Cefalexin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
|---|---|
| (6R,7R)-7-{[(2R)-2-amino-2-phenylacetyl]amino}- 3-methyl-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene- 2-carboxylic acid | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 15686-71-2 |
| ATC code | J01DB01 QJ51 |
| PubChem | 2666 |
| DrugBank | APRD00250 |
| ChemSpider | 25541 |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | C16H17N3O4S |
| Mol. mass | 347.39 g/mol |
| SMILES | eMolecules & PubChem |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | Well absorbed |
| Metabolism | 90% excreted unchanged |
| Half life | 0.9 hours |
| Excretion | Renal |
| Therapeutic considerations | |
| Pregnancy cat. | |
| Legal status | |
| Routes | Oral |
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Cephalexin (INN) (pronounced /ˌsɛfəˈlɛksɨn/) or cephalexin (USAN) is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, introduced in 1967 by Eli Lilly and Company.[1] It is an orally administered agent with a similar antimicrobial spectrum to the intravenous agents cefalotin and cefazolin. It is commonly marketed under the trade name Keflex (Lilly), Sporidex (Ranbaxy) or Nufex.
As of 2008, cephalexin was the most popular cephalosporin antibiotic in the United States, with more than 25 million prescriptions of its generic versions alone, for US$255 million in sales.[2][3]
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[edit] Clinical use
[edit] Indications
Cephalexin is used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. It is also sometimes used to treat acne.
In addition to being a rational first-line treatment for cellulitis, it is a useful alternative to penicillins in patients with penicillin hypersensitivity.
[edit] Side-Effects
Side effects from Cephalexin include - but are not limited to - diarrhea; dizziness; headache; indigestion; joint pain; stomach pain; tiredness.
Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice
[edit] Formulations
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The examples and perspective in this article may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article and discuss the issue on the talk page. |
Cephalexin is commonly marketed in the following forms:
| DOSE TYPE | DOSAGE |
|---|---|
| Pulvules | 250 mg |
| Pulvules | 500 mg |
| Oral Suspension | 125 mg per 5 mL (1 teaspoon) |
| Oral Suspension | 250 mg per 5 mL (1 teaspoon) |
| Tablet | 500 mg |
(Note: a pulvule is a capsule that becomes slick when moistened by saliva thus making it easier to swallow.)
Cephalexin is marketed by generic pharmaceutical manufacturers under a wide range of brand names, including: Apo-Cephalex, Biocef, Cefanox, Cephabos, Cephalexin, Ceporex, Cilex, Ialex, Ibilex, Kefexin, Keflet, Keflex, Keforal, Keftab, Keftal, Lopilexin, Larixin, Novo-Lexin, Ospexin, Tenkorex, Zephalexin, Panixine Disperdose and Sporidex.
A version of Keflex 750 mg capsules is marketed for twice-daily dosage, to improve patients' compliance. However, it is not a sustained release formulation, and since it is more expensive than the older strengths, some physicians prescribe three 250 mg capsules to be taken twice daily, as a cheaper alternative.[citation needed]
For an example of Nordic countries, in Finland, Cephalexin is marketed under several names. Finnish pharmaceutical Orion Pharma markets Kefexin as 250, 500 and 750 mg tablets (PDF in Finnish)[4]. Recommended dosage for adults and children of six years and older weighing over 30 kg is 1 to 4 grams per day, with renal dysfunction requiring longer periods between doses[5].
[edit] References
- ^ Sneader, Walter (2005). "Cephalosporin analogues". Drug discovery: a history. New York: Wiley. pp. 324. ISBN 0-471-89980-1. http://books.google.com/books?id=mYQxRY9umjcC&pg=PA324. Retrieved 2009-06-26.
- ^ "2008 Top 200 generic drugs by total prescriptions" PDF (332.8 KB). Drug Topics (May 26, 2009). Retrieved on July 24, 2009.
- ^ "2008 Top 200 generic drugs by retail dollars" PDF (399.4 KB). Drug Topics (May 26, 2009). Retrieved on July 24, 2009.
- ^ http://spc.nam.fi/indox/nam/html/nam/humpil/2/244412.pdf
- ^ http://spc.nam.fi/indox/nam/html/nam/humspc/2/244362.shtml
[edit] External links
- MedlinePlus Drug Information: Cephalosporins (systemic) – information from USP DI Advice for the Patient
- FDA Drug Information PDF and Pharmacy Drug Information Insert.
