In the case of bacterial infections, antibiotics are the most commonly prescribed drugs. Cephalexin is an antibiotic that belongs to the cephalosporin group. The drug, also called cephalexin, is able to inhibit or suppress the growth of bacteria. The effectiveness of Cephalexin depends on how it is used, so before starting to use it you need to know how to use Cephalexin properly. Read on to find out how to use Cephalexin.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Using Cephalexin
Step 1. Follow the doctor's advice in using Cephalexin
Do not use Cephalexin more or less than the recommended dose. In addition, do not use this medication for longer than the duration prescribed by your doctor. Be sure to carefully read the instructions on the drug's label before starting to use it.
Step 2. Drink water with Cephalexin capsules or tablets
Cephalexin capsules or tablets should be swallowed with a full glass of water. Meanwhile, other drinks can affect the effectiveness of this drug.
If you are taking Cephalexin in capsule or tablet form, do not chew or dissolve it in your mouth. This medicine should be swallowed with water
Step 3. Use water to dissolve the tablet if you are using the Cephalexin soluble tablet preparation
Never chew or swallow a soluble tablet right away. Soluble tablet preparations are formulated to be mixed with water before being swallowed so that they can be metabolized faster in the body.
- Dissolve the medicine in 2 tablespoons of water. Mix well. Drink the drug solution immediately.
- To make sure you swallow the entire dose, pour more water into the glass, shake gently to dissolve any remaining medication, then drain.
Step 4. Use liquid Cephalexin as directed by your doctor
Follow the doctor's advice while using liquid Cephalexin. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you are using Cephalexin suspension, you must shake the package before use.
You should also make sure to measure the correct dose using a spoon or measuring cup. Drug doses are often given in milliliters (ml), so pipettes are often used to measure them. If you don't have a medication meter, ask your pharmacist
Step 5. Store Cephalexin in a cool and dry place
The remaining cephalexin should be stored properly. Store this medicine in a cool and dry place with a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Do not place this medication in the bathroom as moisture can affect the quality of the tablets or capsules.
Cephalexin liquid preparations should be stored in the refrigerator, but not in the freezer. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days
Step 6. Eat or drink a glass of milk while taking Cephalexin
Cephalexin can cause stomach upset if swallowed without food. To prevent this, take Cephalexin with a snack, meal, or at least a glass of milk. Consult your doctor if your stomach still hurts after taking Cephalexin with food, or if your stomach pain is quite severe.
Step 7. Take the missed dose of Cephalexin as soon as you remember it
However, if it is close to your next dose (1-2 hours before), skip the missed dose and wait for the next dose.
Never double the dose of a medicine to make up for a missed dose. This can lead to overdosage and unwanted side effects
Part 2 of 4: Understanding Cephalexin
Step 1. Know that Cephalexin is used to fight bacteria in the body
These drugs are known as bactericidal, which means their main function is to inhibit or destroy the bacterial cell wall until it breaks.
- Cephalexin is effective against Gram positive bacteria. These bacteria include bacillus, corynebacterium, clostridium, listeria, staphylococcus, and streptococcus.
- Cephalexin has no effect on viral infections. This drug is also not used to treat methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.
Step 2. Use Cephalexin to fight bacterial infections
Cephalexin is primarily used to fight bacterial infections which include infections of the bones and joints, skin, urinary tract, and middle ear.
In some cases, Cephalexin is used as a prophylactic drug or to prevent certain infections, for example to prevent bacterial endocarditis
Step 3. Understand that improper use of Cephalexin can decrease its effectiveness
Using this medication when you don't have a bacterial infection can reduce the effect of the antibiotics when needed. The effectiveness of Cephalexin will also decrease if you do not take the entire dose prescribed by your doctor.
Consult your doctor if you are still experiencing symptoms of infection after finishing the prescribed medication
Part 3 of 4: Consult a Doctor
Step 1. Tell your doctor about your allergies
Do not use Cephalexin if you are allergic to this drug. In most cases, if you know you are allergic to Cepahalexin, it is likely that you are also allergic to other cephalosporin antibiotics.
- Some examples of cephalosporin antibiotics include cefaclor, cefadroxil, cefdinir, cefditoren, cefixime, cefprozil, ceftazidime, and cefuroxime.
- If you pay attention, the cephalosporin class of drugs begins with "cef". Keep this in mind and you'll be better able to avoid it.
- Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin and amoxicillin because you are more likely to be allergic to Cephalexin.
Step 2. Make sure your doctor knows what other illnesses you have
You should not use Cephalexin if you have certain diseases. These diseases include kidney and liver disease, colitis, diabetes and malnutrition because they affect the body's ability to metabolize Cephalexin.
For example, Cephalexin contains sugar, so you may not use it if you have diabetes
Step 3. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant
Not many studies have been conducted to determine the effect of Cephalexin on the fetus. Thus, if you are pregnant, you should discuss other drug options with your doctor. Cephalexin should only be used by pregnant women if there is no other option.
Step 4. Tell your doctor about any other medications you are also taking
If you are taking drugs other than Cephalexin, tell your doctor about this because there is a chance that the drugs will interact. This means that the use of other drugs can affect the effectiveness of Cephalexin.
- For example, the effectiveness of some vaccines containing bacteria such as typhus and BCG may be affected by Cephalexin. Meanwhile, some studies suggest that Cephalexin may interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. So, you may become pregnant if you take the contraceptive pill with Cephalexin.
- Other drugs that may interact with Cephalexin are Coumadin, metformin and probenecid.
Step 5. Tell your doctor if you use any herbal remedies
Certain herbal remedies can affect the effectiveness of Cephalexin. So, you should tell your doctor about all medicines or herbal supplements you are taking.
Step 6. Tell your doctor if you think that Cephalexin is not the right choice
If you feel there is a reason why you should not use this medicine, tell your doctor. The doctor may reduce the dose of the drug or replace it with another drug.
Special examinations such as skin tests may also be done to ensure your safety in using the drug
Part 4 of 4: Knowing It's Time to Visit the Doctor
Step 1. Consult a doctor "before" using the drug
Consulting a doctor before using the drug is an important step. The doctor will provide you with complete and accurate guidance regarding the use of the drug. Never "prescrib" Cephalexin to yourself or use someone else's medication.
Step 2. Tell your doctor if you experience any severe or persistent side effects
Cephalexin has some common side effects that should be mild and temporary. However, if the side effects you experience are very bothersome or severe, tell your doctor about it. These side effects include:
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Gag
- Mild skin rash
Step 3. See your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction
While using Cephalexin, you should see a doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects. You or your doctor can also report drug side effects to the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) Drug Side Effect Monitoring through the website https://e-meso.pom.go.id/ or call 021) 4244755 Ext.111. The serious side effects you should be aware of are:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Unusual bleeding and bruising
- Sore throat
- Vaginal infection
- Wheezing
- Bidur
- Severe skin rash
- Itchy rash
- Pain in the mouth and throat
- Severe diarrhea or accompanied by blood or mucus
- Dark urine or reduced urine volume
- Fever
- Pale or yellow skin
Tips
- Cephalexin dosage varies depending on age, weight, gender, type and severity of infection, allergies, etc. Knowing the right dose for you is very important. Do not try to use Cephalexin without consulting your doctor first.
- In case of an overdose, call emergency poison services.
Warning
- Use Cephalexin for the duration in the prescription. You may feel better soon after taking the medicine, but this does not mean you should stop using it. The infection in some people recurs after they stop taking the drug before the time prescribed.
- Don't let anyone use your medicine. Doctors prescribe this medication only for you and the effect on other people may not be the same.
