Keflex
(cephalexin)
Treats bacterial infections.
Our bottom line
Keflex (cephalexin) is good for treating many bacterial infections, and is available as a generic.
- 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.
What to expect from Keflex, on one page
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.
What to expect from Keflex, on one page
Keflex (cephalexin) is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making their own protective covering.
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (cephalexin)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$4.61Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- CostcoGet free coupon$9.80
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$10.02
- Get free coupon$10.48
What to expect when you take Keflex (cephalexin) for Infection
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Diarrhea
- Allergic reaction
- New infection
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Keflex (cephalexin)
Manufacturers don’t say how common these side effects are when taking Keflex for bacterial infection
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Stomach inflammation
- Stomach pain
- Liver inflammation
- Allergic reaction
- Genital and anal itching
- Genital yeast infection
- Vaginal inflammation and discharge
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Joint pain
- Joint inflammation
- Kidney inflammation
- Low blood counts
- High liver tests
Risks and Warnings for Keflex (cephalexin)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.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)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals haven’t found a risk to unborn babies, but it hasn’t been properly studied in humans.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Can take with or without food.
- Can be taken with or without food.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed cephalexinon 6/9/2019I tried taking amoxicillin for an abcess it don't work keflex worked and took the pain away.27WomanA couple weeksPrevention of infection in people with prosthetic joint implants undergoing dental procedure