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What is Cephalexin used for? Common Applications, Benefits, Potential Adverse Effects, Dosage

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Cephalexin: Common Applications, Benefits, Potential Adverse Effects, and Dosage
Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. Here's a comprehensive overview of its uses, benefits, potential side effects, and dosage guidelines:
Common Applications
Cephalexin is primarily used to treat:

Upper respiratory infections
Ear infections
Skin infections
Urinary tract infections
Bone infections 12

It's effective against many types of bacteria, including Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, E. coli, and others 12.
Benefits

Broad-spectrum antibiotic activity
Effective against many common bacterial infections
Can be used in adults and children (1 year and older)
Available in multiple forms (capsules, tablets, liquid) 12

Potential Adverse Effects
Common side effects include:

Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Indigestion
Stomach pain
Vaginal itching or discharge 12

Serious side effects (rare but require immediate medical attention):

Severe allergic reactions (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling)
Severe skin reactions
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Yellowing of skin or eyes
Seizures
Severe stomach pain or bloody diarrhea 12

Dosage Guidelines
Dosage varies based on the condition being treated, age, and other factors:
For adults and patients 15 years and older:

Typical dose: 250 mg every 6 hours
Alternative: 500 mg every 12 hours 13

For pediatric patients (over 1 year of age):

Otitis media: 75-100 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 6 hours
Other indications: 25-50 mg/kg/day in divided doses 23

Duration of treatment usually ranges from 7 to 14 days, depending on the infection type and severity 2.
Important dosage considerations:

Take as prescribed by your doctor
Complete the full course of treatment
Dosage adjustment may be necessary for patients with kidney disease 123

Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions and report any concerning side effects promptly. Cephalexin should only be used to treat bacterial infections and will not be effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu 12.

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"DISCLAIMER: The content of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for medical consultation. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or healthcare professional before taking any medication or starting any treatment. Treatments and medications should be prescribed and supervised by a qualified medical doctor only. Individual results may vary and the effectiveness of any treatment mentioned in this video is not guaranteed. Do not self-medicate, if you have any health problems, it is important to seek medical help immediately."

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