Cephadex 500mg Capsule contains Cephalexin 500mg, an oral antibiotic belonging to the first-generation cephalosporin class.

Cephalexin is a beta-lactam antibacterial that acts on bacterial penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). By interfering with the formation and maintenance of the bacterial cell wall, it can cause the death of susceptible bacteria.

Cephadex 500mg should be used only when clinically appropriate for a susceptible bacterial infection. Antibiotics such as cephalexin are not effective against viral infections and should not be used unnecessarily.

Product Information

Uses of Cephadex 500mg

Cephalexin may be prescribed for certain infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including selected:

• Respiratory tract infections
• Skin and soft-tissue infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Ear infections
• Throat infections
• Bone infections
• Other susceptible bacterial infections

The appropriate antibiotic depends on the infection being treated, the suspected or identified organism, antimicrobial susceptibility, patient characteristics, and local resistance patterns.

Important

Cephadex 500mg does not treat viral illnesses such as:

• Common cold
• Influenza
• Most viral respiratory infections

How Cephalexin Works

Cephalexin inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis.

It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) involved in the construction of the bacterial cell wall. Disruption of this process weakens the cell wall and can result in bacterial cell death.

Because human cells do not have bacterial-type cell walls, this mechanism provides selective antibacterial activity.

Cephadex 500mg Dosage

The appropriate cephalexin dosage depends on:

• Type of bacterial infection
• Severity of infection
• Patient age
• Body weight
• Kidney function
• Susceptibility of the causative organism
• Clinical response

The 500mg strength does not mean that every patient should take 500mg at the same frequency.

Follow the exact dosage and duration prescribed by the healthcare professional.

Pediatric use

Children may require weight-based dosing. A healthcare professional should determine the appropriate pediatric dose.

Kidney impairment

Patients with impaired kidney function may require dosage adjustment or a longer dosing interval.

How to Take Cephadex 500mg

• Take the capsule exactly as prescribed.
• Swallow it with water.
• Cephalexin can generally be taken with or without food.
• If stomach discomfort occurs, taking it with food may help.
• Take doses at the intervals specified by your prescription.
• Complete the prescribed course unless your healthcare professional instructs you otherwise.
• Do not share antibiotics with another person.

Common Side Effects

Possible side effects include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal discomfort
• Indigestion
• Headache
• Mild skin rash

If symptoms become severe or persistent, contact a healthcare professional.