Keflex, also known as cephalexin in its generic form, is a widely-used antibiotic that is prescribed to treat bacterial infections such as skin infections, respiratory tract infections, and urinary tract infections. It is part of the cephalosporin class of antibiotics and has been in use for over 50 years.
While Keflex is an effective medication that helps millions of people every year, it is not without its potential side effects. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the side effects that patients should be aware of when taking Keflex.
Common side effects of Keflex
Like all medications, Keflex can cause side effects in some patients. The most common side effects of Keflex are generally mild and include:
1. Nausea and vomiting: These are some of the most common side effects of Keflex. Patients who experience nausea or vomiting while taking Keflex should inform their healthcare provider, as they may need to take an antiemetic medication to manage these symptoms.
2. Diarrhea: Keflex can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract, which can lead to diarrhea. This is a common side effect of many antibiotics, and it typically goes away after the course of treatment is finished. However, patients who experience severe or persistent diarrhea should contact their healthcare provider, as this can be a sign of a more serious condition such as Clostridium difficile infection.
3. Abdominal pain: Some patients may experience abdominal pain while taking Keflex. This is usually mild and goes away on its own, but if the pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or chills, patients should contact their healthcare provider.
4. Headache: Headache is a common side effect of many medications, including Keflex. Patients who experience a severe or persistent headache should contact their healthcare provider.
Less common side effects of Keflex
While the above-mentioned side effects are the most common side effects of Keflex, there are some less common side effects that patients should be aware of. These can include:
1. Allergic reactions: Some patients may be allergic to Keflex. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face or throat. Patients who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care.
2. Skin rash: A skin rash is a less common side effect of Keflex, but it can occur in some patients. Patients who experience a skin rash while taking Keflex should contact their healthcare provider, as this can be a sign of an allergic reaction.
3. Dizziness: Some patients may experience dizziness or lightheadedness while taking Keflex. This is usually mild and goes away on its own, but if the dizziness is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as fainting, patients should contact their healthcare provider.
4. Yeast infections: Keflex can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the body, which can lead to the overgrowth of yeast and the development of a yeast infection. Symptoms of a yeast infection can include itching, burning, and discharge. Patients who experience these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
5. Liver damage: While rare, Keflex can cause liver damage in some patients. Symptoms of liver damage can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), abdominal pain, and dark urine. Patients who experience these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider right away.
Can Keflex interact with other medications?
Like all medications, Keflex can interact with other medications that a patient may be taking. It is important for patients to inform their healthcare provider of all the medications they are taking, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal remedies. Some medications that can interact with Keflex include:
1. Probenecid: Probenecid can increase the concentration of Keflex in the body, which can increase the risk of side effects.
2. Warfarin: Keflex can increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, which can increase the risk of bleeding.
3. Birth control pills: Keflex can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control pills, which can increase the risk of pregnancy.
4. Methotrexate: Keflex can increase the concentration of methotrexate in the body, which can increase the risk of side effects.
5. Loop diuretics: Keflex can reduce the effectiveness of loop diuretics, which can increase the risk of edema (swelling).
How can patients minimize the risk of side effects?
While taking Keflex, patients can take several steps to minimize the risk of side effects. These include:
1. Taking the medication exactly as prescribed: Patients should take Keflex exactly as their healthcare provider has prescribed. This means taking the full course of medication, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.
2. Taking with food: Taking Keflex with food can help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
3. Staying hydrated: Patients should drink plenty of water while taking Keflex to help prevent dehydration and to help flush the medication out of their system.
4. Monitoring for side effects: Patients should be aware of the potential side effects of Keflex and should contact their healthcare provider if they experience any of these symptoms.
5. Informing healthcare providers of all medications: Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all the medications they are taking, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal remedies.
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Conclusion
Keflex is an effective antibiotic that helps millions of people every year. While it is generally safe and well-tolerated, it is not without its potential side effects. Patients who experience side effects while taking Keflex should contact their healthcare provider. By taking the medication exactly as prescribed, staying hydrated, and monitoring for side effects, patients can minimize the risk of side effects and enjoy the benefits of this important medication.
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