Cephalexin
- PMID: 31747187
- Bookshelf ID: NBK549780
Cephalexin
Excerpt
Cephalexin is an antibiotic approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1970 and is classified as a first-generation cephalosporin. This drug is widely used in outpatient and inpatient healthcare settings due to its favorable safety and efficacy profile. Cephalexin is commonly utilized in the treatment of urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, otitis media, bone infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Proteus mirabilis, and skin and soft tissue infections primarily caused by S aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Cephalexin is administered prophylactically to minimize the risk of surgical site infections and other bacterial infections. Both streptococcal and staphylococcal species can cause these infections. This comprehensive activity provides an overview of the indications, mechanism of action, contraindications, and adverse effects of cephalexin, enabling the interprofessional healthcare team to utilize it appropriately in patient care.
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References
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