Is Keflex a good antibiotic for skin infections?
Cephalexin remains an effective and highly useful antibiotic for the treatment of streptococcal and staphylococcal skin infections. Twelve years of experience have not diminished its efficacy, and cure rates of 90% or higher continue to be achieved.
How much cephalexin should I take for skin infection?
Dosage for skin and skin structure infection 1–4 grams per day taken in divided doses. The usual dose is 250 mg taken every 6 hours, or a dose of 500 mg every 12 hours may be given. If you have a severe infection, your doctor may give you a larger dose. 1–4 grams per day taken in divided doses.
How fast does Keflex work for skin infections?
A: Cephalexin antibiotic begins to kill the bacteria causing a skin infection very quickly. However, you may not notice the skin infection improving for 2 to 3 days. Follow the directions on your cephalexin medication bottle—and finish all doses of cephalexin, even after the skin infection looks and feels better.
How is Keflex prescribed for skin infections?
The usual dose of oral KEFLEX is 250 mg every 6 hours, but a dose of 500 mg every 12 hours may be administered. Treatment is administered for 7 to 14 days. For more severe infections larger doses of oral KEFLEX may be needed, up to 4 grams daily in two to four equally divided doses.
Can you take Keflex 500mg 3 times a day?
The dose of cefalexin can vary but for most infections you will take 500mg, two or three times a day. The dose may be higher for severe infections and lower for children. Try to space the doses evenly throughout the day.
How long does cephalexin 500mg TAKE TO WORK?
6. Response and effectiveness. Peak concentrations of cephalexin are reached one hour after dosing; however, it may take up to 48 hours before infection-related symptoms start to abate.
Is 5 days of cephalexin enough?
Your doctor will tell you how long your course of treatment will last – this is commonly about 5-7 days, although it could be for longer or shorter periods of time than this. It is important that you take cefalexin exactly as your doctor tells you to.
Is Keflex a very strong antibiotic?
Cephalexin is called a broad-spectrum antibiotic because it is effective against a wide range of bacteria. Cephalexin belongs to the class of antibiotics known as cephalosporins. Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin and is mainly effective against gram-positive bacteria.
Can you take Keflex 3 times a day?
What if cephalexin does not work?
If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor. Continue to take cephalexin until you finish the prescription even if you feel better. If you stop taking cephalexin too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
Is Keflex a strong antibiotic?
Without a culture of the infection, your surgeon has to choose an antibiotic empirically. Keflex is a suitable choice and it is as “strong” as any antibiotic. Whether it covers the specific bacteria that is causing your infection is uncertain but it probably does.
How fast does Keflex work?
In brief: 7-10 days. Antibiotics such as Keflex can work in 7-10 days sometimes shorter- it is important to complete the course of therapy prescribed for you in order to completely eradicate the infection.
Does Keflex have penicillin in it?
Keflex is a cephalosporin antibiotic, and penicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic. Brand names for penicillin include Bicillin, Bicillin CR, and Bicillin LA. Side effects of Keflex and penicillin that are similar include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, and skin rash.
What is the difference in Keflex and ciprofloxacin?
Cipro ( ciprofloxacin) and Keflex ( cephalexin) are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. Keflex and Cipro are in different drug classes. Keflex is a cephalosporin antibiotic, and Cipro is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.