Cephadex (cephalexin) is an antibiotic similar to penicillin; it is effective against a wide range bacteria and ideal for use when penicillin is unsuitable or unavailable.

Cephadex is commonly used in both adults and children, and may be used in infants with medical supervision. It is most commonly administered by capsules, though it is also found in oral solutions and IV fluids.

In children and infants dosage is determined by weight as well as by the type and severity of the infection. Young children and adults with difficulty swallowing may prefer the oral solution to tablets. IV fluids are typically administered in a medical setting.

Cephadex is often used to treat bacterial infections in the:

• Throat
• Tonsils
• Lungs
• Nose
• Sinuses
• Ears
• Skin
• Bones
• Kidneys
• Bladder

Note, however, that it is not always the most effective antibiotic against all types of bacteria, and it will have little effect against viral or fungal infections. For best results a doctor will identify the infection and recommend the ideal treatment.

Cephadex is distinct from penicillin and may be a viable alternative for those who have mild to moderate allergic reactions to penicillin. However, Cephadex is in the same group of drugs as penicillin and those with severe hypersensitivity to penicillin may experience a reaction to Cephadex. If this is a concern, a doctor can help determine a patient's reaction with little risk to the patient.

Taking Cephadex

The majority of Cephadex use is in capsules, which are available in both 250 mg and 500 mg doses. Food is optional, but if gastrointestinal side effects are experienced taking tablets with or following a meal will likely help.

In otherwise healthy adults treatment depends largely on the condition being treated and its severity:

• In the majority of cases, 250 mg are taken every 6 hours for 5 to 14 days, with the average duration of treatment being 10 days.
• In certain conditions, namely strep throat, bladder infections and skin infections, the typical dose is 500 mg every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days.
• In severe cases, dosage amounts may be doubled.
• Capsules should be taken with a full glass of fluid.

In children, dosage is determined by weight; 25 to 50 mg of Cephadex for every kg of body weight. There are some exceptions, however; dosage for children is best determined by a doctor.

Adults with other medical conditions or taking other medications may also require modified dosing, particularly if kidney damage is present. The effectiveness of other common medications---such as metformin or oral birth control tablets---may be considerably reduced during treatment with Cephadex.

Most patients start feeling significantly better within a few days of starting treatment. Many patients feel completely fine for a few days before treatment ends, which is ideal; treatment should continue for a couple of days following the resolution of all symptoms. If the infection is not gone when treatment ends, or appears to be worsening during treatment, a doctor should be consulted.

Adverse Reactions

Side effects from Cephadex are typically mild and similar to those encountered with any antibiotic:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea

The above side effects are not cause for concern unless severe. Note that even mild diarrhea can be quite dehydrating; be sure to drink extra fluids if diarrhea occurs.

Rarely more serious adverse effects may happen, which call for medical attention:

• Swollen or painful joints
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Confusion or hallucinations
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unexplained rash or itching

The medication is unlikely to harm unborn or nursing babies, but parents should discuss possible risks with a doctor before starting treatment.

As mentioned above Cephadex can reduce effectiveness of birth control pills. Alternative forms of birth control should be utilized throughout treatment and for a couple of weeks after treatment ends.