Saturday, March 16, 2024

Cephalexin For Urinary Tract Infection

Must read

Other Uses For This Medicine

Immunity to UTI Antibiotics? (UTI = Urinary Tract Infection)

Cephalexin is also sometimes used for certain penicillin allergic patients who have a heart condition and are having a dental or upper respiratory tract procedure, in order to prevent them from developing a heart valve infection.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How To Take Cephalexin

Use Cephalexin exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not use cephalexin to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device .

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Cephalexin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Do not share cephalexin with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cephalexin.

Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

How Should This Medicine Be Used

Cephalexin comes as a capsule, tablet, and suspension to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food every 6 or 12 hours for 7 to 14 days, depending on the condition being treated. Take cephalexin at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cephalexin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with cephalexin. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.

Continue to take cephalexin until you finish the prescription even if you feel better. If you stop taking cephalexin too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

You May Like: Pro Plan Focus Urinary Tract Health

What If I Forget To Take It

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Try to leave a gap of at least 4 hours between doses.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines.

What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication

Cephalexin (Generic) 500 mg, Single Capsule

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the capsules and tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture . Keep liquid medicine in the refrigerator, tightly closed, and dispose of any unused medication after 14 days. .

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.

Also Check: Women’s Urinary Incontinence Swimwear

What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Cephalexin

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cephalexin or any other cephalosporin antibiotic .

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • an allergy to any drug
  • liver or kidney disease or
  • intestinal problems, such as colitis.

The liquid form of cephalexin may contain sugar. This may affect you if you have diabetes.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Cephalexin For Chronic Uti

If this is not your first UTI, know one thing: you may not be fighting single-celled free-floating bacteria in your bladder. Most likely, you are fighting bacterial biofilms.

Cephalexin stops the growth of the cell wall, which bacteria need to survive. However, bacteria eventually learn how to hide from the antibiotic attack, allowing them to become resistant to Cephalexin.

One method is for them to team up, cover themselves with a protective slime, and hide in the deeper layers of your bladder lining. This allows bacteria to wait until you stop taking antibiotics before renewing their activity.

This bacterial method of defense is called bacterial biofilms.

Don’t Miss: Kidney Stone In Urinary Tract

Cephalexin In Feline Cases

Before administering Cephalexin to your cat, it is crucial that youconsult with a veterinarian. Cephalexin is a powerful drug and may notbe appropriate for all cats. After diagnosing your pet’s UTI, yourveterinarian will recommend a treatment plan that may include anantibiotic such as Cephalexin. Typically, a regimen of this drug willlast for a week or more. As with all prescription medicines, it isimportant to continue the drug treatment program through to itstermination in order to prevent bacterial resistance or othercomplications. Even if your pet seems to have recovered completely, donot discontinue his treatment of Cephalexin.

Most Cephalexin prescriptions are provided orally, either as atablet or a suspension. The exact dosage depends upon your cat’scondition, age, breed and prior health status. For any questions aboutdosing or these other considerations, speak with the prescribingveterinarian.

Things You Can Do Yourself

Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections with Antibiotics

To help ease pain:

  • takeparacetamolup to 4 times a day to reduce pain and a high temperature for people with a UTI, paracetamol is usually recommended over NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin
  • you can give childrenliquid paracetamol
  • rest and drink enough fluids so you pass pale urine regularly during the day, especially during hot weather

It’s important to follow the instructions on the packet so you know how much paracetamol you or your child can take, and how often.

It may also help to avoid having sex until you feel better.

You cannot pass a UTI on to your partner, but sex may be uncomfortable.

Taking cystitis sachets or cranberry products has not been shown to help ease symptoms of UTIs.

Don’t Miss: Acupuncture Points For Urinary Incontinence

How Long Should I Take Antibiotics

Your doctor will let you know. Typically, for an uncomplicated infection, you’ll take antibiotics for 2 to 3 days. Some people will need to take these medicines for up to 7 to 10 days.

For a complicated infection, you might need to take antibiotics for 14 days or more.

