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Keflex For Urinary Tract Infection

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What Are The Side Effects Of Nitrofurantoin And Cephalexin

Cephalexin

Nitrofurantoin

In other persons, lung injury may occur after approximately a month of treatment. Symptoms include:

  • Difficulty breathing

Fortunately, the symptoms usually resolve within a week if the medication is stopped. In other individuals, lung injury may not develop until after several months or years of therapy. Unless it is recognized and treated, this delayed lung injury can result in permanent lung damage that remains even after the drug is stopped.

Nitrofurantoin can also cause damage to the sensory nerves of the arms and legs , which can cause tingling in the extremities. The condition can become severe and is more likely to occur in people with diabetes, vitamin B deficiency, or general debilitation.

Reduced red blood cell count by breaking red blood cells can occur from nitrofurantoin. This reaction occurs most frequently in persons with a deficiency of an enzyme called glucoseâ6-phosphate dehydrogenase that is very important to the survival of red blood cells.

Nitrofurantoin also can cause liver damage leading to jaundice or a form of hepatitis that can be fatal. Elevated liver enzymes indicate liver damage and are a reason to stop the drug.

Treatment with nitrofurantoin can cause urine to change color to a dark yellow or brown.

Cephalexin

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What Is Keflex Used For

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Keflex to treat the following infections caused by susceptible gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria:

Keflex works by killing bacteria causing your infection. It is effective against most gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pneumococcus bacteria. However, Keflex can also act against certain gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis .

Keflex is not used to treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections or viral infections such as the common cold or flu. Using antibiotics when they are not needed can lead to their decreased effectiveness and increase your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

Verywell / Zoe Hansen

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What Is Cephalexin For Dogs

Cephalexin for dogs is a broad spectrum antibiotic often prescribed by vets. It can treat a range of bacterial infections. It is also known by brand names such as Cephalexin Keflex, Rilexine, Cefadroxil, Sporidex, Biocef, and Keftab. It is an antibiotic that is similar to penicillin and other antibiotics and antimicrobial drugs. These include such as amoxicillin, and cefpodoxime proxetil. As one of the cephalosporins class of antibiotics, it targets a broader range of activity.

Cephalexin for dogs kills gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Cephalexin works by inhibiting or the formation and growth of bacterial cell walls. Cephalexin is absorbed and distributed through the bloodstream during treatment. This means it can reach any affected or infected part of the body.

It is available in different forms. Your vet may prescribe Cephalexin capsules, oral tablets, or chewable tablets. They may also prescribe, a liquid Cephalexin suspension, or give an injection. It will depend on the type of infection your dog has, or other medication your dog may be taking.

Who Can And Cannot Take Cefalexin

Keflex Capsules 500mg 12

Cefalexin can be taken by most adults and children.

Cefalexin is not suitable for some people. To make sure cefalexin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • had an allergic reaction to cefalexin or any other medicine in the past
  • kidney problems
  • ever had a severe skin rash or skin peeling, blistering and/or mouth sores after taking antibiotics
  • had severe or bloody diarrhoea when youâve taken antibiotics before

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Other Health Conditions Of Concern

Keflex may not be a good choice if you have certain health conditions. Be sure to discuss your health history with your doctor before they prescribe Keflex or any other drug to treat your UTI.

Examples of conditions that could cause problems with Keflex include kidney disease and allergies to penicillin or other cephalosporins.

How To Cope With Side Effects

What to do about:

  • feeling sick eat simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food while you’re taking this medicine. It might help to take your cefalexin after a meal or snack.
  • diarrhoea drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
  • stomach pain putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may help stomach pain.

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Is Keflex Helpful In Treating A Urinary Tract Infection

Question posted by auntym46 on 25 Aug 2009

Last updated on 26 February 2010 by DBAisWhatIDo

DBAisWhatIDo

As a chronic sufferer of UTIs since the age of six, I can say I’ve been on every antiobiotic and sulfa drug around. Keflex does knock out urinary infections, but like any antibiotic, it also wipes out your good bacteria in your gut as well. A year ago I discovered taking a high dose of vitamin C, 2.5 grams in the morning and at night, not only gets rid of an infection, but keeps them from coming back. Purchase some ascorbic acid powder, then mix a teaspoon or more into a glass of water and drink down. Its tart, but you’ll get used to it. Simple remedy that works for me, and I hope it works for you too.

