Get a cephalexin prescription online for bacterial infections

Get convenient and affordable cephalexin prescriptions available for same-day pickup at your local pharmacy. Talk to a health care provider on Sesame to start treatment right away.

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Product Overview

Cephalexin (generic for Keflex)

  • What is cephalexin?
    Cephalexin is a prescription antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections, including pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections, genital and urinary tract infections (UTIs), and infections of the bone, skin, and ears. It is part of an antibiotic drug class called cephalosporin antibiotics, which work by killing bacteria that cause infections.

    This medication is available under the brand names Keflex, Bio-Cef, and Panixine DisperDose.

    Talk to your health care provider about whether or not cephalexin is right for you.

  • What are the common side effects of cephalexin?
    Cephalexin has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days.

  • Common side effects reported from cephalexin use include:

    ·Nausea
    ·Diarrhea
    ·Vomiting
    ·Heartburn
    ·Stomach pain
    ·Rectal or genital itching
    ·Dizziness or confusion
    ·Extreme tiredness
    ·Agitation
    ·Headache
    ·Joint pain


This is not a complete list of all possible side effects caused by cephalexin.

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Medically Reviewed By Dr. Allison Edwards, MD

Frequently asked questions about cephalexin

Cephalexin is a prescription antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections, including pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections, genital and urinary tract infections (UTIs), and infections of the bone, skin, and ears. It is part of an antibiotic drug class called cephalosporin antibiotics, which work by killing bacteria that cause infections.

Cephalexin is currently available under the brand names Keflex, Bio-Cef, and Panixine DisperDose. It comes in the form of a capsule, a tablet, and an oral suspension.

Cephalexin is used to treat pneumonia, strep throat, and other respiratory tract infections; genital and urinary tract infections (UTIs); bone infections, skin infections, and ear infections (such as otitis media). Less commonly, it is also used for penicillin-allergic patients who have a heart condition and are having dental procedures done, as cephalexin can prevent heart valve infections.

It is important to only use antibiotics like cephalexin when prescribed, as taking antibiotics when they are not needed can increase your chance of contracting an antibiotic-resistant infection. Remember that antibiotics like cephalexin are only effective against bacterial infections and will not work against viral infections such as the cold or flu.

Cephalosporin antibiotics like cephalexin work by inhibiting certain proteins that bacteria need to build cell walls. Without the ability to build a strong bacterial cell wall, the bacteria will eventually die. This mechanism makes cephalexin extremely effective in killing the bacteria that can cause UTIs, pneumonia, and other infections.

However, antibiotics like cephalexin are only effective against bacterial infections and will not work against viral infections such as the cold or flu.

Some of the most common side effects associated with cephalexin include:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Heartburn
  • Stomach pain
  • Rectal or genital itching
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Agitation
  • Headache
  • Joint pain

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are among the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience the following symptoms or other signs of infection while taking cephalexin:

  • Skin rash
  • Watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps, or fever during treatment or for up to two or more months after stopping treatment
  • Itching
  • Hives
  • Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, and eyes
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Wheezing
  • A return of fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
  • Hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist

Cephalexin can impact the readings of certain blood sugar tests for diabetes, so be sure to use Clinistix or TesTape (not Clinitest) during urine tests.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with cephalexin.

Cephalexin can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially life-threatening side effects or serious allergic reactions. Be sure to let your doctor know if you’re taking any other cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefaclor (Ceclor), cefadroxil cefazolin (Ancef, Kefzol), cefdinir, cefditoren (Spectracef), cefepime (Maxipime), cefotaxime (Claforan), cefotetan, cefoxitin (Mefoxin), cefpodoxime, cefprozil, ceftaroline (Teflaro), ceftazidime (Fortaz, Tazicef, in Avycaz), ceftibuten (Cedax), ceftriaxone (Rocephin), cefuroxime (Zinacef), or cefixime, as these drug interactions may impact your treatment’s effectiveness.

You should also let your doctor know if you are taking any anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), or carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epito, Equetro, Tegretol, Teril), as these medications can interact with cephalexin and cause potentially dangerous or life-threatening side effects.

In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication.

Cephalexin comes in the form of a capsule, a tablet, and an oral suspension. It is usually taken 2-4 times a day for one to two weeks, but you should only take the medication exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of cephalexin without consulting with your provider first. If you begin to experience adverse side effects while taking this medication, like those listed above, inform your provider right away.

When using cephalexin in capsule form, you should swallow the capsule whole and avoid chewing or breaking the capsule.

If you are taking cephalexin in liquid form, be sure to shake the liquid well before consuming and make sure to measure it out per your healthcare provider’s instructions.

To prevent your infection from becoming resistant to antibiotics, you should continue taking cephalexin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. Do not skip doses or stop taking the cephalexin, and follow your doctor’s instructions closely. In the event of a missed dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

You should store your medication in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children. The oral liquid should be stored in the refrigerator.

Cephalexin is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not cephalexin is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for cephalexin to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.

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