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Keflex is a medical preparation that is used in cases of urological, rheumatological and dermatological disorders as well as lung diseases. What are the indications for using Keflex and when should you not take it? How do I dose Keflex correctly? Can the use of Keflex cause side effects?
Keflex – indications and contraindications for use
Keflex is a drug whose active substance is cephalexin monohydrate. The indications for the use of Keflex are urological, rheumatological or dermatological diseases. Keflex can be prescribed by a doctor to the patient in cases of respiratory tract, skin and soft tissue infections, inflammation of the middle ear and bones and joints caused by staphylococci or streptococci. Keflex is also used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections and sinusitis. Unfortunately, not every patient struggling with the above diseases can use Keflex. The contraindication to the use of this preparation is hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics or to any of the excipients contained in the drug.
Correct dosage of Keflex
Keflex is a drug that is taken orally. It is available in the form of capsules, although Keflex granules have also been produced for people who have difficulty swallowing larger tablets. The correct dose of Keflex is always determined by the doctor ordering the preparation. According to the recommendations in the package leaflet, the daily dose for adults ranges from 1 g to 4 g divided into smaller portions. For the treatment of mild urinary tract infections or streptococcal angina, the average dose is 250 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours. If the infection becomes more severe or the microorganisms are more resistant, it may be necessary to use higher doses of the drug. If, during treatment, a dose greater than 4 g of the drug is indicated, parenteral administration of Keflex should be considered. In the case of children, the daily dose is independent of the severity of the disease and ranges from 25 to 50 mg of the drug per kilogram of the child’s action.
Precautions before taking Keflex
Some basic precautions should be taken when using Keflex:
- determine whether an allergic reaction to the active substance of Keflex has occurred before;
- long-term use of Keflex may cause the development of resistant microorganisms;
- Keflex cannot be used in the case of infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae;
- in the case of people with renal or hepatic impairment, consideration should be given to replacing Keflex with another preparation.
Keflex – possible side effects
Keflex, like any other medicine, can cause side effects, but they do not occur in every patient who uses it. Disorders such as diarrhea, nausea, rash, hives, itching, and pain or arthritis may occur with the use of Keflex. Patients using Keflex have also reported fever, fatigue, hallucinations, agitation and confusion.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.