CEFALEXIN (Cephalexin, Cefalexin monohydrate)
Why is this medicine prescribed to you? • Antibiotics can cause diarrhea which may be a sign of a
Cefalexin is prescribed to treat bacterial infections of the new infection. Alert your doctor if you have diarrhea that
upper respiratory tract, middle ear, skin and soft tissues, is watery or has blood in it; you will be advised on what
bone, joints, urinary tract, genitals and teeth or gums. medicine to take. Do not self-medicate to stop the
diarrhea.
How do you use it? • Keep a regular check-up schedule. Your doctor may
Use cefalexin exactly as instructed by your doctor for it prescribe tests to check and monitor your progress while
to be effective. under treatment with this medicine.
• Take cefalexin with or without food; with food if it causes • If you need to undergo surgery or dental procedure,
stomach upset. inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this
• If you are given the capsule, swallow it whole with medicine before going through it.
a glass of water. Do not crush, break, open or chew. • Side effects may possibly occur as with most medicines.
• If you are given the oral drops or suspension, shake it well You may not experience any side effect; however, if you
before you take your dose. Use the provided dropper, experience any of these side effects with cefalexin,
spoon or cup to measure your prescribed dose. inform your doctor immediately, especially if they
• Continue using this medicine regularly as advised by your become severe or persistent: nausea, vomiting, stomach
doctor. Avoid skipping any dose even if you feel better. pain, gas or heartburn, diarrhea, headache, mood
It is important that you complete the full course of changes, fever, chills, joint or muscle pain, unusual
cefalexin within the duration specified by your doctor. tiredness, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual
If you do otherwise, the infection will be more difficult to bleeding or bruising, difficulty urinating, change in
treat due to possible resistance of the bacteria to amount of urine, white patches in the mouth, vaginal
cefalexin. discharge or infection and allergic reactions such as hives,
• If you forget to use this medicine on schedule, use it difficulty breathing or swallowing and swelling of face,
immediately as you remember. However, if it is already lips, tongue or throat.
time for the next dose, just proceed with your next • The side effects mentioned here are not complete and
regular dose schedule. others may occur. If you observe other side effects or
• Unless advised by your doctor, do not double or adjust reactions, call your doctor for advice.
dosage, or stop use even if you feel well. • Do not share your medicine with others even if you have
the same disease symptoms.
What do you need to know before you use it?
• Inform your doctor or pharmacist: How do you handle it before and after use?
- if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding; • Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light and
- if you have any of the following conditions: allergy moisture. Keep the medicine out of children’s reach.
especially to penicillin and cephalosporins, kidney Discard it properly when it is expired or no longer
problem, liver problem, stomach problem, intestinal needed.
problem (colitis), diabetes, malnutrition; • Refrigerate the suspension and discard any unused
- if you are using any other prescription or over-the- portion after 14 days.
counter (OTC) medicines and dietary or herbal
supplements.
This pharmacy information service of Mercury Drug Corporation contains only basic drug
information and must not be relied upon as substitute for professional medical care. It is intended
to be used as supplementary information to consultation with your doctor. Mercury Drug
www.mercurydrug.com Corporation shall not be responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or
Tel: 8911 5071-87 misuse of the information contained herein for any final treatment decisions or outcomes.
