Cephalexin: What It Treats, How to Take It, and Safe Buying Tips
Cephalexin is a common antibiotic you’ll see for skin infections, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and some throat or respiratory infections. It’s a first-generation cephalosporin, which means it works by killing bacteria that build cell walls. That makes it a go-to for many straightforward bacterial infections.
Start with what matters: follow the dose your prescriber gives you. Typical adult doses are 250–500 mg every 6–12 hours depending on the infection. Kids get a weight-based dose. Length of treatment usually runs 5–14 days. If you stop early because you feel better, the infection can come back or become resistant — finish the full course unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
How cephalexin is used and when it helps
Doctors commonly prescribe cephalexin for:
- Skin infections like cellulitis or infected cuts
- Ear infections (otitis media) in children
- Simple urinary tract infections in women
- Some throat and respiratory infections when the bacteria are susceptible
If you have severe infection signs — high fever, spreading redness, breathing trouble — get medical care right away. Cephalexin isn’t effective against viruses, so it won’t help colds or the flu.
Safety, side effects, and practical tips
Common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, and mild stomach upset. Taking the pill with food can cut nausea. If you get severe diarrhea, bloody stools, or a rash with breathing trouble, seek care — those can signal serious reactions or C. difficile infection. People with kidney problems need dose changes; the same goes for the elderly.
Allergic reactions: if you’re allergic to cephalosporins or have a severe penicillin allergy, tell your doctor. Cross-reactivity with penicillin exists but is lower than once thought. Never try cephalexin if you previously had a dangerous allergic reaction to related antibiotics without talking to a clinician first.
Drug interactions are few, but always list your other meds. Probiotics or yogurt may help reduce antibiotic-related diarrhea. Avoid alcohol only if your doctor warns — cephalexin itself doesn’t cause the same interactions as some older antibiotics, but alcohol can worsen side effects.
Buying tips: only use pharmacies that require a prescription. Watch out for sites that sell antibiotics without asking for one. Check for clear contact details, verified reviews, and pharmacy licensing. Cheap can be tempting, but if the price is suspiciously low or the seller won’t verify the medicine, skip it. When in doubt, call your local pharmacy or ask your prescriber for trusted options.
Quick checklist: take the full course, store capsules at room temperature, tell your clinician about allergies and kidney disease, and avoid unverified online sellers. If you’re unsure whether cephalexin fits your infection, ask for a test or a short follow-up — a quick chat with a clinician can prevent a lot of trouble.
