Cepalex
Cepalex Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Cepalex is a semisynthetic analogue of Cephalosporin C. It kills bacteria by interfering in the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Peptidoglycan is a heteropolymeric structure that provides the cell wall with mechanical stability. The final stage in the synthesis of peptidoglycan involves the completion of the cross-linking and the terminal glycine residue of the Pentaglycine Bridge is linked to the fourth residue of the pentapeptide (d-alanin). The transpeptidase enzyme that performs this step is inhibited by penicillins and cephalosporins. As a result the bacterial cell wall is weakened, the cell swells and then ruptures. Cepalex is a first generation cephalosporin that is active by mouth.
Cepalex (also called Cefalexin) is a first generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics, often used for the treatment of superficial infections that result as complications of minor wounds or lacerations. It is effective against most gram-positive bacteria through its inihibition of the cross linking reaction between N-acetyl muramicacid and N-acetylglucosamine in the cell wall, leading to cell lysis.
| Trade Name | Cepalex |
| Availability | Prescription only |
| Generic | Cephalexin |
| Cephalexin Other Names | Cefalexin, Cefalexina, Céfalexine, Cefalexinum |
| Related Drugs | amoxicillin, prednisone, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, azithromycin, clindamycin, ceftriaxone, levofloxacin, Augmentin |
| Weight | 250mg, 500mg |
| Type | Capsule |
| Formula | C16H17N3O4S |
| Weight | Average: 347.389 Monoisotopic: 347.093976737 |
| Protein binding | Cephalexin is 10-15% bound to serum proteins including serum albumin.[A179053] |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational, Vet approved |
| Therapeutic Class | First generation Cephalosporins |
| Manufacturer | Lahore Chemical & Pharmaceutical Works (pvt) Ltd |
| Available Country | Pakistan |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Cepalex is used for the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible organisms.
- Respiratory tract infections: Acute and chronic bronchitis and infected bronchiectasis.
- Genito-urinary tract infections: Acute and chronic nephritis, cystitis, urethritis and prostatitis, prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections.
- Skin and soft tissue infections: Caused by staphylococci and/or streptococci.
- Ear, Nose and Throat infections: Otitis media, mastoiditis, sinusitis, follicular tonsillitis and pharyngitis.
- Bone infections: Caused by staphylococci and/or P. mirabilis.
Cepalex is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Bone Infection, Genitourinary tract infection, Otitis Media (OM), Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI), Skin and skin structure infections, Acute Prostatitis
How Cepalex works
Cepalex is a first generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Cephalosporins contain a beta lactam and dihydrothiazide. Unlike penicillins, cephalosprins are more resistant to the action of beta lactamase. Cepalex inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading breakdown and eventualy cell death.
Dosage
Cepalex dosage
Adult:
- The usual dose is 250 mg to 500 mg every 6 hour.
- For skin and soft tissue infections, streptococcal pharyngitis and uncomplicated cystitis, in patients over 15 years of age: 500 mg of the drug may be administered every 12 hour.
- In severe or deep seated infections the dose can be increased up to 3 g to 6 g daily.
Children: The dosage range is 25-100 mg/kg/day in divided doses to a maximum of 4 g dailyChildren's Weight Recommended Dose:
- 10 kg (22 Ibs):62.5 mg to 125 mg qid or 125 mg to 250 mg bid
- 20 kg (44 Ibs):125 mg to 250 mg qid or 250 mg to 500 mg bid
- 40 kg (88 Ibs):250 mg to 500 mg qid or 500 mg to 1 g bid
For streptococcal pharyngitis, skin and soft tissue infections and in patients over 1 year of age the total daily dose may be divided and administered every 12 hour. In the therapy of otitis media 75-100 mg/kg/day in four divided doses may be required. In the treatment of β haemolytic streptococcal infections a therapeutic dosage of the drug should be given at least for 10 days.
Side Effects
Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. Symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis may appear either during or after antibiotic treatment. Skin rash, angio oedema, rise in serum aminotransferases, eosinophilia, neutropenia have been reported very rarely. Superinfection with resistant micro organisms, particularly candida may follow the treatment.
Toxicity
Symptoms of overdose include blood in the urine, diarrhea, nausea, upper abdominal pain, and vomiting. An overdose is generally managed through supportive treatment as diuresis, dialysis, hemodialysis, and charcoal hemoperfusion are not well studied in this case.
The oral median lethal dose of cephalexin in rats is >5000 mg/kg. The oral LD50 in a monkey is >1g/kg and the lowest dose causing a toxic effect in humans is 14mg/kg.
Cepalex has not been shown to be harmful in pregnancy and is not associated with teratogeniticy. Cepalex is present in breast milk, though infants may be exposed to Label The effects of breast milk exposure to cephalexin have not been established and so caution must be exercised and the risk and benefit of cephalexin use in breastfeeding must be weighed.
Cepalex has not been studied for carcinogenicity or mutagenicity. Cepalex has no affect on fertility in rats.
