Drug Facts
Composition & Profile
Identifiers & Packaging
16. How Supplied/Storage and Handling Cephalexin capsules USP, are supplied as follows: 500 mg Capsules, Bottles of: Bottles of 28: NDC 80425-0005-01 Bottles of 40: NDC 80425-0005-02 Bottles of 6: NDC 80425-0005-03 Cephalexin capsules USP should be stored at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.; Principal Display Panel label1 label 2 Cephalexin #6
- 16. How Supplied/Storage and Handling Cephalexin capsules USP, are supplied as follows: 500 mg Capsules, Bottles of: Bottles of 28: NDC 80425-0005-01 Bottles of 40: NDC 80425-0005-02 Bottles of 6: NDC 80425-0005-03 Cephalexin capsules USP should be stored at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.
- Principal Display Panel label1 label 2 Cephalexin #6
Overview
Cephalexin capsules USP is a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibacterial drug intended for oral administration. It is 7- (D-a-Amino-a-phenylacetamido)-3-methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid monohydrate. Cephalexin has the molecular formula C16H17N3O4S•H2O and the molecular weight is 365.41. Cephalexin has the following structural formula: Each capsule contains cephalexin USP equivalent to 250 mg, or 500 mg of anhydrous cephalexin. The capsules also contain the following inactive ingredients D&C Yellow 10, FD&C Blue 1, FD&C Green 3, FD&C Yellow 6, ferric oxide black, gelatin, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, shellac and titanium dioxide. Structure
Indications & Usage
Section 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE 1.1 Respiratory Tract Infections Cephalexin capsules USP are indicated for the treatment of respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes. 1.2 Otitis Media Cephalexin capsules USP are indicated for the treatment of otitis media caused by susceptible isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Moraxella catarrhalis. 1.3 Skin and Skin Structure Infections Cephalexin capsules USP are indicated for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible isolates of the following Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. 1.4 Bone Infections Cephalexin capsules USP are indicated for the treatment of bone infections caused by susceptible isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis. 1.5 Genitourinary Tract Infections Cephalexin capsules USP are indicated for the treatment of genitourinary tract infections, including acute prostatitis, caused by susceptible isolates of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. 1.6 Usage To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of cephalexin capsules USP and other antibacterial drugs, cephalexin capsules USP should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information is available, this information should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
Dosage & Administration
Section 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 2.1 Adults and Pediatric Patients at Least 15 Years of Age The usual dose of oral cephalexin capsules USP is 250 mg every 6 hours, but a dose of 500 mg every 12 hours may be administered. Treatment is administered for 7 to 14 days. For more severe infections larger doses of oral cephalexin capsules USP may be needed, up to 4 grams daily in two to four equally divided doses. 2.2 Pediatric Patients (Over 1 year of Age) The recommended total daily dose of oral cephalexin capsules USP for pediatric patients is 25 to 50 mg/kg given in equally divided doses for 7 to 14 days. In the treatment of β-hemolytic streptococcal infections, duration of at least 10 days is recommended. In severe infections, a total daily dose of 50 to 100 mg/kg may be administered in equally divided doses. For the treatment of otitis media, the recommended daily dose is 75 to 100 mg/kg given in equally divided doses. 2.3 Dosage Adjustments in Adult and Pediatric Patients at Least 15 Years of Age with Renal Impairment Administer the following dosing regimens for cephalexin capsules USP to patients with renal impairment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4) and USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS (8.6)]. Table1. Recommended Dose Regimen for Patients with Renal Impairment * There is insufficient information to make dose adjustment recommendations in patients on hemodialysis
Warnings & Precautions
5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Allergic reactions in the form of rash, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported with the use of cephalexin. Before therapy with cephalexin capsules is instituted, inquire whether the patient has a history of hypersensitivity reactions to cephalexin, cephalosporins, penicillins, or other drugs. Cross-hypersensitivity among beta-lactam antibacterial drugs may occur in up to 10% of patients with a history of penicillin allergy. If an allergic reaction to cephalexin occurs, discontinue the drug and institute appropriate treatment. 5.2 Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including cephalexin, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile. C. difficile produces toxins A and B, which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin-producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated. 5.3 Direct Coombs’ Test Seroconversion Positive direct Coombs' tests have been reported during treatment with the cephalosporin antibacterial drugs including cephalexin. Acute intravascular hemolysis induced by cephalexin therapy has been reported. If anemia develops during or after cephalexin therapy, perform a diagnostic work-up for drug-induced hemolytic anemia, discontinue cephalexin and institute appropriate therapy. 5.4 Seizure Potential Several cephalosporins have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage was not reduced. If seizures occur, discontinue cephalexin. Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated. 5.5 Prolonged Prothrombin Time Cephalosporins may be associated with prolonged prothrombin time. Those at risk include patients with renal or hepatic impairment, or poor nutritional state, as well as patients receiving a protracted course of antibacterial therapy, and patients receiving anticoagulant therapy. Monitor prothrombin time in patients at risk and manage as indicated. 5.6 Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria Prescribing cephalexin capsules in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria. Prolonged use of cephalexin may result in the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Careful observation of the patient is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.
Contraindications
Cephalexin capsules are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to cephalexin or other members of the cephalosporin class of antibacterial drugs.
Adverse Reactions
The following serious events are described in greater detail in the Warning and Precautions section: Hypersensitivity reactions [see WARNING AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)] Clostridium difficile -associated diarrhea [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2)] Direct Coombs' Test Seroconversion [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.3)] Seizure Potential [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4)] Effect on Prothrombin Activity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.5)] Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.6)] 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In clinical trials, the most frequent adverse reaction was diarrhea. Nausea and vomiting, dyspepsia, gastritis, and abdominal pain have also occurred. As with penicillins and other cephalosporins, transient hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported. Other reactions have included hypersensitivity reactions, genital and anal pruritus, genital candidiasis, vaginitis and vaginal discharge, dizziness, fatigue, headache, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, arthralgia, arthritis, and joint disorder. Reversible interstitial nephritis has been reported. Eosinophilia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and slight elevations in aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) have been reported. In addition to the adverse reactions listed above that have been observed in patients treated with cephalexin, the following adverse reactions and other altered laboratory tests have been reported for cephalosporin class antibacterial drugs: Other Adverse Reactions Fever, colitis, aplastic anemia, hemorrhage, renal dysfunction, and toxic nephropathy. Altered Laboratory Tests Prolonged prothrombin time, increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), increased creatinine, elevated alkaline phosphatase, elevated bilirubin, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), pancytopenia, leukopenia, and agranulocytosis.
Drug Interactions
7.1 Metformin Administration of cephalexin with metformin results in increased plasma metformin concentrations and decreased renal clearance of metformin. Careful patient monitoring and dose adjustment of metformin is recommended in patients concomitantly taking cephalexin and metformin [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3]. 7.2 Probenecid The renal excretion of cephalexin is inhibited by probenecid. Co-administration of probenecid with cephalexin capsules is not recommended. 7.3 Interaction with Laboratory or Diagnostic Testing A false-positive reaction may occur when testing for the presence of glucose in the urine using Benedict's solution or Fehling's solution.
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