CEPHALEXIN (CEPHALEXIN MONOHYDRATE)

USDailyMed:Cephalexin AU:A J01DB01(WHO)QJ51DB01(WHO) AU:S4(Prescription only)CA:℞-onlyUK:POM(Prescription only)US:℞-onlyEU:Rx-only (7R)-3-methyl-7-(α-D-phenylglycylamino)-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid monohydrate 15686-71-2Y 2666 4832 DB00567Y 25541Y 5SFF1W6677 D00263Y CHEBI:3534Y ChEMBL1727Y DTXSID9022780 Interactive image O=C2N1/C(=C(\CS[C@@H]1[C@@H]2NC(=O)[C@@H](c3ccccc3)N)C)C(=O)O InChI=1S/C16H17N3O4S/c1-8-7-24-15-11(14(21)19(15)12(8)16(22)23)18-13(20)10(17)9-5-3-2-4-6-9/h2-6,10-11,15H,7,17H2,1H3,(H,18,20)(H,22,23)/t10-,11-,15-/m1/s1YKey:ZAIPMKNFIOOWCQ-UEKVPHQBSA-NY Cefalexin, also spelledcephalexin, is anantibioticthat can treat a number ofbacterial infections.It killsgram-positiveand somegram-negative bacteriaby disrupting the growth of thebacterial cell wall.Cefalexin is aβ-lactam anti‍‍‍‍‍‍​​​‍​​​​​​bioticwithin the class of first-generationcephalosporins.It works similarly to other agents within this class, including intravenouscefazolin, but can be takenby mouth. Cefalexin can treat certain bacterial infections, including those of themiddle ear,boneandjoint,skin, andurinary tract.It may also be used for certain types ofpneumoniaandstrep throatand to preventbacterial endocarditis.Cefalexin is not effective against infections caused bymethicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA), mostEnterococcus, orPseudomonas.Like other antibiotics, cefalexin cannot treatviral infections, such as theflu,common coldoracute bronchitis.Cefalexin can be used in those who have mild or moderate allergies topenicillin.However, it is not recommended in those with severe penicillin allergies. Commonside effectsincludestomach upsetanddiarrhea.Allergic reactionsor infections withClostridioides difficile, a cause of diarrhea, are also possible.Use duringpregnancyorbreastfeedingdoes not appear to be harmful to the fetus.It can be used in children and those over 65 years of age.Those withkidney problemsmay require a decrease in dose. Cefalexin was developed in 1967.It was first marketed in 1969 under the brand nameKeflex.It is available as ageneric medication.It is on theWorld Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.In 2023, it was the 86th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 7million prescriptions.In Canada, it was the fifth most common antibiotic used in 2013.In Australia, it was one of the top 10 most prescribed medications between 2017 and 2023.