![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e0/Cefalexin.svg/640px-Cefalexin.svg.png&w=640&q=50)
Cefalexin
Beta-lactam antibiotic / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Cephalexin?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
Cefalexin, also spelled cephalexin, is an antibiotic that can treat a number of bacterial infections.[3] It kills gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria by disrupting the growth of the bacterial cell wall.[3] Cefalexin is a β-lactam antibiotic within the class of first-generation cephalosporins.[3] It works similarly to other agents within this class, including intravenous cefazolin, but can be taken by mouth.[4]
![]() | |
![]() | |
Clinical data | |
---|---|
Pronunciation | /ˌsɛfəˈlɛksɪn/ |
Trade names | Keflex, others |
Other names | cephalexin, cephalexin (BAN UK), cephalexin (USAN US) |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a682733 |
License data |
|
Pregnancy category |
|
Routes of administration | By mouth |
Drug class | First-generation cephalosporin |
ATC code | |
Legal status | |
Legal status | |
Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | Well absorbed |
Protein binding | 15% |
Metabolism | 80% excreted unchanged in urine within 6 hours of administration |
Elimination half-life | 0.6–1.2 hours[2] |
Excretion | Kidney |
Identifiers | |
| |
CAS Number | |
PubChem CID | |
IUPHAR/BPS | |
DrugBank |
|
ChemSpider |
|
UNII | |
KEGG |
|
ChEBI | |
ChEMBL | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.036.142 ![]() |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C16H17N3O4S |
Molar mass | 347.39 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
Melting point | 326.8 °C (620.2 °F) |
| |
| |
(verify) |
Cefalexin can treat certain bacterial infections, including those of the middle ear, bone and joint, skin, and urinary tract.[3] It may also be used for certain types of pneumonia and strep throat and to prevent bacterial endocarditis.[3] Cefalexin is not effective against infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), most Enterococcus, or Pseudomonas.[3] Like other antibiotics, cefalexin cannot treat viral infections, such as the flu, common cold or acute bronchitis.[3] Cefalexin can be used in those who have mild or moderate allergies to penicillin.[3] However, it is not recommended in those with severe penicillin allergies.[3]
Common side effects include stomach upset and diarrhea.[3] Allergic reactions or infections with Clostridium difficile, a cause of diarrhea, are also possible.[3] Use during pregnancy or breast feeding does not appear to be harmful to the fetus.[3][5][6] It can be used in children and those over 65 years of age.[3] Those with kidney problems may require a decrease in dose.[3]
Cefalexin was developed in 1967.[7][8][9] It was first marketed in 1969 and 1970 under the names Keflex and Ceporex, among others.[10][11] It is available as a generic medication.[3][12] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[13] In 2021, it was the 96th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 7 million prescriptions.[14][15] In Canada, it was the fifth most common antibiotic used in 2013.[16] In Australia, it is one of the top 15 most prescribed medications.[17]