+0lanijoy

yes however if you get frequent ones you may WHIS TO ASK FOR SUFAMETHAZONE it is a sulfer drug. very efective

+0

Which Antibiotic Will Work Best

Immunity to UTI Antibiotics? (UTI = Urinary Tract Infection)

Your doctor will take a urine sample to confirm that you have a UTI. Then the lab will grow the germs in a dish for a couple of days to find out which type of bacteria you have. This is called a culture. Itâll tell your doctor what type of germs caused your infection. Theyâll likely prescribe one of the following antibiotics to treat it before the culture comes back:

Which medication and dose you get depends on whether your infection is complicated or uncomplicated.

âUncomplicatedâ means your urinary tract is normal. âComplicatedâ means you have a disease or problem with your urinary tract. You could have a narrowing of your ureters, which are the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder, a narrowing in the urethra which transports urine from the bladder out of the body, or, you might have a blockage like a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate . Its also possible you have a urinary fistula or a bladder diverticulum.

To treat a complicated infection, your doctor might prescribe a higher dose of antibiotics. If your UTI is severe or the infection is in your kidneys, you might need to be treated in a hospital or doctors office with high-dose antibiotics you get through an IV.

Your doctor will also consider these factors when choosing an antibiotic:

  • Are you over age 65?
  • Are you allergic to any antibiotics?
  • Have you had any side effects from antibiotics in the past?

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What Other Information Should I Know

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to cephalexin.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking cephalexin.

If you are diabetic and test your urine for sugar, use Clinistix or TesTape to test your urine while taking this medication.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

When To See A Doctor

If you have signs of a UTI, you should speak to your doctor.

Even though some urinary tract infections may clear up without treatment, there are serious risks to leaving a bacterial infection untreated.

An untreated UTI can spread to your kidneys or bloodstream leading to a more severe infection that may require IV antibiotics or a hospital stay, and could lead to permanent damage or even death.

UTIs that are caught early can be treated quickly and easily from your home. Most antibiotic treatments for UTIs work within 3-7 days.

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What Are The Side Effects Of Keflex

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. A medical professional can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a medical professional. You may report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

As with all drugs, Keflex may cause side effects. Many are mild and only last a short time. Others may be intolerable and require a dose change. On rare occasions, Keflex can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions and other potentially deadly side effects.

Before starting Keflex, tell your healthcare provider about any reactions youâve had to antibiotics in the past, including penicillin. If you have kidney disease, your provider may need to change your dose to avoid side effects.

What Drugs Interact With Nitrofurantoin And Cephalexin

Keflex Cephalexin hydrochloride 500 mg 21 Tabs

Nitrofurantoin

  • High doses of probenecid or sulfinpyrazone can partially block the kidneysâ elimination of nitrofurantoin. This can increase the blood concentrations of nitrofurantoin and the risk of toxicity from nitrofurantoin.
  • Concomitant administration of a magnesium trisilicate antacid may decrease the absorption of nitrofurantoin, reducing the effectiveness of nitrofurantoin.
  • Nitrofurantoin may reduce the activity of live tuberculosisvaccine and live typhoid vaccine. In laboratory tests, nitrofurantoin reduced the effect of quinolone antibiotics, for example, norfloxacin . Therefore, nitrofurantoin should not be combined with quinolone antibiotics.

Cephalexin

Cephalexin may reduce the effect of BCG and typhoid vaccines. Cephalexin should not be combined with BCG or typhoid vaccine unless there are no other options.

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Things You Can Do Yourself

To help ease pain:

  • takeparacetamolup to 4 times a day to reduce pain and a high temperature for people with a UTI, paracetamol is usually recommended over NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin
  • you can give childrenliquid paracetamol
  • rest and drink enough fluids so you pass pale urine regularly during the day, especially during hot weather

Its important to follow the instructions on the packet so you know how much paracetamol you or your child can take, and how often.

It may also help to avoid having sex until you feel better.

You cannot pass a UTI on to your partner, but sex may be uncomfortable.

Taking cystitis sachets or cranberry products has not been shown to help ease symptoms of UTIs.

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Interactions That Increase Your Risk Of Side Effects

Side effects from cephalexin: Taking cephalexin with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from cephalexin. This is because the amount of cephalexin in your body is increased. An example of these drugs is probenecid.

Side effects from other drugs: Taking cephalexin with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from these drugs. An example of these drugs is metformin. Taking metformin and cephalexin together may cause kidney problems. Your doctor may adjust your dose of metformin to reduce this risk.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare professional about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

This drug comes with several warnings.

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Usual Adult Dose For Otitis Media

250 to 333 mg orally every 6 hours OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours-Maximum dose: 4 g per day-Duration of therapy: 7 to 14 daysUse: Treatment of otitis media caused by susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Moraxella catarrhalis

Safety Tips To Consider Before Giving Your Pooch Cephalexin

Uses for Cephalexin 500 mg and Side Effects

Once again, before giving your dog Cephalexin, also make sure you are following your veterinarians instructions for your dog.

  • Keep an eye out for side-effects and allergic reactions to the medication. Your vet may suggest giving your Cephalexin to your dog at the same time as a meal to reduce the risk of side effects.
  • Make sure you finish the fully prescribed course of medication. Your dog may seem better before the seven or 10-day duration of medication. But, they may still have pathogens lurking in their system.
  • Dont use the medication for other pets in your home. The dosage amount and strength relates to the dog your vet assessed.

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Check If Its A Urinary Tract Infection

Symptoms of a UTI may include:

  • pain or a burning sensation when peeing
  • needing to pee more often than usual during the night
  • pee that looks cloudy
  • needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual
  • needing to pee more often than usual
  • lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs
  • a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
  • a very low temperature below 36C

Cephalexin In Feline Cases

Before administering Cephalexin to your cat, it is crucial that youconsult with a veterinarian. Cephalexin is a powerful drug and may notbe appropriate for all cats. After diagnosing your pets UTI, yourveterinarian will recommend a treatment plan that may include anantibiotic such as Cephalexin. Typically, a regimen of this drug willlast for a week or more. As with all prescription medicines, it isimportant to continue the drug treatment program through to itstermination in order to prevent bacterial resistance or othercomplications. Even if your pet seems to have recovered completely, donot discontinue his treatment of Cephalexin.

Most Cephalexin prescriptions are provided orally, either as atablet or a suspension. The exact dosage depends upon your catscondition, age, breed and prior health status. For any questions aboutdosing or these other considerations, speak with the prescribingveterinarian.

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What Is A Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections are a common type of bacterial infection.

The urinary system includes the urethra, bladder, and kidneys.

In the case of a UTI, the urethra or bladder may be infected, causing burning with urination, frequency, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Left untreated, UTIs can allow bacteria to travel to the kidneys and result in a more serious infection known as pyelonephritis.

Our physicians can prescribe antibiotics for various conditions, but only if necessary. Chat with a provider to see which treatment option is best for you.

Why Should I Take The Full Dose

Cephalexin

Antibiotics work well against UTIs. You might start to feel better after being on the medicine for just a few days.

But even so, keep taking your medicine. If you stop your antibiotics too soon, you wonât kill all the bacteria in your urinary tract.

These germs can become resistant to antibiotics. That means the meds will no longer kill these bugs in the future. So if you get another UTI, the medication you take might not treat it. Take the full course of your medicine to make sure all the bacteria are dead.

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Dosage For Skin And Skin Structure Infection

Adult dosage

14 grams per day taken in divided doses. The usual dose is 250 mg taken every 6 hours, or a dose of 500 mg every 12 hours may be given. If you have a severe infection, your doctor may give you a larger dose.

Child dosage

14 grams per day taken in divided doses. The usual dose is 250 mg taken every 6 hours, or a dose of 500 mg every 12 hours may be given. If you have a severe infection, your doctor may give you a larger dose.

Child dosage

2550 mg/kg of body weight per day taken in divided doses. Your doctor may double your dose for severe infections.

Child dosage

This medication hasnt been studied in children younger than 1 year for this condition.

Senior dosage

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects. Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Can Cephalexin Be Toxic

Always make your veterinarian aware of any other medications or health conditions your pet has. That means they can check that any antibiotic, including Cephalexin, that they prescribe is safe for your pets situation.

Cephalexin should not be prescribed to any animals that are allergic to penicillin, or pregnant or nursing pets. There can be reactions and interactions with other medications. Caution is also needed for pets with kidney disease and kidney failure.

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