Cefalexin
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Cefalexin
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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 | |
| ATC code | J01 QJ51 |
| PubChem | |
| DrugBank | |
| ChemSpider | |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | C16H17N3O4S |
| Mol. mass | 347.39 g/mol |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | Well absorbed |
| Metabolism | 90% excreted unchanged |
| Half life | 0.9 hours |
| Excretion | Renal |
| Therapeutic considerations | |
| Pregnancy cat. | |
| Legal status | |
| Routes | Oral |
Cefalexin (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) or Sporidex (Ranbaxy).
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[edit] Clinical use
[edit] Indications
Cefalexin 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] Formulations
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Cefalexin 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 an easy to swallow, oblong capsule that becomes slick when moistened by saliva when swallowing.)
It 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]
[edit] References
- ^ Sneader, Walter (2005). "Cephalosporin analogues". Drug discovery: a history. New York: Wiley. pp. 324. ISBN 0-471-89980-1.
[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.
