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Cefalexin
INFORMATION ABOUT CEFALEXIN
Cefalexin Uses
Cefalexin is used in the treatment of bacterial infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and Pyoderma. It is used to treat common mild to moderate bacterial infection.
How Cefalexin works
Cefalexin is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from forming the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive.
Common side effects of Cefalexin
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Diarrhea, Decreased appetite, Lethargy
CONTENT DETAILS
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Written By
Dr. Swati Mishra
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
08 Oct 2025 | 09:03 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Cefalexin
Expert advice for Cefalexin
- Your doctor has prescribed Cefalexin to cure your infection and improve your symptoms.
- Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection to come back and harder to treat.
- Discontinue Cefalexin and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
- Your doctor has prescribed Cefalexin to cure your infection and improve your symptoms.
- Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection to come back and harder to treat.
- Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
- Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Cefalexin as it may cause increased side effects.
- Discontinue Cefalexin and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.
Frequently asked questions for Cefalexin
Cephalexin is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor
Yes, the use of Cefalexin can cause diarrhea. It is an antibiotic which kills the harmful bacteria. However, it also affects the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine and causes diarrhea. If diarrhea persists, talk to your doctor about it.
Talk to your doctor if Cefalexin doesn't seem to work for you. Your doctor may increase the dose of Cefalexin or switch you to an alternate option, which may work for you.
Inform your doctor if you don't feel better after finishing the full course of treatment. Also, inform him if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine.
No, do not stop taking Cefalexin and complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured.