CEFALEXIN oral

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Last updated: January 2024

 

Prescription under medical supervision

 

Therapeutic action

  • First-generation cephalosporin antibacterial

Indications

  • Skin infections due to staphylococci and/or streptococci: impetigo, furuncle, erysipelas and superficial cellulitis

Forms and strengths

  • 250 mg capsule
  • 125 mg/5 ml powder for oral suspension,:
    • to be reconstituted with filtered water
    • to be administered using a measuring device (oral syringe, measuring spoon, or cup with graduations)

Dosage

  • Neonate under 7 days: 25 mg/kg 2 times daily
  • Neonate 7 to 28 days: 25 mg/kg 3 times daily

The exact dose should be calculated according to the newborn’s weight.

 

  • Child 1 month to under 12 years: 12.5 to 25 mg/kg 2 times daily
  • Child 12 years and over and adult: 1 g 2 times daily

Age

Weight Daily dose

125 mg/5 ml

oral susp.

250 mg

capsule

1 to < 5 months

4 to < 7 kg 125 mg x 2

5 ml x 2

5 months to < 3 years

7 to < 15 kg 187.5 mg x 2

7.5 ml x 2

3 to < 6 years

15 to < 20 kg 250 mg x 2

10 ml x 2

6 to < 12 years

20 to < 40 kg 500 mg x 2

2 cap x 2

≥ 12 years and adult

≥ 40 kg 1 g x 2

4 cap x 2

 

Duration

  • Impetigo, furuncle: 7 days
  • Erysipelas, cellulitis: 7 to 10 days

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

  • Do not administer to patients with allergy to cephalosporin.
  • Administer with caution to patients with allergy to penicillin (cross-sensitivity may occur) and severe renal impairment (reduce the dose).
  • May cause: gastrointestinal disturbances (particularly diarrhoea), allergic reactions (skin eruption, fever, pruritus).
  • Pregnancy: no contra-indication
  • Breast-feeding: no contra-indication

Remarks

  • Take preferably between meals.

Storage

 
–  
 
–  Below 25 °C 
 
For the oral suspension (powder or reconstituted suspension): follow manufacturer’s instructions.