Keflex
Effective to treat bacterial infection to alleviate illness and restore immune health.
- Category
- Antibiotics
- Active ingredient
- Cephalexin
- Supply
- Pharmacy
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Capsule, hard
- Strengths
- 250 · 500mg
Keflex details
- Condition
- Bacterial Infection
- Alternative names
- Keforal
- Therapeutic class
- First-Generation Cephalosporin Antibiotic
- Pharmacological class
- Cephalosporin Antibiotic
- Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to cephalosporins
- Minor side effects
- diarrhoea; nausea
- Moderate side effects
- rash; vaginal discharge
- Dosage forms
- Capsule, hard
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Pharmacist only, dispensed without a prescription
- Manufacturer
- Eli Lilly
- Onset Time
- 1 hour
- Duration
- 6–8 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C in a dry place.
- Drug interactions
- probenecid
- Age restrictions
- Commonly used in paediatric patients; follow clinical advice.
Precautions and warnings
inform your doctor before any planned surgery; complete the full course as prescribed
Serious side effects
anaphylaxis, requires immediate medical attention; severe skin reactions, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Effective to treat bacterial infection to alleviate illness and restore immune health.
Mechanism of action
Cephalexin, a first-generation cephalosporin, inhibits the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall by binding to penicillin-binding proteins. This leads to the inhibition of peptidoglycan synthesis, resulting in bacterial cell death.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Generally considered safe. Breastfeeding: Compatible with breastfeeding.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Keflex
Keflex is an established Eli Lilly product used to treat bacterial infection. The active ingredient is cephalexin, which is also sold under the brand name Keforal. Patients access the medication in tablet form in strengths ranging from 250mg to 500mg for their specific health requirements.
Keflex availability in Asia
Keflex is registered across 14 markets, including Japan, the UAE and Singapore, with availability also in Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia. Generic cephalexin, largely produced in India, offers a cost effective alternative to the original brand for expats or those residing far from a reliable medical facility. This medication is best used under the guidance of a doctor.