| Keflex (U.S.N.L.M.) | |
|---|---|
| Dosing: soft tissue infections: (preseptal cellulitis, internal hordeolum and dacryocystitis) |
1 to 4 g daily in divided doses. 500mg q12Hr for cellulitis without further systemic signs of infection. |
| Chem Specs | cephalexin |
| Quantities | 250mg, 500mg, 750mg capsules. 100, 200ml Bottles (250mg per 5ml) |
| Cost | 18.39/30/500mg |
| Class | 1st generation (moderate spectrum) cephalosporin (ß-lactam antibiotic) |
| Action | ß-lactam antibiotic - inhibits synthesis of bacterial cell wall. |
| Usage | Indicated for the treatment of skin structure and other infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and other organisms. |
| Poor gram-negative coverage. Can cause a vitamin K deficiency. | |
| Contraindications | Known allergy to the cephalosporins. Possible penicillin cross-reactivity. (Consider Bactrim DS when MRSA is suspected and when cephalosporins and penicillin are contraindicated.) |
| Pediatric use | Safety and effectiveness established in specific dosages. (See package insert ) |
| Pregnancy | Category B. No evidence of teratogenicity in rat studies at normal human dose. |
| No activity against Pseudomonas, enterococci, methicillin-resistant staphylococci, Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, or Serratia. |