Cephalexin or cephalexin hydrochloride is the generic for the antibiotic brand name of Keflex, a first-generation cephalosporin-type antibiotic, which can be prescribed to treat a number of bacterial processes. This medication typically is used to treat bacterial infections of the bone, ears, lungs and skin as well as infections in the reproductive and urinary system. While this medication generally is tolerated well by most to whom it is prescribed, possible side effects do exist.
Diarrhea
According to RxList.com, diarrhea is the most common side effect of cephalexin; however, this adverse reaction rarely is considered serious enough to lead to the stopping of this form of antibiotic treatment. This side effect tends to be temporary and not long-lasting; the body needs time to adjust to the medication, or most cases will resolve once the treatment regimen is complete. However, a physician needs to be contacted immediately if diarrhea becomes severe and shows no sign of resolving. If diarrhea persists and is left untreated, dehydration may develop, which can lead to serious medical complications. Also, officials at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warn that antibiotics, including cephalexin, are associated with a serious form of diarrhea known as Clostridium difficile or CDAD.
Nausea
This antibiotic, as is true of other such medications, may cause gastric distress. One common type of such distress is nausea, which may or may not be accompanied with vomiting. Additionally, some individuals may experience abdominal pain as well as indigestion. In certain cases, gastritis may occur. If one experiences nausea or stomach upset during initial doses of this medication, such symptoms may be prevented or relieved by eating shortly before taking cephalexin, or by drinking milk along with the pills. If vomiting occurs and then persists, your physician should be contacted immediately about this adverse reaction.
Headache and Dizziness
According to eMedTV, other possible common side effects of this antibiotic include headaches as well as feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Until it is known how this medicine affects you, be careful when driving or performing other tasks that may be dangerous. If you experience one or both of these symptoms, especially dizziness, try lying down to alleviate the symptoms or contact your physician.
Yeast Infection
Antibiotics, including cephalexin, commonly kill naturally occurring and health-enhancing bacteria in the body. When this occurs in the vagina, as eMedTv.com notes, it may cause excessive growth of yeast and produce the following symptoms: itching, irritation or rash in the vaginal region, and a thick white or lumpy vaginal discharge. For such symptoms, one can speak to a pharmacist about over-the-counter medications for yeast infections, or contact the prescribing physician.
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