Cephadex Lb Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and more
Cephalexin 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. Cephalexin is a first generation cephalosporin that is active by mouth.
Cephalexin (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.
A normal intermediate in the fermentation (oxidation, metabolism) of sugar. The concentrated form is used internally to prevent gastrointestinal fermentation. (From Stedman, 26th ed) Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, and has a mild saline taste. It is produced by fermentation of a sugar source, such as corn or beets, and then, by neutralizing the resulting lactic acid to create a compound having the formula NaC3H5O3.
Lactic acid was one of active ingredients in Phexxi, a non-hormonal contraceptive agent that was approved by the FDA on May 2020.
Lactic acid produces a metabolic alkalinizing effect.
| Trade Name | Cephadex Lb |
| Generic | Cephalexin + Lactic Acid |
| Weight | cefalexin |
| Type | Capsule |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | Cipla Limited |
| Available Country | India |
| Last Updated: | January 7, 2025 at 1:49 am |
Uses
Cephalexin 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.
Lactic acid is an emollient and keratolytic used agent in various cosmetic products and used as an additive in various pharmaceutical products for its antibacterial properties.
For use as an alkalinizing agent.
Cephadex Lb 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 ProstatitisCorns, Dehydration, Fluid Loss, Hyperkeratosis, Lichenification, Shock, Hypovolemic, Vasoplegic Shock, Warts, Mild Metabolic acidosis, Mild, moderate Metabolic Acidosis, Moderate Metabolic acidosis, Chemical contraception, Electrolyte replacement, Fluid replacement therapy, Parenteral Nutrition, Peritoneal dialysis therapy, Urine alkalinization therapy
How Cephadex Lb works
Cephalexin 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. Cephalexin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading breakdown and eventualy cell death.
Lactate ions are metabolized ultimately to carbon dioxide and water, which requires the consumption of hydrogen cations.
Dosage
Cephadex Lb 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.
Cephalexin has not been shown to be harmful in pregnancy and is not associated with teratogeniticy. Cephalexin 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.
Cephalexin has not been studied for carcinogenicity or mutagenicity. Cephalexin 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.
Volume of Distribution
5.2-5.8L.
Elimination Route
Well absorbed from the upper gastrointestinal tract with nearly 100% oral bioavailability. Cephalexin 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
Cephalexin is over 90% excreted in the urine after 6 hours by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion with a mean urinary recovery of 99.3%. Cephalexin 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.
