Cefalexin, also spelled cephalexin, is an antibiotic that can treat a number of bacterial infections. It kills gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria by disrupting the growth of the bacterial cell wall. Cefalexin is a β-lactam antibiotic within the class of first-generation cephalosporins. It works similarly to other agents within this class, including intravenous cefazolin, but can be taken by mouth.[3]
Cefalexin can treat certain bacterial infections, including those of the middle ear, bone and joint, skin, and urinary tract. It may also be used for certain types of pneumonia and strep throat and to prevent bacterial endocarditis. Cefalexin is not effective against infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), most Enterococcus, or Pseudomonas. Like other antibiotics, cefalexin cannot treat viral infections, such as the flu, common cold or acute bronchitis. Cefalexin can be used in those who have mild or moderate allergies to penicillin. However, it is not recommended in those with severe penicillin allergies.
Common side effects include stomach upset and diarrhea. Allergic reactions or infections with Clostridioides difficile, a cause of diarrhea, are also possible. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding does not appear to be harmful to the fetus.[4][5] It can be used in children and those over 65 years of age. Those with kidney problems may require a decrease in dose.[6]
Cefalexin was developed in 1967.[7][8][9] It was first marketed in 1969 under the brand name Keflex.[10][11] It is available as a generic medication.[6][12] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[13] In 2023, it was the 86th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 7million prescriptions.[14]
Medical uses
Cefalexin can treat a number of bacterial infections including otitis media, streptococcal pharyngitis, bone and joint infections, pneumonia, cellulitis, and urinary tract infections.[6] It may be used to prevent bacterial endocarditis.[6] It can also be used for the prevention of recurrent urinary-tract infections.[6]
Cefalexin does not treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.[6]
Cefalexin is a useful alternative to penicillins in patients with penicillin intolerance. For example, penicillin is the treatment of choice for respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus, but cefalexin may be used as an alternative in penicillin-intolerant patients.[6]
Adverse effects
The most common adverse effects of cefalexin, like other oral cephalosporins, are gastrointestinal (stomach area) disturbances and hypersensitivity reactions. Gastrointestinal disturbances include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, the latter being the most common.[19] Hypersensitivity reactions include skin rashes, urticaria, fever, and anaphylaxis.[6] Pseudomembranous colitis and Clostridioides difficile have been reported with use of cefalexin.[6] Less common and more serious side effects include bruising of the skin and yellowing of the skin or eye whites.[20]
Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing, or red, blistered, swollen, or peeling skin. Overall, cefalexin allergy occurs in less than 0.1% of patients. Evidence suggests that it is seen in 1% to 10% of patients with a penicillin allergy.
Interactions
Like other β-lactam antibiotics, renal excretion of cefalexin is delayed by probenecid.[6] It is also not recommended to take cefalexin with dofetilide, live Cholera vaccine, warfarin, and cholestyramine.[22] Alcohol consumption reduces the rate at which it is absorbed.[23] Cefalexin also interacts with metformin, an antidiabetic drug,[6] and this can lead to higher concentrations of metformin in the body.[6][24] Histamine H2 receptor antagonists
Pharmacology
Mechanism of action
Cefalexin is a β-lactam antibiotic of the cephalosporin family.[25] It is bactericidal and acts by inhibiting synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall.[26] As cefalexin closely resembles d-alanyl-d-alanine, an amino acid ending on the peptidoglycan layer of the cell wall, it can irreversibly bind to the active site of PBP, which is essential for the synthesis of the cell wall.[26] It is most active against gram-positive cocci, and has moderate activity against some gram-negative bacilli.[6] However, some bacterial cells have the enzyme β-lactamase, which hydrolyzes the β-lactam ring, rendering the drug inactive. This contributes to antibacterial resistance towards cefalexin.
Society and culture
It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[13] The World Health Organization classifies cefalexin as highly important for human medicine.[31]
Brand names
Cefalexin is the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) and the Australian Approved Name (AAN), while cephalexin is the British Approved Name (BAN) and the United States Adopted Name (USAN).[32] Brand names for cefalexin include Keflex, Acfex, Cephalex, Ceporex, L-Xahl, Medoxine, Ospexin, Torlasporin, Bio-Cef, Panixine DisperDose, and Novo-Lexin.[33][34]
Veterinary uses
Dogs
According to Plumb's Veterinary Medication Guides, cefalexin can be used in treating skin, respiratory tract, and urinary tract infections. Specifically, it can treat pyoderma in dogs.[35] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for use in humans and dogs but not for other species. Like other drugs approved for human use, cefalexin may be prescribed by veterinarians for animals in certain situations.[36]
Cefalexin (Lexylan) is indicated for the treatment of cattle, dogs, and cats in the European Union.[37]
References
- Cephalexin Use During Pregnancy Drugs.com, 28 December 2018, retrieved 7 February 2020^
- McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service — Drug Information 95. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Hospital Pharmacists, Inc., 1995 (Plus Supplements 1995)., p. 166^
- Goodman & Gilman's pharmacological basis of therapeutics. McGraw-Hill, 2011^