Earaches may be caused by bacteria in the inner or outer ear, and they may lead to fluid buildup and pressure. A toothache could be an abscess of bacteria below the gums. Bacterial infections come in many forms. Antibiotics are the pinnacle of treatment against bacterial infections. The first antibiotic discovered was penicillin, and it belongs to a group of antibiotics known as beta-lactam antibiotics. Beta-lactams attack the cell wall of bacteria, rendering the bacteria powerless and allowing the body to resolve the infection.
Since the discovery of penicillin, there have been many classes and types of beta-lactam antibiotics developed. Cephalexin and amoxicillin are two commonly used beta-lactam antibiotics. Cephalexin is a prescription medication used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, which belongs under the larger classification of beta-lactam antibiotics.
Cephalexin interferes with cell wall synthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins inside the cellular wall. Ultimately, when cephalexin is dosed appropriately, it causes lysis, or destruction, or the bacterial cell. Different bacterial types contain different bacterial binding proteins, so the effectiveness of cephalexin varies with different types of bacteria.
Cephalexin is available as an oral tablet or capsule, as well as an oral suspension. The brand name of cephalexin is Keflex. It is used by infants, children, and adults. Amoxicillin is a prescription medication also used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is a penicillin antibiotic but also falls under the larger classification of beta-lactam antibiotics. Amoxicillin, like cephalexin, interferes with cell wall synthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins inside the cellular wall leading the destruction of the bacterial cell.
Amoxicillin is available as an oral tablet or capsule, chewable tablet, as well as an oral suspension. The brand name of amoxicillin is Amoxil or Polymox. Sign up for Amoxicillin price alerts and find out when the price changes!
Get Price Alerts. Cephalexin has been shown to be active against a variety of bacterial organisms including Escherichia coli , Haemophilus influenzae beta-lactamase negative , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Moraxella catarrhalis , Proteus mirabilis , Staphylococcus aureus MSSA , Staphylococcus epidermidis , Streptococcus pneumoniae , and Streptococcus pyogenes. The sensitivity of these organisms allows cephalexin to also be effective in treating many common types of infections including upper respiratory infections such as sinusitis , pharyngitis, and tonsillitis.
Amoxicillin is also effective against lower respiratory infections such as community-acquired pneumonia. Other uses of cephalexin include skin infections cellulitis , bone and joint infections, otitis media, and urinary tract infections UTI.
Amoxicillin has been shown to be active against a variety of bacterial organisms including Enterococcus faecalis , Escherichia coli , Haemophilus influenzae beta-lactamase negative , Helicobacter pylori , Proteus mirabilis , Staphylococcus sp. The medicine will come with a plastic syringe or medicine spoon to help you measure the right dose.
If you do not have one, ask a pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the right amount. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Try to leave a gap of at least 4 hours between doses. Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines. Accidentally taking 1 extra dose of cefalexin is unlikely to harm you or your child.
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're worried or you take 2 extra doses or more. Like all medicines, cefalexin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Fewer than 1 in people may have an allergic reaction to cefalexin. In most cases, the allergic reaction is mild. Keep taking the medicine, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:.
In rare cases, cefalexin can cause a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis. You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital. These are not all the side effects of cefalexin. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicine packet. You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme. It's usually safe to take cefalexin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. For safety, tell your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or if you're breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you're taking any of these medicines before you start taking cefalexin :. Do not take cefalexin at the same time as zinc supplements or anything with zinc in it. This is important because zinc may reduce the amount of cefalexin in your body, meaning the medicine cannot work as it's meant to.
If you do take supplements with zinc in them, make sure there is a gap of at least 3 hours before and after you take your cefalexin. For safety, tell your doctor or a pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements. Cefalexin is from a group of medicines called cephalosporin antibiotics.
It works by killing the bacteria that causes the infection. This ruptures the walls and kills the bacteria. This drug should only be used to treat bacterial infections. You should not use it to treat viruses, such as the common cold. If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks.
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:. Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.
Cephalexin oral capsule can interact with other medications, vitamins , or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Side effects from cephalexin: Taking cephalexin with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from cephalexin.
This is because the amount of cephalexin in your body is increased. An example of these drugs is probenecid. Side effects from other drugs: Taking cephalexin with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from these drugs.
An example of these drugs is metformin. Taking metformin and cephalexin together may cause kidney problems. Your doctor may adjust your dose of metformin to reduce this risk. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. Always speak with your healthcare professional about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.
If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor or local poison control center right away. If your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room. Taking it again could be fatal cause death. Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Brand names. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Other uses for this medicine. What special precautions should I follow? Before taking cephalexin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cephalexin; other cephalosporin antibiotic such as cefaclor, cefadroxil cefazolin Ancef, Kefzol , cefdinir, cefditoren Spectracef , cefepime Maxipime , cefixime Suprax , cefotaxime Claforan , cefotetan, cefoxitin Mefoxin , cefpodoxime, cefprozil, ceftaroline Teflaro , ceftazidime Fortaz, Tazicef, in Avycaz , ceftibuten Cedax , ceftriaxone Rocephin , and cefuroxime Zinacef ; penicillin antibiotics; or any other medications.
Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in cephalexin capsules, tablets, or suspension. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants 'blood thinners' such as warfarin Coumadin, Jantoven ; metformin Fortamet, Glucophage, Glumetza, Riomet, in Glucovance, Invokamet, others ; and probenecid Probalan.
Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. If you become pregnant while taking cephalexin, call your doctor. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
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