Cefalexin

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Cefalexin
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 QJ51DA01
PubChem 2666
DrugBank APRD00250
ChemSpider 25541
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.

A(AU) B(US)

Legal status

Prescription Only (S4)(AU) POM(UK)

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).

Contents

[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

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

  1. ^ Sneader, Walter (2005). "Cephalosporin analogues". Drug discovery: a history. New York: Wiley. pp. 324. ISBN 0-471-89980-1. 

[edit] External links

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