Cephadex (Cephalexin 500mg) Capsules

Cephadex general information

What is Cephadex used for?

Cephadex capsules 500mg are a broad spectrum antibiotic used to treat common bacterial infections caused by a variety of bacteria in different parts of the body.  These include upper and lower respiratory tract infections, such as ear infections (otitis media), sinusitis, tonsillitis pharyngitis and bronchitis.  Also, genitourinary tract infections like cystitis and including acute prostatitis; infections of the skin and soft tissue like furunculosis (infection of the hair follicle), pyoderma (pus filled skin infection) and impetigo (a blistering sore skin infection); also bone and dental infections.  Cephadex capsules 500mg are also used as prophylaxis, to prevent rheumatic fever. 

How does Cephadex work?

Cephadex capsules 500mg contain cephalexin, which is a semi-synthetic, first generation cephalosporin antibiotic, belonging to a subgroup of the beta lactam group of antibiotics (which include penicillins).  Cephalexin in Cephadex capsules 500mg inhibits the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall, which is important for the structural integrity of the cell wall.  Blocking formation of the bacterial cell wall in susceptible bacteria kills the bacteria.  Unlike other beta lactam antibiotics like penicillins, cephalosporins are less susceptible to destruction by beta-lactamase found in some resistant bacteria.  Cephadex capsules 500mg are effective against a wide range of common bacteria found in general practice and in hospitals including Streptococci, Staphylococci (including penicillinase-producing strains and non-resistant strains); Haemophilus influenzae; Klebsiella pneumonia, E. Coli, P. mirabilis, among others. 

What does Cephadex contain?

Cephadex capsules 500mg contain the active ingredient cephalexin monohydrate, a cephalosporin antibiotic belonging to a subgroup of the beta lactam group of antibiotics, which is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections.  They also contain titanium dioxide, Brilliant Blue, erythrocine, quinoline yellow.

Treating bacterial infection with Cephadex

Cephadex capsules 500mg contain Cephadex, a cephalosporin antibiotic belonging to a sub group of the beta lactam group of antibiotics (which include penicillins).  Cephadex in Cephadex capsules 500mg works by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall in susceptible bacteria, which kills the bacteria.  Cephadex capsules 500mg is effective for a wide range of bacterial infections, including, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and pharyngitis; ear infections (otitis media); bacterial sinusitis; genitourinary tract infections, including acute prostatitis; infections of the skin, soft tissue and bone; dental infections.  Cephadex capsules 500mg are also used as prophylaxis to prevent rheumatic fever. 

What are the side effects of Cephadex?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Cephadex capsules 500mg include gastrointestinal upset, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, skin rash, urticaria (hives), genital and anal pruritis (itching). 

What is an allergic reaction to antibiotics like Cephadex?

Some people are allergic to penicillin-like antibiotics and may develop a hypersensitivity reaction, which can be a mild to severe skin reaction, with symptoms like rash, itching, blotchy red patches, hives (urticaria), dermatitis.  A more serious reaction may give you symptoms like swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing.

When should Cephadex not be used?

You should not use Cephadex capsules 500mg if you:

• are allergic to cephalexin or any other beta-lactams antibiotic, including penicillins or any ingredients in Cephadex
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have kidney disease, without discussion with your doctor
• have a history of gastrointestinal disease particularly pseudomembranous colitis
• are taking medicines that interact with Cephadex including probenecid for gout, metformin for diabetes, anticoagulants like warfarin

What medications interact with Cephadex?

Several medications interact with Cephadex capsules 500mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Cephadex or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that affect Cephadex: probenecid for gout
• Drugs that are affected by Cephadex: metformin for diabetes, anticoagulants like warfarin

How should Cephadex be taken?

You should take your Cephadex capsules 500mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, with or without food.  The dose you take and how often, depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation, which may be 1-2 capsules every 6-12 hours, usually for up to 5-10 days, or longer.  For some infections you will be given a higher dose for a shorter time.  You should continue to take your Cephadex capsules 500mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for up to 5-10 days, depending on what you are being treated for.  Always finish your course of capsules even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return.

How long should you take Cephadex?

You should continue to take your Cephadex capsules 500mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for up to 5-10 days, depending on what you are being treated for.  Always finish your course of capsules even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return.

Missed dose of Cephadex

If you miss a dose of Cephadex capsules 500mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Cephadex be stored?

You should store your Cephadex capsules 500mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.