Keflex (cefalexin)

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Diarrhoea.

Nausea and vomiting.

Abdominal pain.

Indigestion.

Headache.

Dizziness.

Overgrowth of the yeast Candida, which may cause infection such as thrush.

Rash or itching (pruritus).

Allergic reactions to active ingredient.

Bowel infection resulting in inflammation of the bowel lining (pseudomembranous colitis).

Agitation.

Confusion.

Pain in the joints.

Blood disorders.

Liver or kidney disorders.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

If you are taking a combined oral contraceptive pill or are using contraceptive patches, there may be a very low risk that this antibiotic may make it less effective at preventing pregnancy. Although the risk of this is very low, the personal and ethical consequences of an unwanted pregnancy can be very serious. For this reason, the Family Planning Association recommends that women using a combined contraceptive pill or patch should use an extra method of contraception (eg condoms) while taking a short course of broad-spectrum antibiotic, and for seven days after finishing the course. If the seven days run beyond the end of a pill packet, a new packet should be started without a break (in the case of ED pills the inactive tablets should be omitted). If the seven days run beyond the 3 weeks of patch treatment, a new treatment cycle should be started immediately without a patch-free break.

Probenecid may increase the blood level of cefalexin.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredient

Ceporex

Cefalexin capsules, tablets and oral suspension are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.

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