Learning Cephalexin.

uses of Cephalexin

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin-type antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections ( e. g. , skin, bone and genitourinary tract infections ) . It works by stopping growth of bacteria.

This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It won't work for viral infections ( e. g. , common cold, flu ) . Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

how to use of Cephalexin

Take Cephalexin by mouth usually every 6 or 12 hours, or as directed by your doctor. You may take this medicine with food if stomach upset occurs.

Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take Cephalexin at evenly spaced intervals.

Continue to take Cephalexin until full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping this medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

other used of Cephalexin

This section contains uses of Cephalexin that are not listed in approved professional labeling for drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use Cephalexin for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

Cephalexin may also be used before dental procedures in patients with artificial heart valves to prevent serious infection of the heart lining ( bacterial endocarditis ) .

side effects of Cephalexin

Stomach upset, headache, fatigue, dizziness, or diarrhea may occur while use Cephalexin. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed Cephalexin because he or she has judged that benefit to we is greater than risk of side effects. Many people using Cephalexin don't have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur:

Cephalexin may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition ( pseudomembranous colitis ) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur while use Cephalexin while receiving therapy or even weeks after treatment has stopped. Don't use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if we have the following symptoms because such products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if we develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool.

Use of Cephalexin for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection ( oral or vaginal fungal infection ) . Contact your doctor if we notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.

A serious allergic reaction to Cephalexin is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include:

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

precautions of Cephalexin

Before taking Cephalexin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if we are allergic to it; or to penicillins or other cephalosporins; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using Cephalexin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be more sensitive to Cephalexin.

Cephalexin should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Cephalexin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

interactions of Cephalexin

Your healthcare professionals ( e. g. , doctor or pharmacist ) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using Cephalexin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products we may use, especially of:

Cephalexin may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills. This can result in pregnancy. We may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

Cephalexin may cause false positive results with certain diabetic urine testing products ( cupric sulfate-type ) . Cephalexin may also affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use Cephalexin.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Cephalexin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products we use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share list with your doctor and pharmacist.

overdose of Cephalexin

If overdose of Cephalexin is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include severe vomiting, seizures, blood in the urine.

notes of Cephalexin

Don't share Cephalexin with others.

Cephalexin has been prescribed for your current condition only. Don't use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

missed dose of Cephalexin

If we miss a dose Cephalexin, use it as soon as we remember. If it is near time of next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Don't double dose of Cephalexin to catch up.

storage of Cephalexin

Store Cephalexin at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F ( 15-30 degrees C ) away from light and moisture. Don't store Cephalexin in bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Properly discard Cephalexin when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Cephalexin with EU shipping

Illinois Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments In Case Over State EC Rule

The Illinois Supreme Court on Tuesday heard oral arguments in a case over a state rule intended to increase access to emergency contraception in pharmacies, Springfield State Journal-Register reports. Two pharmacy owners asked the court to dismiss rule because they claim that it poses a threat to religious freedom of business owners and pharmacists and that pharmacies are protected by Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act ( Olsen, Springfield State Journal-Register , 3/19 ) .

Under rule, which has been in effect for two-and-a-half years, state pharmacies are required to dispense EC if they stock any FDA-approved contraceptive or risk losing their licenses. If any prescribed contraceptive is out of stock, pharmacies must provide an alternative, order the drug, make arrangements for another local pharmacy to fill order or return prescription to customer. The rule allows pharmacies to opt not to sell any contraceptives ( Daily Women's Health Policy Report , 10/12/07 ) .

Laura Wunder, an assistant state attorney general, during hearing argued that the pharmacists in lawsuit don't have standing to sue because the state hasn't enforced law. She added that the pharmacies do not even stock EC, so it's unlikely they would violate rule. Wunder also said that the pharmacies have been unable to show that they are at risk of state penalties because it's unlikely that a customer would ask a pharmacy to order a drug that's needed immediately.

Mark Rienzi, attorney for pharmacists, said his clients should be able to sue even if they have been affected by the law. He added that pharmacists are protected by two state laws: one that protects citizens from religious interference and one that bars forcing health care decisions over moral objections. The laws are " designed to protect people from coercion and burden, " Rienzi said, adding, " They're not only designed to protect people after ax has fallen, after [a pharmacist's] license is taken away, " or after their careers are " ruined " ( AP/International Herald Tribune , 3/18 ) . " The illegal coercion of this rule has gone on long enough, " Rienzi said. He added that striking down the rule wouldn't necessarily result in women being denied EC. " If state wants to make it more available . . . the state could give it out for free, " he said ( Springfield State Journal-Register , 3/19 ) .

According to Sue Hofer, spokesperson for the state Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, General Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules is scheduled next month to consider a proposed change to rule. The change would allow pharmacists who object to dispensing EC to let another person on staff fill the prescription. Under proposed change, a trained technician or store owner could contact a pharmacist at another location and follow his or her directions for dispensing EC. Rienzi said approval of the change would help individual pharmacists to opt out but would require all pharmacies to stock EC. Rienzi added that his clients are pharmacy owners who don't want EC in their stores at all ( AP/International Herald Tribune , 3/18 ) .

Reprinted with kind permission from http: //www. nationalpartnership. org. We can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.

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The advises from medical professionals