Cephalexin Monohydrate (Cephalosporin Antibiotic) Flashcards
What is the brand name of cephalexin monohydrate?
Keflex
What strength capsules of Keflex are available?
250mg, 500mg, 750mg
What strength powder for oral suspension of Keflex is available?
125 mg per 5 mL, and 250 mg per5 mL (following reconstitution)
What strength tablets of Keflex is available?
250mg & 500mg
What is the FDA approved indication for Keflex? What is the dose?
To be used in infections due to susceptible strains of the following organisms: streptococci, staphylococci, E. coli, P. mirabilis, Klebsiella species, H. influenzae, and M. catarrhalis
Dose: 250 mg to 1 g every six hours. May use 500 mg every 12 hours for streptococcal pharyngitis, skin and skin structure infections and uncomplicated cystitis and patients over 15 years of age.
Children’s Dose: 25 to 100 mg/kg/day in for equally divided doses.
What is the mechanism of action of cephalexin monohydrate?
Cephalexin is a first generation cephalosporin which inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis via acylation of the transpeptidase enzyme.
What are the drug interactions for cephalexin monohydrate?
- May alter the absorption of estrogen’s including oral contraceptives.
- Probenecid increases serum concentration.
- May cause a false positive for nonspecific urine glucose tests, for some proteinurea tests, and for direct Coomb’s test.
- May falsely elevate urinary 17-ketosteroid values
What are the contraindications for cephalexin monohydrate?
- Contraindicated in patients hyper sensitive to penicillin and or cephalosporins. Estimated incidence of cross sensitivity is 5% to 16%.
- Use with caution in patients with renal function impairment.
- Cases of pseudomembranous colitis have occurred during treatment with cephalosporins.
- Report persistent or severe diarrhea to physician
What are the adverse effects of Keflex?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, itching, and rash.
What should the RPh tell the patient when counseling them on the use of cephalexin monohydrate?
- Preferably taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals with a full glass (240 mL) of water
- Take at even intervals; preferably around the clock
- Complete full course of therapy unless otherwise directed
- Keep suspension refrigerated. Discard unused portion after 14 days. Shake suspension well before using.
- If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible.