Cephalexin

Cefalexin
Clinical data


Pronunciation	/ˌsɛfəˈlɛksᵻn/
Trade names	Keflex, Cepol, Ceporex, others
AHFS/Drugs.com	Monograph
MedlinePlus	a682733
License data	US FDA: Keflex
Pregnancy category	AU: A US: B (No risk in non-human studies)
Routes of administration	by mouth
ATC code	J01DB01 (WHO) QJ51DB01 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	AU: S4 (Prescription only) UK: POM (Prescription only) US: ℞-only
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	Well absorbed
Protein binding	15%
Metabolism	80% excreted unchanged in urine within 6 hours of administration
Biological half-life	For an adult with normal renal function, the serum half-life is 0.5–1.2 hours
Excretion	Renal
Identifiers
IUPAC name (7R)-3-Methyl-7- (α- D -phenylglycylamino) -3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid monohydrate
CAS Number	15686-71-2^Y
PubChem (CID)	2666
IUPHAR/BPS	4832
DrugBank	DB00567^Y
ChemSpider	25541^Y
UNII	5SFF1W6677^Y
KEGG	D00263^Y
ChEBI	CHEBI:3534^Y
ChEMBL	CHEMBL1727^Y
ECHA InfoCard	100.036.142
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C₁₆H₁₇N₃O₄S
Molar mass	347.39 g/mol
3D model (Jmol)	Interactive image
Melting point	326.8 °C (620.2 °F)
SMILES O=C2N1/C(=C(\CS[C@@H]1[C@@H]2NC(=O)[C@@H](c3ccccc3)N)C)C(=O)O
InChI 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/s1^Y Key:ZAIPMKNFIOOWCQ-UEKVPHQBSA-N^Y

Cefalexin, also spelled cephalexin, is an antibiotic that can treat a number of bacterial infections. It kills gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria by disrupting the growth of the bacterial cell wall. Cefalexin is a beta-lactam antibiotic within the class of first-generation cephalosporins. It works similarly to other agents within this class, including intravenous cefazolin, but can be taken by mouth.

Cefalexin can treat certain bacterial infections, including those of the middle ear, bone and joint, skin, and urinary tract. It may also be used for certain types of pneumonia, , and to prevent bacterial endocarditis. Cefalexin is not effective against infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Enterococcus, or Pseudomonas. Like other antibiotics, cefalexin cannot treat viral infections, such as the flu, common cold or acute bronchitis. Cefalexin can be used in those who have mild or moderate allergies to penicillin. However, it is not recommended in those with severe penicillin allergies.

Common side effects include stomach upset and diarrhea. An allergic reaction and infection with Clostridium difficile, a type of diarrhea, is also possible. To date, no evidence of harm to the baby has been found when used during pregnancy or breast feeding. It can be used in children and those over 65 years of age. Those with kidney problems may require a decrease in dose.