Keflex

(cephalexin)

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3.7/ 5 average rating with 686 reviewsforKeflex
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Treats bacterial infections.

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Our bottom line

Keflex (cephalexin) is good for treating many bacterial infections, and is available as a generic.

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Quick facts about Keflex
  • Drug class: Infection
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (cephalexin)

Upsides

  • Available in generic.
  • Available in different forms: tablet, capsule, and suspension.
  • Used to treat many types of bacterial infections.
  • Can be taken with or without food.
  • Generally few side effects compared with other antibiotics.
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What to expect from Keflex, on one page

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People’s experience with Keflex

686reviews so far. What do you think?

Downsides

  • Can cause diarrhea.
  • You may need to take Keflex (cephalexin) 2 to 4 times a day, which can be hard to remember.
  • If you're allergic to penicillins or other antibiotics, you might not be able to take this medicine.
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What to expect from Keflex, on one page

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How it works

Keflex (cephalexin) is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making their own protective covering.

Quick facts about Keflex
  • Drug class: Infection
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (cephalexin)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Pill
  • Liquid
People’s experience with Keflex

686reviews so far. What do you think?

Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Keflex (cephalexin) for Infection

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  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
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  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Possible side effects
  • Diarrhea
  • Allergic reaction
  • New infection
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Side effect rates for Keflex (cephalexin)

Risks and Warnings for Keflex (cephalexin)

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  • As with all antibiotics, Keflex (cephalexin) can cause diarrhea. It usually goes away after you're done with the medicine. Taking yogurt or probiotic supplements a few hours after you take the medication may help. Rarely, some people can have a severe form of diarrhea that happens a few weeks after you take Keflex (cephalexin). The symptoms include severe pain with loose or bloody stools. Talk to your doctor right away if this happens.

Common concerns from people taking Keflex (cephalexin)

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Pregnancy

Research studies with animals haven’t found a risk to unborn babies, but it hasn’t been properly studied in humans.

See the FDA package insertSee pregnancy safe medications
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.
FDA pregnancy category for Keflex
BProbably safe
Food
  • Can take with or without food.
  • Can be taken with or without food.