If you still have symptoms after completing antibiotics, a follow-up urine test can show whether the germs are gone. If you still have an infection, you’ll need to take antibiotics for a longer period of time.

If you get UTIs often, you may need a prolonged course of antibiotics. And if sex causes your UTIs, you’ll take a dose of the medicine right before you have sex. You can also take antibiotics whenever you get a new UTI if youâre having symptoms and a positive urine culture.

What Are Potential Side Effects Of Antibiotics For Uti

In addition to the notable side effects weve already covered, there are a few more potential antibiotic side effects youll want to know about.

Most antibiotics can cause some degree of stomach upset like nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. If you have severe diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts for 2 or more days, let your healthcare provider know. Diarrhea is a common side effect while taking antibiotics and just after finishing them. But in some cases, diarrhea from antibiotics can be a sign of a more serious infection caused by Clostridium difficile bacteria.

Some people are also sensitive to antibiotics, which could result in a minor reaction like a rash or a more serious reaction like anaphylaxis. If you notice difficulty breathing or major skin changes after taking an antibiotic, get medical help right away.

You May Like: Azo Urinary Tract Defense Directions

Other Ways To Prevent Recurring Utis

If you have more than 3 UTIs in 1 year, or 2 UTIs in 6 months, there are other things that may help prevent UTIs.

There is some evidence that women under 65 years old who keep getting UTIs may find it helpful to take:

  • a supplement called D-mannose this is not recommended for pregnant women
  • cranberry products, such as juice or tablets

Speak to your doctor before taking any of these during pregnancy.

Be aware that D-mannose and cranberry products can contain a lot of sugar.

Page last reviewed: 18 November 2020 Next review due: 18 November 2023

How To Treat Urinary Tract Infections With Cephalexin

How Does Cephalexin Work?

Cephalexin is a type of antibiotic that is frequently used to treat urinary tract infections .

It is one of the top 100 most commonly prescribed medications in the US, and can be very effective for many common bacterial infections.

However, cephalexin might not be right for everyone, and its important to know about potential side effects, who should and should not take this medication, and how to safely take it if it is prescribed to you as part of a treatment plan.

Read Also: Urinary Tract Infection Antibiotics Walmart

What Is A Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections are a common type of bacterial infection.

The urinary system includes the urethra, bladder, and kidneys.

In the case of a UTI, the urethra or bladder may be infected, causing burning with urination, frequency, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Left untreated, UTIs can allow bacteria to travel to the kidneys and result in a more serious infection known as pyelonephritis.

Who Can And Cannot Use Cephalexin

Most antibiotics come with a risk of side effects, and while cephalexin can be safe in both adults and children, certain people should not take it.

For people with certain health conditions or allergies, cephalexin could result in severe adverse events.

It should be avoided or you should consult with your doctor about the risks if you:

  • Are allergic to cephalosporin antibiotics
  • Have liver or kidney disease
  • Have been diagnosed with colitis
  • Have a seizure disorder
  • Are receiving dialysis

Don’t Miss: Tea Tree Oil Urinary Tract Infection

Usual Adult Dose For Otitis Media

250 to 333 mg orally every 6 hours OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours-Maximum dose: 4 g per day-Duration of therapy: 7 to 14 daysUse: Treatment of otitis media caused by susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Moraxella catarrhalis

Can You Get A Uti Through Sex

Cephalexin

UTIs are not considered to be sexually transmitted infections , because you can get them in other ways. That said, UTIs can be shared between partners. People who have insertive anal intercourse are at higher risk for UTI. Insertive vaginal intercourse is less likely to cause a UTI, though. Research suggests some sexual partners might UTI-causing bacteria.

Good hygiene is important for all people before and after sex. This is especially true if you have an uncircumcised penis, as the extra skin can trap bacteria and allow it to grow.

