Cephalexin oral suspension

What is this medicine?

CEPHALEXIN (sef a LEX in) is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections.It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take this medicine with food or on an empty stomach. If the medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think your condition is better.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• severe or watery diarrhea

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of the eyes, skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• gas or heartburn

• genital or anal irritation

• headache

• joint or muscle pain

• nausea, vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

• probenecid

• some other antibiotics

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be at least 4 to 6 hours between doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

After this medicine is mixed by your pharmacist, store it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease

• stomach or intestine problems, especially colitis

• an unusual or allergic reaction to cephalexin, other cephalosporins, penicillins, other antibiotics, medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care provider if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

If you have diabetes, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your doctor or health care provider.