Cephalexin ( ZYD ) ( Cefalexin ) Uses, Side Effects, and More

 Cephalexin (ZYD) (Cefalexin)

Brand name:-  Cephacillin 250,500mg cap; Sporidex, Alcephin,Cephaxin cap.

Cephalexin (also called Cefalexin)  is the most common used orally effective first generation cephalosporin , similar in spectrum to cefazolin , but less active against penicillinase producing staphylococci and H. Influenza. Plasma protein binding is low; it attains High concentration in bile and is excreted unchanged in urine; t½ - 60min.

Pharmacodynamic:- 

Cephalexin (also called Cefalexin) is a first generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics, often used for the treatment of superficial infections that result as complications of minor wounds or lacerations.Label It is effective against most gram-positive bacteria through its inihibition of the cross linking reaction between N-acetyl muramicacid and N-acetylglucosamine in the cell wall, leading to cell lysis.

Pharmacokinetics:-

Cephalexin is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract with oral administration. Absorption is slightly reduced when it is taken with food and the medication can be taken without regard for meals. Peak levels of cefalexin occur about 1 hour after administration. Maximal levels of cefalexin increase approximately linearly over a dose range of 250 to 1,000 mg.

Like most other cephalosporins, cefalexin is not metabolized or otherwise inactivated in the body.

The elimination half-life of cefalexin is approximately 30 to 60 minutes in people with normal renal function. Therapeutic levels of cefalexin with oral administration are maintained for 6 to 8 hours. For this reason, cefalexin is typically administered once every 6 to 12 hours depending on the indication.More than 90% of cefalexin is excreted unchanged in the urine within 8 hours.

Mechanicsm of action:- 

Cefalexin is a beta-lactam antibiotic of the cephalosporin family. It is bactericidal and acts by inhibiting synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall.As cefalexin closely resembles d-alanyl-d-alanine, an amino acid ending on the peptidoglycan layer of the cell wall, it is able to irreversibly bind to the active site of PBP, which is essential for the synthesis of the cell wall.It is most active against gram-positive cocci, and has moderate activity against some gram-negative bacilli.However, some bacterial cells have the enzyme β-lactamase, which hydrolyzes the beta-lactam ring, rendering the drug inactive. This contributes to antibacterial resistance towards cefalexin.

Used:-

used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

 side effects:- 

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of CEPHALEXIN(ZYD)

•Rash

•Stomach pain

•Nausea

•Indigestion

•Diarrhea

• Vomitin

Dose:-  0.25-1g 6-8 hourly ( children 25-100mg /kg/day).