Side effects of Cephalexin

Cephalexin is a medicine which belongs to the class of antibiotics and there is a wide range of conditions for the treatment of which it can be used. Since it is particularly helpful when it comes to various infections, it is inevitable part of the treatment of urinary tract infections, sinus infections, skin and bone infections, middle ear infections and infections of the respiratory system, such as bronchitis, pneumonia and tonsillitis. However, there is no point in using this drug when a person gets flu, since it is ineffective with conditions which are not caused by bacteria.

When taking this medicine, it is strongly suggested to take it exactly as prescribed, always at the same time of the day, with a whole glass of water after it. It is suggested not to stop taking it, even if the person feels better in the middle of the course of the treatment, because it does not mean that the condition is entirely treated. On the other side, due to the possible side effects, there is a list of drugs which should not be combined with cephalexin, as well as there are certain risky groups of patients who are not recommended to use it. A part of that risky group are pregnant and lactating women, those who have some allergy or certain condition of kidneys, as well as those who are about to have some kind of a surgery.

Speaking of the side effects, generally, they can be divided in those which are more common, and not so serious, and the side effects which are less frequent, but potentially dangerous to life and health. Some of the symptoms which are felt by a significant group of people are diarrhea, nausea, rash without a known reason, headache, dizziness and yeast infection. None of them is alarming, and none of them indicates that the patient should stop using the medicine. However, those which do require more professional attention are severe diarrhea, blood in the stools, peeling of the skin, bruising and bleeding without a logic explanation, as well as the symptoms which indicate allergic reaction to the medicine, such as severe rush, itching, problems with breathing or swallowing, and swelling of the throat.

Extremely rarely people who use Cephalexin may experience pain in joints, anemia, vomiting, fatigue, confusion, seizures or hallucinations, while women may experience vaginal discharge. Medical help is necessary in these situations.