Cefalexin Sandoz general information
What is Cefalexin Sandoz used for?
A bacterial infection is caused by harmful or pathogenic bacteria that invade the body and go on to divide and grow. If caught in time, the infection may be taken care of by the body’s immune system, preventing a more widespread infection from developing. If the harmful bacteria multiply rapidly and spread, the immune system may be overwhelmed, and the bacterial infection can cause a severe disease, which is when antibiotics are needed.
Bacteria can enter the body from the environment through inhalation, if someone who is already infected coughs or sneezes near you, through cuts on the skin, surgery, or a wound that is not healing. Bacteria can also enter the body from eating contaminated food. Many gut bacteria are not harmful, and in fact, can be helpful to digestion. However, they can cause problems if they find their way into the genitourinary system, causing a urinary tract infection.
Many symptoms of a bacterial infection are caused by the immune system fighting off the invading pathogen. These include fever, feeling unwell and tired, headache, nausea, inflammation (redness, swelling, and pain). Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, in the armpits, and the groin are further signs that the immune system is actively fighting the infection.
Cefalexin Sandoz oral suspension 250mg contains the antibiotic cefalexin that is used to treat a wide range of serious bacterial infections that affect various parts of the body. It is formulated as an oral suspension to make it easy to use for adults and children who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules.
Respiratory infections
Respiratory infections include the chest, throat, ear, and sinuses. Bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract include pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx at the back of the throat), tonsillitis (infection of the tonsils, which are patches of lymph node tissue at the back of the throat), sinusitis (infection of the sinuses or nasal passages), and otitis media (infection of the middle ear). Lower respiratory tract infections include bronchitis (infection of the bronchioles or airways), pneumonia, and emphysema (infection of the lungs).
Skin and soft tissue infections
Cellulitis is an infection that begins when the skin is broken. Bacteria can invade the deeper layers of the skin and underlying soft tissue, causing inflammation and swelling, which makes you feel generally unwell. It can spread rapidly and become life-threatening if not treated. Impetigo is a superficial skin infection causing sores that usually begin with small blisters that break and weep. These are very contagious so that the infection is easily spread. A boil (furunculus) is an infection around a hair follicle that causes a pus-filled swelling; a large boil is called an abscess. A wound can quickly become infected and need treatment with antibiotics.
Urinary tract infections
Cefalexin Sandoz is used to treat urinary tract infections, including cystitis (infection of the bladder) and urethritis (infection of the urethra, the tube leading out from the bladder) and kidney infection. Also, acute prostatitis, which is infection and inflammation of the prostate gland.
Bone, joint and dental infections
Bacteria can cause osteomyelitis, a bone infection caused by exposure of the bone following an injury or during surgery. Also, bacteria can travel to the bone in the bloodstream. If the bacterial infection is in a joint, this is known as septic arthritis.
Dental infections include periodontitis, which is an infection of the gum, causing inflammation. Periodontal abscess is a painful condition that is caused by the build-up of pus in the tissues surrounding a tooth as a result of infection.
Rheumatic fever
Rheumatic fever starts with a sore throat caused by infection with the bacteria Streptococcus, also known as strep throat. If left untreated, the infection can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the heart, joints, and skin, which is known as rheumatic fever. This inflammation can cause damage to the heart valves, a serious condition called rheumatic heart disease that causes the valves to be leaky and prevents the heart from pumping efficiently. This may need heart valve replacement surgery. Symptoms of rheumatic heart disease include shortness of breath, particularly when exercising or lying flat and lack of energy. Cefalexin Sandoz may be used to treat strep throat or to prevent a strep throat developing into rheumatic fever.
Veterinary use
Cefalexin Sandoz oral suspension is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can also be used to treat a wide range of infections in cats and dogs. These include skin and soft tissue infections like infected wounds, abscesses, and lacerations; also, infections of the respiratory tract and urinary tract, and bones and joints. Cefalexin Sandoz oral suspension is an easy-to-use formula for your pet to swallow.
How does Cefalexin Sandoz work?
