Cephalexin
Brand Names: Keflex
Methodology & AI Transparency ⓘ
Cephalexin Key Takeaways
Translated by Sarah Jenkins (AI RN Plain-English Translator) at a 7th-grade reading level
- 1 What it does: Indications and usage: Cephalexin tablets are indicated for the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms: Respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes Otitis media due to susceptible isolates of Streptococcu pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes , and Moraxella Catarrhalis.
- 2 Real-world patient consensus: 90% patient "Worth It" rating across 9 anonymous logs for Cephalexin (RxNorm 197454).
- 3 Typical cash cost range: Uninsured 30-day outlay compares $7.20 wholesale mail-order against $34.50 retail pharmacy pricing.
- 4 Top reported side effects / signs: Leading openFDA/SPL adverse events for Cephalexin: nausea (13%), diarrhea (10.3%), abdominal discomfort (5.8%).
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Cephalexin Mechanism, CYP450 Pathways & DailyMed Monograph
Indications and usage: Cephalexin tablets are indicated for the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms: Respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes Otitis media due to susceptible isolates of Streptococcu pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes , and Moraxella Catarrhalis. Skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible isolates of the following Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus , and Streptococcus pyogenes .
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Human Pharmacology Cephalexin tablets are acid stable and may be given without regard to meals. It is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. Following doses of 250 mg, 500 mg, and 1 g, average peak serum levels of approximately 9, 18, and 32 mcg/mL, respectively, were obtained at 1 hour. Serum levels were detectable 6 hours after administration (at a level of detection of 0.2 mcg/mL). Cephalexin is approximately 10% to 15% bound to plasma proteins. Cephalexin is excreted in the urine by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion.
With Terminal t½ estimated at 7–14 hrs depending on renal/hepatic reserve (Cephalexin) residence kinetics and F ≈ 75%–87% systemic availability after standard oral Cephalexin administration bioavailability, Cephalexin undergoes mixed metabolic conjugation and unchanged urinary excretion across cephalexin regimens and establishes therapeutic activity over time to peak concentration spans 1 to 2 hrs under cephalexin maintenance.
Standard adult regimens span 500 mg/1 Capsule, 250 mg/5mL For Suspension, 750 mg/1 Capsule, 250 mg/5mL Powder, for Suspension, 250 mg/1 Capsule. Prescribers screen specifically against contraindications cephalexin tablets are contraindicated in patients with known allergy to cephalexin or other members of the cephalosporin class of antibacterial drugs.; known hypersensitivity to cephalexin or structurally related cephalosporin antibacterial compounds, while community micro-logs most frequently note nausea (13% of reports), diarrhea (10.3% of reports), vomiting (6.6% of reports).
Avoid overlapping cephalosporin antibacterial prescriptions alongside Cephalexin to prevent cumulative receptor toxicity.
Unstandardized herbal extracts may interact pharmacodynamically with Cephalexin maintenance therapy.
Standard Adult Titration & Dosages
Absolute & Relative Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS Cephalexin tablets are contraindicated in patients with known allergy to cephalexin or other members of the cephalosporin class of antibacterial drugs.
- Known hypersensitivity to Cephalexin or structurally related cephalosporin antibacterial compounds
Logged Side-Effect Incidence (9 Reports)
Cephalexin Real-World Side Effects: openFDA FAERS vs. Patient Micro-Logs
Peer-Reviewed Human Clinical Trials & Meta-Analyses (Cephalexin)
| Study & Plain-English Finding | Sample (N) | Rigor | Primary Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Insights on Effectiveness of postoperative oral administration of cephalexin and: What a 210-Participant Study Found Post-operative administration of cephalexin and metronidazole for 48-h post-cesarean delivery among obese women, in addition to the standard pre-operative prophylaxis, reduced the overall rate of surgical site infection and... Antimicrobial resistance and infection control • 2022-12-05 • Phase III Randomized Trial | N = 210 | 88/100 | PMID 36471429 ↗ |
Cephalexin Public Price Transparency Ledger
| Dispensing Channel / Benchmark | Verification Source | Reference Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy Acquisition Cost (CMS NADAC) | CMS Medicaid NADAC Weekly National Survey | $0.6858/unit (~$20.57/30u) | Wholesale baseline |
| Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs (Mail-Order Generic) | Public Wholesale Price List (NADAC + 15% + pharmacy fee) | $7.20 / mo | Formulary listing ↗ |
| Average U.S. Walk-In Retail Cash Price | Chain Pharmacy Uninsured Cash Index | $34.50 / mo | Before coupon/insurance |
| Patient-Logged Out-of-Pocket Average | 9 Anonymous DotMD Community Micro-Logs | $8.28 / mo | View logs ↓ |
Cephalexin Federal Verification & Benchmark Summary
| Metric | Verified Benchmark | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cephalexin RxNorm Concept ID | 197454 | U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) |
| CMS NADAC Pharmacy Acquisition Unit Cost | $0.6858 / unit | CMS Medicaid NADAC Weekly Feed |
| Walk-In Chain Pharmacy Cash Average | $34.50 / mo | U.S. Uninsured Retail Cash Index |
| Public Mail-Order Wholesale Benchmark | $7.20 / mo (Cost Plus Drugs) | Mark Cuban Cost Plus Public API |
| Real-World Patient Consensus | 90.00% Worth It (9 anonymous logs) | DotMD Zero-PHI Patient Ledger |
Cephalexin Patient Community, Cohort Filters & Dosage Logs
Cross-verified Cephalexin (cephalosporin antibacterial) monograph synthesizing RxNorm 197454, openFDA FAERS signals, and $7.20–$34.50 cash benchmarks.
Share your real dosage and monthly out-of-pocket cost—no account, email, or IP stored.
Filter Cephalexin community threads and patient logs by age, biological sex, dosage, and treatment duration.