Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Lake of the Woods District Hospital

Cephalexin (Keflex)

C. diff Risk

Medium

Oral Bioavailability

Moderate

Approximate Cost

~$4.00/day

Spectrum Of Activity

General Spectrum of Activity

Spectrum Of Activity

Dosing

Adult

General250-1000mg PO QID

Alternate500mg po BID

Renal

General Information

Common Usage

Common Usage

  •  Uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infection

  •  MSSA infections

Adverse Effects

Adverse Effects

  •  Allergy/rash (immediate or delayed)

  •  Positive Coombs

  •  Cytopenias

  •  Eosinophilia

  •  Hepatic & renal laboratory abnormalities

Major Interactions

Major Interactions

Increases metformin levels.

May increase warfarin levels.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology

Antimicrobial class: First Generation Cephalosporin.

Pregnancy category: B

Average serum half life: 0.5-1 hour

Urine penetration: Therapeutic

Lung penetration: Moderate

CSF penetration: Poor

Biliary penetration: Moderate