Keflex and Pregnancy

2009-03-23T02:12:00.000-07:00

Teratogenic effects — Pregnancy Category B — Reproduction studies have been performed on mice and rats using oral doses of cephalexin monohydrate 0.6 and 1.5 times the maximum daily human dose (66 mg/kg/day) based upon mg/m², and have revealed no harm to the fetus. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers

The excretion of cephalexin in human milk increased up to 4 hours after a 500-mg dose; the drug reached a maximum level of 4 μg/mL, then decreased gradually, and had disappeared 8 hours after administration. Caution should be exercised when Keflex is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of Keflex in pediatric patients was established in clinical trials for the dosages described in the DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section. In these trials, pediatric patients may have received Keflex capsules or Keflex for Oral Suspension. Keflex capsules should only be used in children and adolescents capable of ingesting the capsule.

Geriatric Use

Of the 701 subjects in 3 published clinical studies of cephalexin, 433 (62%) were 65 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

What is Keflex?

2009-02-23T00:48:00.000-08:00

Keflex is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics. Keflex fights bacteria in the body.

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

Keflex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Do not use Keflex if you are allergic to cephalexin, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Cipro, Duricef, Fortaz, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, and others. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Keflex will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

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

· cefaclor (Ceclor)

· cefadroxil (Duricef)

· cefdinir (Omnicef)

· cefditoren (Spectracef)

· cefixime (Suprax)

· cefprozil (Cefzil)

· ceftazidime (Fortaz)

· cefuroxime (Ceftin)

Before using this Keflex, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have:

· kidney disease

· liver disease

· a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis

· diabetes

· If you are malnourished.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Keflex, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

The oral suspension (liquid) form of Keflex may contain sugar. This may affect you if you have diabetes.

This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Keflex can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Keflex Medicine

Keflex and Pregnancy

What is Keflex?