Cephalexin Capsule (Cephalexin Hydrate)

Adult dose

As cephalexin hydrate, administer 250 mg (potency) per dose orally every 8 hours. In cases of severe infections (such as pneumonia) and low-sensitivity infections, the dose may be doubled. In acute gonococcal urethritis, 3 g of this medication may be administered together with 1 g of probenecid as a single combination treatment.

Child dose

Administer 20 mg (potency) per kg of body weight divided every 8 hours. In cases of severe infections, otitis media, and low-sensitivity infections, a dosage of 40 mg (potency) per kg of body weight may be administered, with a maximum dose of

This medication works by binding to specific proteins and inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, thereby killing bacteria. It should not be used in patients who have experienced severe allergic reactions or shock due to this medication. Patients with hypersensitivity to this medication or similar class antibiotics should also not be administered. Patients allergic to penicillin antibiotics or who have a predisposition to allergies such as bronchial asthma, rash, or urticaria should use this medication with caution. Patients with severely impaired kidney function, those who cannot eat well or receive parenteral nutrition, the elderly, and those in poor general condition may experience symptoms of vitamin K deficiency while using this medication and should be carefully monitored. Patients with a history of gastrointestinal diseases, especially colitis, should be cautious when using this medication. Rarely, severe reactions such as shock or anaphylaxis may occur, thus symptoms should be closely monitored during treatment, and if abnormal symptoms occur, use should be immediately discontinued, and appropriate treatment should be sought. Severe reactions affecting the skin such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis may occur, so skin conditions should be monitored closely. Blood tests may reveal agranulocytosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and other blood abnormalities; thus, regular testing is necessary, and treatment should be discontinued if any abnormal signs are detected. Rarely, hepatic dysfunction or renal impairment may occur, necessitating tests and observation. Severe colitis such as pseudomembranous colitis may rarely occur, so if abdominal pain or diarrhea worsens, medication should be discontinued immediately. Respiratory symptoms such as interstitial pneumonia or eosinophilic lung infiltration may develop; therefore, caution should be exercised in case of respiratory distress or cough. Central nervous system symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, insomnia, dizziness, hallucinations, etc. may occur rarely. Disruption of normal flora may lead to conditions like stomatitis or candidiasis. There may be a rare tendency to bleed due to vitamin K deficiency or symptoms of vitamin B group deficiency, so caution is warranted. When using this medication, it is advisable to perform susceptibility tests to prevent the emergence of resistant strains and to only administer for the minimal necessary duration. There may be interactions with other medications; thus, caution is especially required when used in conjunction with probenecid, nephrotoxic drugs, diuretics, anticoagulants, and oral contraceptives. For women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, the benefits and risks of administering this medication should be carefully considered, and nursing mothers should also exercise caution as this medication can be excreted in small amounts in breast milk. The safety of this medication in neonates, especially those under 1 month of age, has not been established, and caution should be exercised during administration. In the elderly, abnormal reactions may occur more easily due to decreased physiological function, and there is a risk of bleeding due to vitamin K deficiency; hence, the dosage and administration intervals should be adjusted and observed closely. This medication may influence urine glucose tests or the direct Coombs test, so caution is needed in interpreting test results.

Serious side effects

• Urticaria
• edema
• breathing difficulty
• angioedema
• rash
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• toxic epidermal necrolysis
• agranulocytosis
• neutropenia
• pancytopenia

Mild side effects

• Rash
• urticaria
• itching
• fever
• lymphadenopathy
• arthralgia
• serum sickness-like reaction
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea

This medication may be sensitive to air and moisture, so it must be stored in a tightly sealed container. It is recommended to keep the storage temperature between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius to maintain the medication's effectiveness for a long time.

Appearance

A hard capsule with a purple upper part and a white lower part containing a yellowish powder.

Package unit

30 capsules/bottle, 300 capsules/bottle