Cephalexin is a medication used to manage bacterial infections of the lungs, ears, skin and urinary tract. According to Drugs.com, cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic that works to destroy the bacteria in your body. Typically, you will take 250mg of cephalexin every six hours or as your doctor prescribes, says the National Library of Medicine.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, cephalexin typically causes diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Excessive vomiting and diarrhea can both lead to severe dehydration and lowered potassium levels (hypokalemia). Drink eight to 10 glasses of water every day in order to replace the lost fluids. Get potassium supplements from your doctor, or eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables. Cephalexin can also cause joint pain, vaginal discharge or itching, dizziness and fatigue. Call your doctor when these side effects last for more than three days.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says that cephalexin can cause pseudomembranous colitis, a Clostrium difficile diarrhea. This type of diarrhea is typically antibiotic-induced, where the Clostridium difficile bacteria covers your intestines with a yellow-green film. Symptoms of this pseudomembranous colitis include stomach cramping or pain, nausea and smelly stools. Discontinue cephalexin and call your doctor. He will most likely prescribe metronidazole for you, another antibiotic that destroys the Clostridium difficile bacteria.
According to MedlinePlus, cephalexin can cause such potentially fatal side effects as wheezing, trouble breathing and dysphagia (trouble swallowing). Cephalexin can also cause itching, rash, bleeding or bruising, vaginal infections and sore throat. Thrombocytopenia, a condition in which your platelet levels are low, causes your skin to bruise and bleed easily. Platelets are supposed to clot your blood; without them, even mild injury can cause profuse bleeding or bruising. Phone your medical care provider when you have these effects.
Additional Concerns
Avoid cephalexin if you are hypersensitive to it or any other cephalosporin antibiotics. You can develop a hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction. Symptoms include hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of your face, tongue or throat.
Do not take cephalexin if you suffer from diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and kidney or liver disease. Cephalexin may exacerbate these medical problems.
It is unclear if cephalexin can harm your baby or contaminate your breast milk. Notify your doctor when you want to nurse your baby or become pregnant.
MedlinePlus recommends not to take cephalexin with warfarin, probenacid and vitamins. The mixture of cephalexin with these substances can provoke the aforementioned effects.
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