CEFALEXIN oral

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    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

    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

    125 mg/5 ml oral susp.

    250 mg capsule

    1 to < 5 months

    4 to < 7 kg

    1 tsp x 2

    5 months to < 3 years

    7 to < 15 kg

    1½ tsp x 2

    3 to < 6 years

    15 to < 20 kg

    2 tsp x 2

    6 to < 12 years

    20 to < 40 kg

    2 cap x 2

    ≥ 12 years and adult

    ≥ 40 kg

    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.
    • Also comes in 250 mg/5 ml powder for oral suspension.

    Storage

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