Keflex 500mg

Forms and dosages

Keflex is supplied as hard capsules (250mg, 500mg and 750mg) and as a powder for oral suspension for children or adults who cannot swallow capsules. The usual adult dose is 250mg every 6 hours or 500mg every 12 hours, increased to 500mg every 6 hours for more severe infections, with a maximum of 4g per day. According to the prescribing information, courses typically run 7 to 14 days, and the dose must be reduced in patients with a creatinine clearance below 60mL/min. Capsules may be taken with or without food.

Indications

Keflex is approved for respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes, otitis media, skin and skin-structure infections caused by staphylococci and streptococci, bone infections, and genitourinary infections including acute prostatitis. In practice it is a first-line option for uncomplicated cellulitis, impetigo and streptococcal pharyngitis in penicillin-tolerant patients, and a common choice for uncomplicated cystitis. According to clinical guidelines, a culture should be considered before starting therapy when the pathogen is uncertain, and a doctor should reassess if there is no improvement within 48 to 72 hours.