Keflex
(cephalexin)
Treats bacterial infections.
Our bottom line
Keflex (cephalexin) is good for treating many bacterial infections, and is available as a generic.
- Price before coupon$18.69
- Lowest price with coupon$4.8474% savings
- 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
Download Fact Sheet
686Downsides
- 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
Download Fact SheetKeflex (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.- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$9.65
- Get free coupon
$11.54
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
Side effect rates for Keflex (cephalexin)
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.