Precaution
Cefalexin should be given with caution in patients with renal impairment. Under such condition, careful clinical observation should be made because safe dosage may be lower than the usually recommended. The urine of patients receiving Cefalexin may give a false positive reaction for glucose with copper reduction reagent. Positive results to Coombs’ test have been reported. Although there is no evidence of teratogenicity in animal tests, Cefalexin may be used during pregnancy when it is considered essential. Cefalexin is found in the milk of nursing mothers, hence caution should be taken when it is administered to nursing mothers.
Food Interaction
- Take with or without food.
Cepalex multivitamins interaction
[Moderate] ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Oral products containing zinc such as mineral supplements and multivitamins may interfere with the gastrointestinal absorption of cephalexin, ceftibuten or cephradine.
In one pharmacokinetic study (n=12), concurrent administration of zinc sulfate (250 mg, single oral dose) and cephalexin (500 mg, single oral dose) decreased cephalexin maximum concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC; 0-inf) by 31.05% and 27.4%, respectively.
However, in the same study, when zinc sulfate was administered 3 hours after the cephalexin dose, no significant alteration in cephalexin pharmacokinetics were observed.
Oral medications or mineral supplements that contain zinc are recommended to be administered at least 3 hours after the cephalexin, ceftibuten or cephradine dose.
Cepalex Drug Interaction
Unknown: aspirin, aspirin, diphenhydramine, diphenhydramine, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, pregabalin, pregabalin, acetaminophen / hydrocodone, acetaminophen / hydrocodone, acetaminophen, acetaminophen, cyanocobalamin, cyanocobalamin, ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid, cholecalciferol, cholecalciferol, cetirizine, cetirizine
Cepalex Disease Interaction
Major: colitisModerate: renal dysfunction, dialysis, liver disease, seizure disorders
Volume of Distribution
5.2-5.8L.
Elimination Route
Well absorbed from the upper gastrointestinal tract with nearly 100% oral bioavailability. Cepalex is not absorbed in the stomach but is absorbed in the upper intestine.
Patients taking 250mg of cephalexin reach a maximum plasma concentration of 7.7mcg/mL and patients taking 500mg reach 12.3mcg/mL.
Half Life
The half life of cephalexin is 49.5 minutes in a fasted state and 76.5 minutes with food though these times were not significantly different in the study.
Clearance
Clearance from one subject was 376mL/min.
Elimination Route
Cepalex is over 90% excreted in the urine after 6 hours by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion with a mean urinary recovery of 99.3%. Cepalex is unchanged in the urine.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Pregnancy Category B. Cefalexin may be used during pregnancy when it is considered essential. Cefalexin is found in the milk of nursing mothers, hence caution should be taken when it is administered to nursing mothers.
Contraindication
Cephalen is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.
Storage Condition
Should be stored in cool and dry place.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Cepalex
Cepalex contains Cephalexin see full prescribing information from innovator Cepalex Monograph, Cepalex MSDS, Cepalex FDA label
FAQ
What Cepalex is used for?
Cepalex is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. It belongs to the class of medicines known as cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
How safe is Cepalex?
Cepalex is not suitable for some people. To make sure Cepalex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have an allergic reaction to Cepalex or any other medicine in the past.
How does Cepalex work?
Cepalex works by interfering with the formation of the bacteria's cell walls. This ruptures the walls and kills the bacteria.Cepalex should only be used to treat bacterial infections. You should not use it to treat viruses, such as the common cold.
Is Cepalex safe during pregnancy?
Cepalex usually safe to take Cepalex during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Is Cepalex safe during breastfeeding?
Cepalex is acceptable for nursing mothers.
Can I drink alcohol with Cepalex?
You can drink alcohol while taking Cepalex. It's important to keep taking Cepalex until you've completed the course, even if you feel better.
Can I drive while taking Cepalex?
Cepalex generally does not cause any problems with your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.
Does Cepalex make me sleepy?
Cepalex oral capsule doesn't cause drowsiness. However, it can cause other side effects.
When is the best time to take Cepalex?
Cepalex is usually taken with or without food every 6 or 12 hours for 7 to 14 days, depending on the condition being treated. Take Cepalex at around the same times every day.
How long does Cepalex take to work?
Peak concentrations of Cepalex are reached one hour after dosing; however, it may take up to 48 hours before infection-related symptoms start to abate.
Should Cepalex be taken with food?
Although it may be absorbed more quickly if it is taken on an empty stomach, Cepalex may be taken with food or on an empty stomach. The overall effect is not changed by taking it with food.
Who should not take Cepalex?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to Cepalex or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Omnicef, and others. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, especially penicillins or other antibiotics.
What happens if I miss a dose of Cepalex?
Take Cepalex as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose of Cepalex?
Seek emergency medical attention .Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and blood in your urine.
Can I take Cepalex for a long time?
Continue to take Cepalex until you finish the prescription even if you feel better. If you stop taking Cepalex too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
How long does it take for antibiotics to leave my body?
Each antibiotic may stay in the body for different lengths of time, but common antibiotics such as amoxicillin and Cepalex stay in your system for about 24 hours after taking the last dose. It might take longer for people with impaired kidney function to eliminate the drug from the body.