  • Vomiting

Recommended Reading: Hills Urinary Care C D Multicare

Check If It’s A Urinary Tract Infection

Symptoms of a UTI may include:

  • pain or a burning sensation when peeing
  • needing to pee more often than usual during the night
  • pee that looks cloudy
  • needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual
  • needing to pee more often than usual
  • lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs
  • a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
  • a very low temperature below 36C

Dosage For Respiratory Tract Infection

Adult dosage

14 grams per day taken in divided doses. The usual dose is 250 mg taken every 6 hours, or a dose of 500 mg every 12 hours may be given. If you have a severe infection, your doctor may give you a larger dose.

Child dosage

14 grams per day taken in divided doses. The usual dose is 250 mg taken every 6 hours, or a dose of 500 mg every 12 hours may be given. If you have a severe infection, your doctor may give you a larger dose.

Child dosage

2550 mg/kg of body weight per day taken in divided doses. Your doctor may double your dose for severe infections.

Child dosage

This medication hasnt been studied in children younger than 1 year for this condition.

Senior dosage

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects. Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Also Check: D Mannose For Urinary Tract Health

Which Antibiotic Will Work Best

Your doctor will take a urine sample to confirm that you have a UTI. Then the lab will grow the germs in a dish for a couple of days to find out which type of bacteria you have. This is called a culture. Itâll tell your doctor what type of germs caused your infection. Theyâll likely prescribe one of the following antibiotics to treat it before the culture comes back:

Which medication and dose you get depends on whether your infection is complicated or uncomplicated.

âUncomplicatedâ means your urinary tract is normal. âComplicatedâ means you have a disease or problem with your urinary tract. You could have a narrowing of your ureters, which are the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder, a narrowing in the urethra which transports urine from the bladder out of the body, or, you might have a blockage like a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate . It’s also possible you have a urinary fistula or a bladder diverticulum.

To treat a complicated infection, your doctor might prescribe a higher dose of antibiotics. If your UTI is severe or the infection is in your kidneys, you might need to be treated in a hospital or doctor’s office with high-dose antibiotics you get through an IV.

Your doctor will also consider these factors when choosing an antibiotic:

  • Are you over age 65?
  • Are you allergic to any antibiotics?
  • Have you had any side effects from antibiotics in the past?

Managing Multiple Episodes Of Uti:

ASK DIS: Dose of cephalexin for Urinary tract infection in ...

In dogs and cats, if UTI occurs only once or twice yearly, each episode may be treated as an acute, uncomplicated UTI. If episodes occur more often, and predisposing causes of UTI cannot be identified or corrected, chronic low-dose therapy may be necessary. Low antimicrobial concentrations in the urine may interfere with fimbriae production by some pathogens and prevent their adhesion to the uroepithelium. In dogs, recurrent UTIs are due to a different strain or species of bacteria ~80% of the time therefore, antimicrobial culture and susceptibility is still indicated. Antimicrobial therapy should be started as previously described and when urine culture is negative, continued daily at the total daily dose. The antimicrobial should be administered last thing at night to ensure that the bladder contains urine with a high antimicrobial concentration for as long as possible.

You May Like: Z Pack Urinary Tract Infection

What Is The Dosage Of Nitrofurantoin Vs Cephalexin

Nitrofurantoin

  • The recommended adult dose for treating urinary tract infections is 50-100 mg 4 times daily or 100 mg every 12 hours for 7 days or for 3 days after obtaining sterile urine.
  • Nitrofurantoin can be taken with or without meals. Taking it with meals increases its absorption into the body.
  • The suspension can be mixed with water, milk, juice, or infant formula.
  • It also is used once a day to prevent urinary tract infections.
  • It should not be used in persons with poor kidney function.

Cephalexin

How Do Antibiotics Treat A Uti

UTIs can be caused by many different types of germs including bacteria or fungi and in rare cases, even viruses. But bacterial UTIs are the most common.

If you have a bacterial UTI, the only way to treat it is by getting rid of the bacteria thats causing it. Thats where antibiotics come in. They either stop those bacteria from growing or directly kill the bacteria altogether.

Its worth noting that antibiotics only treat UTIs and other infections caused by bacteria. If you have a fungal or viral UTI, antibiotics wont help.

Also Check: Can Cranberry Juice Cure A Urinary Tract Infection

More articles

Popular Articles