will be more easily absorbed by the body.The drug should be dissolved in 2 quarts of water.The mixture should be fully dissolved after you stir it.Drink the solution right away.If you want to make sure you have taken the entire dose, add water to the glass and swirl it to collect the remaining drug.
Step 4: Liquid Cephalexin should be taken by your doctor.
Follow your doctor's instructions for taking liquid Cephalexin.If you have a question, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Shake the container before using the oral suspension liquid form of Cephalexin.You need to use a measuring cup or spoon to take the correct dose.The dose can be measured using a medicine syringe without a needle.If you don't have a measuring device, ask the pharmacy for one.
Step 5: Store the drug in a dry place.
Remaining drugs should be kept out of sight.Store the drug in a dry place with no heat.The quality of the tablets or capsule may be affected by the humidity in the bathroom.It's a good idea to keep liquid Cephalexin in the refrigerator.Do not store this medication.After 14 days, discard any unused medicine.
Step 6: When you take Cephalexin, you should have some food or a glass of milk.
If taken without food, it can cause an upset stomach.If you want to prevent an upset stomach, take Cephalexin with a meal, snack, or at least a glass of milk.If you still have an upset stomach when taking Cephalexin with food, talk to your doctor.
Step 7: If you missed a dose, take it as soon as possible.
Just skip the missed dose and wait for the next scheduled time if there is more than 1 to 2 hours left.It is never a good idea to take double dose to make up for missed dose.This could lead to overdose and side effects.
Step 8: Cephalexin is used to fightbacteria in the body.
The primary mode of action of this drug is to disrupt the cell wall of the bacteria and cause it to burst or break.The antibiotic is effective against gram positivebacteria.There are many different types ofbacteria, including bacillus, corynebacterium, clostridium, listeria, staphylococcus and streptococcus.Cephalexin has no effect on viral infections.It isn't used to treat MRSA.
Step 9: It's a good idea to take Cephalexin to combat infections.
Cephalexin is used against infections.bone and joint infections, pneumonia, skin, urinary tract and middle ear infections are examples ofbacterial infections.In some cases, Cephalexin can be used to prevent infections.This drug is used to prevent diseases.
Step 10: Proper use of Cephalexin may affect its effectiveness.
It is possible to reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics when you don't have abacterial infections.If you don't take the full dose, it may be less effective.If you still have symptoms after taking your medication, talk to your doctor.
Step 11: Let your doctor know if you have any allergies.
If you are allergic to it, don't use it.If you have an allergy to Cephalexin, you may also be allergic to other antibiotics.Cefuroxime is one of the examples of a cephalosporin.The drugs start with 'cef'.You will be better prepared to avoid this drug if you remember this.Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to penicillin.It is possible that you have a higher chance of being allergic to it.
Step 12: Make sure your doctor is aware of any underlying conditions you have.
If you have underlying conditions, you shouldn't take Cephalexin.You may not be able to take Cephalexin if you have a medical condition.There may be diseases such as diabetes and malnutrition.Your body's ability to metabolize Cephalexin is altered by most of these diseases.If you have diabetes, you might not want to take it.
Step 13: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.
There are not many studies about the effects on unborn babies.If you are pregnant, it is a good idea to discuss alternative options with your doctor.If there is no other choice, pregnant women should only take cepsexin.
Step 14: Make your doctor aware of any other drugs you are taking.
Let your doctor know if you are taking any other drugs besides Cephalexin.Taking another drug may affect the effectiveness of Cephalexin.Some vaccines may be affected by Cephalexin.The effectiveness of oral contraceptives can be interfered with by the drug Cephalexin.You might get pregnant if you are taking Cephalexin while taking pills.Coumadin, Metformin and probenecid are some drugs that may interact with Cephalexin.
Step 15: If you are taking any herbal medicines, tell your doctor.
It's important to inform your doctor of any herbal medicines that you are currently taking because they may interfere with the effectiveness of Cephalexin.
Step 16: Let your doctor know if you don't like the drug.
It's a good idea to tell your doctor if you feel like you shouldn't take the drug.Your doctor can either reduce the dose or switch you to a different drug.A skin test can be done to determine if you can take the drug safely.
Step 17: Don't take the drug without talking to your doctor.
It's important to talk to your doctor before taking a drug.Your doctor will be able to give you detailed instructions on how to use the medication.Do not attempt to self-prescribe or take someone else's medication.
Step 18: If you experience any side effects, tell your doctor.
There are some side effects that should be mild.Inform your doctor if these side effects become intolerable.Mild skin rash and upset stomach are some of the side effects.
Step 19: You should see your doctor if you have any serious side effects or symptoms of an allergic reaction.
If you experience any serious side effects, you should immediately call your doctor.You can file a report online or by phone with the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.There are a number of serious side effects that you should watch for, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, sore throat, vaginal infection, wheezing, severe skin rash, painful mouth and throat sores, or with blood or mucus dark colored or decreased urine.