Cephalexin is a relatively mild antibiotic of the cephalosporin family, used to treat a somewhat narrow range of bacterial infections. It is generally used to treat infections of the skin, but can also be used to treat various ear and throat infections, as well as those of the respiratory and urinary tracts. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and E. coli are some of the more notable bacteria known to be suceptible to cephalexin.
Cephalexin is available under a variety of brand names, such as Biocef, Keflex, Keftab, and Zartan. It is usually taken in pill or tablet form, although it is possible to ingest it via a liquid suspension. This, like all antibiotics, does require a prescription. Likewise, although the chance of overdose when using cephalaxin is low, it is nonetheless possible. Thus, all precautions taken with other drugs, such as those concerning allergies, pregnancy, drug interaction, and proper dosage, should be heeded.
Works Referenced:
- http://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/mom/cephalexin/cephalexin.html (Jenny Williams)
- http://my.webmd.com/content/drugs/1/4046_1483.htm
- http://www.medicinenet.com/cephalexin/article.htm (Omudhome Ogbru, Pharm.D.)