Cefalexin

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Cefalexin
Systematic (IUPAC) name
(6R,7R)-7-{[(2R)-2-amino-2-phenylacetyl]amino}- 3-methyl-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene- 2-carboxylic acid
Identifiers
CAS number	15686-71-2
ATC code	J01DB01
PubChem	2666
DrugBank	APRD00250
Chemical data
Formula	C16H17N3O4S
Mol. mass	347.39 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	Well absorbed
Metabolism	90% excreted unchanged
Half life	0.9 hours
Excretion	Renal
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	A(AU) B(US)
Legal status	Prescription Only (S4)(AU) POM(UK)
Routes	Oral

Cefalexin (INN) (pronounced /sɛfəˈlɛksɨn/, /kɛfə-/) or cephalexin (USAN) is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is an orally-administered agent with a similar antimicrobial spectrum to the intravenous agents cefalotin and cefazolin. It is commonly marketed under the trade name Keflex (Lilly) or Sporidex (Ranbaxy).

Contents 1 Clinical use 1.1 Indications 1.2 Formulations 2 External links

[edit] Clinical use

Main article: Cephalosporin

[edit] Indications

Cefalexin is used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections (including sinusitis, otitis media, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and pneumonia, bronchitis), skin and soft tissue infections.

Although it is not generally considered first-line treatment for any indication, it is a useful alternative to penicillins in patients with penicillin hypersensitivity. There is, however, cross-reactivity in 10% of patients with hypersensitivity to penicillins and carbapenems.

[edit] Formulations

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Cefalexin is commonly marketed as tablets(250 mg and 500 mg), capsules, and powder for oral suspension (125 mg and 250 mg).

It is marketed by generic pharmaceutical manufacturers under a wide range of brand names, including: Apo-Cephalex, Biocef, Cefanox, Ceporex, Cephabos, Cilex, Ialex, Ibilex, Keflet, Keflex, Keforal, Keftab, Keftal, Lopilexin, Novo-Lexin, Ospexin, Zephalexin, Panixine Disperdose and Sporidex.

A version of Keflex 750 mg capsules is marketed for twice-daily dosage, to improve patients' compliance. However, it is not a sustained release formulation, and since it is more expensive than the older strengths, some physicians prescribe three 250 mg capsules to be taken twice daily, as a cheaper alternative.^{[citation needed]}

v • d • e Antibacterials for systemic use: beta-lactam antibiotics - cephalosporins and related (J01D) First generation Cefacetrile, Cefadroxil, Cefalexin, Cefaloglycin, Cefaloridine, Cefalotin, Cefapirin, Cefatrizine, Cefazedone, Cefazolin, Cefradine, Cefroxadine, Ceftezole Second generation Cefaclor, Cefamandole, Cefmetazole, Cefonicid, Ceforanide, Cefotiam, Cefprozil, Cefuroxime Third generation Cefdinir, Cefditoren, Cefetamet, Cefixime, Cefmenoxime, Cefodizime, Cefoperazone, Cefotaxime, Cefpiramide, Cefpodoxime, Cefsulodin, Ceftazidime, Ceftibuten, Ceftizoxime, Ceftriaxone, Flomoxef, Latamoxef Fourth generation Cefepime, Cefozopran, Cefpirome, Cefquinome Fifth generation Ceftobiprole Other beta-lactam antibacterials Monobactams (Aztreonam), Carbapenems (Parenteral - Doripenem, Ertapenem, Imipenem, Meropenem, Panipenem, Oral - Faropenem)

[edit] External links

• MedlinePlus Drug Information: Cephalosporins (systemic) – information from USP DI Advice for the Patient
• FDA Drug Information PDF and Pharmacy Drug Information Insert.