Cefalexin Sandoz oral suspension 250mg contains 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 Cefalexin Sandoz oral suspension works by inhibiting the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall, which is essential for the structural integrity of the cell wall. This interferes with the formation of the bacterial cell wall in susceptible bacteria and leads to the weakening and destruction of the bacterial cell, which kills the bacteria. A susceptible bacteria means that the antibiotic blocks its growth.
Some bacteria produce an enzyme called beta-lactamase, which can inactivate antibiotics like penicillins and makes them resistant to treatment by these antibiotics. Cephalosporins like cefalexin are less likely to be inactivated by beta-lactamase.
Cefalexin Sandoz oral suspension is effective against a wide range of common bacteria found in general practice and hospitals, including Streptococci, Staphylococci (including penicillinase-producing strains and non-resistant strains); Haemophilus influenzae; Klebsiella pneumonia, E. Coli, and P. mirabilis, among others.
What does Cefalexin Sandoz contain?
Cefalexin Sandoz contains 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 sucrose, guar gum, tutti frutti flavour, sodium benzoate, apple flavour, raspberry flavour, strawberry flavour, citric acid, simethicone, iron oxide pigment, saccharin sodium.
When reconstituted in water, Cefalexin Sandoz provides a dose of 250mg/5ml.
What are the side effects of Cefalexin Sandoz?
Most medications have some side effects, but they are not experienced by everyone. Some side effects are commonly experienced when taking Cefalexin Sandoz, but others are not so common, and you should discuss any problems or concerns with your primary care physician.
Common side effects when taking Cefalexin Sandoz include gastrointestinal upset, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, skin rash, urticaria (hives), genital and anal pruritis (itching).
Veterinary side effects include vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, decreased appetite, weight loss.
When should Cefalexin Sandoz not be used?
Have a talk with your primary healthcare physician before taking Cefalexin Sandoz so that you have a full understanding of what this medicine is for and how to use it. There are some reasons for not taking a medication; these are called contraindications, and for Cefalexin Sandoz you should consider the following before taking Cefalexin Sandoz:
- Have you ever had an unusual reaction or an allergy when taking Cefalexin Sandoz or any penicillin antibiotic?
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Do you have any problems with your kidneys?
- Do you have a history of gastrointestinal disease particularly pseudomembranous colitis?
Cefalexin Sandoz should not be used for cats or dogs if your pet:
- is pregnant or lactating
- has diarrhoea
- has kidney disease; they may need a reduced dose
What medications interact with Cefalexin Sandoz?
Some medicines interact with Cefalexin Sandoz and may affect the way it works, or are affected by Cefalexin Sandoz or increase side effects; you should discuss possible interactions with your primary care physician. These may include probenecid for gout, metformin for diabetes, anticoagulants like warfarin.
If other medications may interact with Cefalexin Sandoz, your doctor will discuss these with you.
How should Cefalexin Sandoz be taken and for how long?
To reconstitute the Cefalexin Sandoz powder, add 63 ml of water to the powder in the bottle to make up 100 mL and shake well. Store the prepared suspension in your fridge at 2 to 8°C and use within 14 days of preparation. Shake well before use and use a measuring spoon to measure out the correct dose of 5ml/250mg or 2.5ml/125mg. The dose you take, how often, and for how long depends on your doctor’s recommendations and what you or your child are being treated for. The dose can be given with or without food, once a day or in divided doses, up to four times daily, depending on the infection.
For children, the dose depends on your child’s weight, and the usual recommended dose of Cefalexin Sandoz is 25-50 mg/kg (10-20 mg/lb).
The usual recommended veterinary dose of Cefalexin Sandoz for cats and dogs is 22-30 mg/kg (10-13.6 mg/lb) daily. Either as a single dose or divided doses, depending on what your pet is being treated for.
Missed dose of Cefalexin Sandoz
If you miss a dose of Cefalexin Sandoz 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 Cefalexin Sandoz be stored?
You should store your Cefalexin Sandoz below 25°C in a cool dry place and protect from direct light.