Cephalexin: Uses, Side Effects, and Drug Interactions
Brand names: Cephalexin
# Overview of Cephalexin Cephalexin is an antibiotic medicine used to fight bacterial infections in your body. Doctors prescribe it to treat infections like skin infections, urinary tract infections, ear infections, and strep throat. This medicine works by stopping bacteria from growing and spreading, which helps your body heal. It comes in different forms, like capsules and liquids, and your doctor will tell you exactly how much to take based on your age and the type of infection you have. Before taking cephalexin, it's important to know a few safety rules. Tell your doctor if you're allergic to penicillin or other antibiotics, since cephalexin is related to penicillin and could cause problems. Make sure your doctor knows about any other medicines you take, especially metformin (a diabetes medicine) or probenecid (a gout medicine), because cephalexin can change how these drugs work in your body. Like all medicines, cephalexin can cause side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea. Take the full course of antibiotics your doctor prescribes, even if you feel better, to make sure the infection is completely gone.
Taking Cephalexin with other medications?
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Check Now ↓Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)
- CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE2,155 reports
- RENAL FAILURE1,554 reports
- ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY1,538 reports
- PAIN1,364 reports
- DIARRHOEA1,350 reports
- FATIGUE1,240 reports
- NAUSEA1,220 reports
- DYSPNOEA1,164 reports
- ANXIETY1,131 reports
- RASH1,093 reports
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.
Recent Recalls (5)
- Class II
Ascend Laboratories, LLC · May 23, 2025
Cephalexin for Oral Suspension, USP, 125 mg per 5 mL, 200 mL (when mixed), Rx Only, Manufactured by: Alkem Laboratories Ltd., India, Distributed by: Ascent Laboratories, LLC, Parsippany, NJ 07054, NDCFailed Impurities/Degradation Specifications An out-of-specification result was observed in the related substance test at the sixth month of stability analysis. The individual impurity was identified to be Cephalexin Glucose Adduct.
- Class II
Ascend Laboratories, LLC · May 23, 2025
Cephalexin for Oral Suspension, USP, 125 mg per 5 mL, 100 mL (when mixed), Rx Only, Manufactured by: Alkem Laboratories Ltd., India, Distributed by: Ascent Laboratories, LLC, Parsippany, NJ 07054, NDCFailed Impurities/Degradation Specifications An out-of-specification result was observed in the related substance test at the sixth month of stability analysis. The individual impurity was identified to be Cephalexin Glucose Adduct.
- Class III
Bryant Ranch Prepack, Inc. · May 10, 2024
Cephalexin for Oral Suspension, USP, 125mg per 5mL, Rx only, 200mL (when mixed), Each contains: cephalexin monohydrate, USP equivalent to 2.5g of cephalexin in a strawberry flavored mixture. ManufactuLabeling: Not Elsewhere Classified: Back label states Each contains: cephalexin monohydrate, USP equivalent to 2.5g' instead of Each Bottle contains: cephalexin monohydrate, USP equivalent to 5g
- Class III
Bryant Ranch Prepack, Inc. · May 10, 2024
Cephalexin for Oral Suspension, USP, 125mg per 5mL, Rx only, 100 Tablets, Relabeled by: Bryant Ranch Prepack, Inc, Burbank, CA 91504, NDC 63629-9204-1.Labeling: Not Elsewhere Classified: Front label states 100 Tablets instead of 100 ml and on the back label 'Each Tablet contains' instead of 'Each Bottle contains' No total dose per bottle listed should be 2.5 g'
- Class III
Bryant Ranch Prepack, Inc. · May 10, 2024
Cephalexin for Oral Suspension, USP, 250mg/ 5mL, Rx only, 200mL (when mixed), Each contains cephalexin monohydrate, USP equivalent to 5g cephalexin. Manufactured by Alkem Laboratories Ltd, Relabeled bLabeling: Not Elsewhere Classified: Back Label states 'Each contains: cephalexin monohydrate, USP equivalent to 5g' instead of Each Bottle contains: cephalexin monohydrate, USP equivalent to 10g'
Source: FDA (openFDA Drug Enforcement). Voluntary and mandated recalls affecting this drug.
Check interactions with Cephalexin:
SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.