Cephalexin 750 mg Quick Fact Box
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Cephalexin |
| Strength | 750 mg |
| Form | Oral capsule |
| Drug Class | Cephalosporin antibiotic |
| Used For | Bacterial infections |
| Common Uses | Skin, respiratory, ear, urinary tract, and some dental infections |
| Prescription Required | Yes |
| How It Works | Stops bacteria from building their protective cell wall |
| How to Take | Take by mouth with water, as prescribed |
| With Food? | Can be taken with or without food |
| Common Side Effects | Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain |
| Key Warnings | Allergy risk, kidney disease caution, antibiotic-related diarrhea |
| Pregnancy | Use only if prescribed by a doctor |
| Main Interactions | Probenecid, metformin, warfarin |
| Missed Dose | Take when remembered, unless close to the next dose |
| Storage | Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture |
Cephalexin 750 mg Uses and How It Works
Cephalexin 750 mg Capsule is a prescription antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. It belongs to a group of medicines called cephalosporin antibiotics. Doctors may prescribe cephalexin when the infection is caused by bacteria that are sensitive to this medicine.
Cephalexin 750 mg may be used for bacterial infections such as:
- Respiratory tract infections
- Ear infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Bone infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Certain dental infections, if your dentist or doctor decides it is suitable
Cephalexin does not treat viral infections such as cold, flu, or most sore throats.
Cephalexin works by stopping bacteria from building their protective cell wall. Without a strong cell wall, the bacteria cannot survive. This helps the body clear the infection when the medicine is taken correctly.
How to Take Cephalexin 750 mg
Take Cephalexin 750 mg Capsule exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the dose or stop the medicine early unless your doctor tells you to.
General instructions:
- Swallow the capsule with a full glass of water.
- It may be taken with or without food.
- Take it with food if it causes stomach upset.
- Take each dose at evenly spaced times.
- Finish the full course, even if you start feeling better.
- Do not share this antibiotic with another person.
Stopping antibiotics too early can allow bacteria to keep growing. This may make the infection return or become harder to treat.
Side Effects
Cephalexin 750 mg may cause side effects. Some are mild, but others may need medical attention.
Common side effects may include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Mild skin rash
Call your doctor if these side effects are severe or do not go away.
Get urgent medical help if you notice:
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Severe rash, peeling skin, or blisters
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
- Severe stomach cramps
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Seizures
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Severe diarrhea can happen during treatment or even after finishing an antibiotic. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor says it is safe.
Dosage Information
The right dose of Cephalexin 750 mg depends on the type of infection, infection severity, kidney function, age, weight, and medical history.
For adults and patients aged 15 years and older, cephalexin is commonly prescribed in divided doses during the day. In more severe infections, doctors may prescribe higher daily doses, but the total dose must stay within safe limits.
Important dosage points:
- Take only the dose prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not take extra capsules to speed up recovery.
- Kidney disease may require a lower dose or longer gap between doses.
- Children need weight-based dosing and should not use adult dosing unless prescribed.
- Treatment length is often several days, depending on the infection.
Use Cephalexin 750 mg only for bacterial infections that are confirmed or strongly suspected by a healthcare provider.
Drug Interactions
Cephalexin 750 mg may interact with some medicines and lab tests. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription medicines, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.
Important interactions may include:
- Metformin: Cephalexin may increase metformin levels. Your doctor may monitor your blood sugar.
- Probenecid: This medicine can reduce how fast cephalexin leaves the body. The combination is usually not recommended unless your doctor decides it is needed.
- Blood thinners such as warfarin: Some antibiotics may affect bleeding risk. Your doctor may check your blood test results.
- Certain urine glucose tests: Cephalexin may cause false-positive results with some tests.
Do not start, stop, or change any medicine while taking cephalexin without medical advice.
Warnings
Before taking Cephalexin 750 mg Capsule, tell your doctor if you:
- Are allergic to cephalexin
- Are allergic to cephalosporin antibiotics
- Had a serious reaction to penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics
- Have kidney disease
- Have a history of severe diarrhea after antibiotics
- Have seizures or a seizure disorder
- Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- Take metformin, probenecid, warfarin, or other regular medicines
Cephalexin should be used only when prescribed. Using antibiotics when they are not needed can increase antibiotic resistance.
What Happens If You Overdose?
Taking too much Cephalexin 750 mg can increase the risk of side effects.
Overdose symptoms may include:
- Severe nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Blood in the urine
- Seizures, especially in people with kidney problems
If an overdose is suspected, contact emergency medical help or a poison control center right away. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe.
What Happens If You Missed Dose?
If you miss a dose of Cephalexin 750 mg, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time.
Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose. Taking extra medicine can increase side effects.
Storage
Store Cephalexin 750 mg Capsules safely and correctly.
Storage tips:
- Keep at room temperature.
- Protect from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
- Keep the bottle tightly closed.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Do not use expired medicine.
Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused or expired capsules.
FAQs
How fast does Cephalexin 750 mg tablet works?
Cephalexin 750 mg usually starts working soon after you take it, but symptoms may take 1 to 3 days to improve. The exact timing depends on the infection type and severity. Finish the full course even if you feel better early, unless your doctor tells you to stop.
What does Cephalexin 750 mg Capsule look like?
The appearance of Cephalexin 750 mg Capsule can vary by manufacturer. Capsule color, size, and imprint may not be the same for every brand. Always check the medicine label, strength, and imprint. Ask your pharmacist if the capsule looks different from your usual medicine.
Is Cephalexin 750 mg safe in pregnancy?
Cephalexin may be prescribed during pregnancy when a doctor decides the benefits are greater than the possible risks. Do not self-medicate during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding before taking Cephalexin 750 mg.
What is the Cephalexin 750 mg brand name?
Cephalexin is the generic name. A well-known brand name is Keflex, but brand names may vary by country, manufacturer, and pharmacy. Some products may be sold only as generic cephalexin. Check the active ingredient and strength before use.
Is Cephalexin 750 mg good for tooth infection?
Cephalexin 750 mg may be used for some tooth or dental infections if the bacteria are likely to respond to it. It is not always the first-choice antibiotic for dental infections. A dentist should check the cause, because some tooth infections need drainage or dental treatment, not antibiotics alone.
