Cephalexin

Generic name: cephalexin [ sef-a-LEX-in ]
Brand names: Keflex, Biocef, Zartan, Panixine, Daxbia
Dosage forms: oral capsule (250 mg; 500 mg; 750 mg); oral powder for reconstitution (125 mg/5 mL; 250 mg/5 mL); oral tablet (250 mg; 500 mg)
Drug class:First generation cephalosporins

Medically reviewed by Kaci Durbin, MD. Last updated on Feb 5, 2021.

What is cephalexin?

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cephalexin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria, including upper respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections and bone infections.

Cephalexin is used to treat infections in adults and children who are at least 1 year old.

Warnings

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cephalexin or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Omnicef, and others. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, especially penicillins or other antibiotics.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to cephalexin or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Ceclor, Raniclor);

• cefadroxil (Duricef);

• cefazolin (Ancef, Kefzol);

• cefdinir (Omnicef);

• cefditoren (Spectracef);

• cefpodoxime (Vantin);

• cefprozil (Cefzil);

• ceftibuten (Cedax);

• cefuroxime (Ceftin); and others

To make sure cephalexin is safe for ...