How long should you take cephalexin

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Each orange, capsule-shaped, scored, film-coated tablet, engraved "PRO" on one side, contains cephalexin monohydrate equivalent to mg of cephalexin. The recommended adult dose of cephalexin ranges from mg to 1, mg 4 times daily. It can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. The usual dose of cephalexin for children is based on body weight. The recommended dose is 25 mg to 50 mg per kilogram of body weight each day, divided into 4 equal doses.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. Although it may be absorbed more quickly if it is taken on an empty stomach, cephalexin may be taken with food or on an empty stomach.

The overall effect is not changed by taking it with food. The liquid form of this medication should be measured accurately with a medication spoon or oral syringe, as these are more accurate than household measuring spoons. Shake the bottle of medication well before measuring each dose. Finish all of this medication, even you start to feel better. This will reduce the chance of the infection returning. It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.

Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required. Side Effects. Side Effects What are the side effects of Cephalexin Keflex? Call your doctor at once if you have: severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody even if it occurs months after your last dose ; unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath; easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin; a seizure; pale skin, cold hands and feet; yellowed skin, dark colored urine; fever, weakness; or pain in your side or lower back, painful urination.

Common side effects may include: diarrhea; nausea, vomiting; indigestion, stomach pain; or vaginal itching or discharge. Based on FDA pregnancy categories. Interactions What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Cephalexin Keflex? Do not use cephalexin to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Cephalexin Keflex? If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Cephalexin Keflex , call your doctor or the Poison Control center. If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Cephalexin Keflex , call What to Expect You should start to feel better within a few days of taking cephalexin.

Additional Dosage Information Your dosage will depend on your medical condition, your age, your weight, and other factors. Secondary Uses Cephalexin is used to treat many types of infections.

This dosage information is for cephalexin oral capsule. All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:. The usual dose is mg taken every 6 hours, or a dose of mg every 12 hours may be given. If you have a severe infection, your doctor may give you a larger dose. Your doctor may double your dose for severe infections.

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body. Your doctor may give you a larger dose if you have a severe infection. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages.

Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Cephalexin oral capsule is a short-term drug treatment. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of this drug in your body. Symptoms may include:. Call your doctor or local Poison Control Center, or go to the nearest emergency room. What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose.

Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects. How to tell if the drug is working: Your symptoms and your infection should go away if this drug is working. A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.