How should I take cephalexin?
Take the medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in
larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions
on your prescription label.
Take cephalexin with a full glass of
water.
Dissolve the cephalexin dispersible tablet in a small amount of water,
about 2 teaspoonfuls. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you get the
entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away. Do not
swallow or chew a dispersible tablet.
Shake the oral suspension (
liquid) well just before you measure a
dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or
medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask
your pharmacist for one.
Take cephalexin for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your
symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cephalexin will not treat a
viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any
doctor who treats you that you are using cephalexin.
Store the tablets and capsules at room
temperature away from moisture and heat.
Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Throw away any
unused medication after 14 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do
not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and blood in
your urine.
What should I avoid while taking cephalexin?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you
have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop
the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
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