Antibiotic for Skin, Urinary, and Bacterial Infections
Cephalexin
(generic Lotrimin™)
What is this medication?
Cephalexin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in different parts of the body. It belongs to a class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics, which work by breaking down the outer structure of bacteria. This prevents the bacteria from growing and allows your body to clear the infection.
This medication may be prescribed for infections such as:
Skin and soft tissue infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Respiratory infections
Ear infections
Other bacterial infections as determined by your provider
Cephalexin only treats bacterial infections and will not work for viral illnesses such as the common cold or flu.
This medication should only be used when prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.
SOLO: Not Included
DUO: Not Included
QUAD: 42 Capsules; 500mg
When should this medication be used?
Your provider may recommend using this medication if you experience symptoms such as:
Redness, swelling, or warmth of the skin
Painful or worsening skin infections
Burning with urination or urinary urgency
Fever with suspected bacterial infection
Persistent symptoms that are not improving
Do not start this medication unless your provider has instructed you to do so.
Do not use antibiotics for viral illnesses such as the common cold or flu.
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Follow the directions on your prescription label and the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
General guidance for safe use:
Take the medication exactly as prescribed
Take with or without food (take with food if it causes stomach upset)
Swallow capsules with a full glass of water
Space doses evenly throughout the day
Complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better
Do not take more or less than prescribed.
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
If it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose
Do not take two doses at the same time
If you are unsure what to do, contact your provider or pharmacist.
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While taking cephalexin:
Tell all healthcare providers that you are taking this medication
Do not take longer than prescribed, as this may lead to a secondary infection
If you are on long-term therapy, your provider may monitor lab work
This medication may affect certain lab tests, including urine glucose testing
Contact your provider if symptoms do not improve or worsen
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Cephalexin may interact with other medications and affect how they work.
Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, and herbal products.
Examples of potential interactions include:
Probenecid: May increase cephalexin levels in the body
Other antibiotics: May alter effectiveness
Medications that affect kidney function
If you are unsure whether your medications may interact, contact your provider or pharmacist.
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Store at room temperature in a dry place
Keep medication in its original labeled packaging
Carry medication in your carry-on when traveling
Do not expose to excessive heat or moisture
Only start the medication when instructed by your provider
Do not share this medication with others
Important Safety Information
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Cephalexin can cause serious side effects in some individuals.
Stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical care if you experience:
Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing
Severe skin reactions with blistering or peeling (rare but serious)
Severe or persistent diarrhea, especially if watery or bloody (possible C. diff infection)
Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe fatigue (possible liver issues)
Confusion, hallucinations, or seizures
Unusual bruising, bleeding, or extreme fatigue
Trouble urinating or significant changes in urine output
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Stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical care if you experience:
You develop signs of a severe allergic reaction
You experience severe or bloody diarrhea
You notice yellowing of the skin or eyes
You develop severe skin blistering or rash
You experience confusion, hallucinations, or seizures
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Do not take this medication if you:
Are allergic to cephalexin or other cephalosporin antibiotics
Have had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin or similar antibiotics (discuss with your provider)
Are taking medications that your provider has identified as unsafe with cephalexin
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Have a history of medication allergies
Have kidney disease or reduced kidney function
Have diabetes (especially if using urine glucose tests)
Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
Are taking other medications or supplements
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Common side effects may include:
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Nausea or vomiting
Serious (seek medical care immediately):
Severe allergic reaction
Severe diarrhea or abdominal pain
Severe skin reactions
Neurological symptoms such as confusion or seizures
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Symptoms of overdose may include:
Severe nausea or vomiting
Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Seizures in severe cases
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical care or contact poison control.
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Dispose of unused or expired medication properly:
Do not flush down the toilet unless instructed
Do not pour into drains
Use a medication take-back program if available
If no program is available, mix with an undesirable substance (such as coffee grounds or cat litter), seal, and dispose in the trash
Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.
Disclaimers
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Some Travel Medical Kits may include prescription antibiotics that have been prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider for emergency use during travel when timely access to medical care may be limited.
These medications are intended to help patients manage certain suspected bacterial infections that may occur during travel when medical evaluation is not immediately available. Antibiotics included in travel kits should only be used according to the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the guidance outlined in your medication safety guide.
Antibiotics are not effective against viral illnesses, including the common cold, influenza, or most sore throats. Using antibiotics when they are not medically necessary can contribute to antibiotic resistance and may expose patients to unnecessary medication risks.
Patients should only begin an antibiotic when symptoms clearly match the guidance provided in the medication instructions or when directed by a licensed healthcare provider.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or do not improve within the expected time frame, patients should seek medical care as soon as possible.
Travel kit antibiotics are intended for short-term use during travel and should not be used for routine illnesses or without appropriate medical guidance.
Patients should never share prescription medications with others and should never take antibiotics that were prescribed for another individual.
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This prescription may have been issued through a telemedicine consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. If you experience severe symptoms, worsening illness, or any concerning reactions while using this medication, contact your prescribing clinician immediately or seek emergency medical care.
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This medication guide summarizes important safety information derived from pharmacy labeling, medication manufacturers, and prescribing references. It is intended to help patients understand the safe use of medications included in the Superior Health & Wellness Travel Medical Kit.
This guide does not contain the complete prescribing information for Cephalexin. Always follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider and the instructions on the pharmacy label that accompanies your prescription.
Medications included in travel medical kits are prescribed only after a clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. Prescriptions are issued based on your medical history, current medications, allergies, and overall health needs. Not all patients will qualify for every medication or kit configuration, and the contents of each kit may vary based on provider discretion and patient suitability.
Some medications included in travel medical kits are commercially manufactured medications dispensed through licensed pharmacies. In certain cases, a medication may be provided as a compounded formulation prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy when a provider determines that a compounded version is medically appropriate for a patient. Compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness but are prepared by licensed pharmacies in accordance with applicable pharmacy regulations.
Travel Medical Kits are intended to provide limited medication support during travel when timely access to medical care may be difficult. These kits are not a substitute for routine medical care, primary care services, or emergency medical treatment. Purchasing a Travel Medical Kit does not establish a primary care relationship with Superior Health & Wellness and does not include ongoing medical supervision beyond the initial provider evaluation used to determine eligibility for the kit.
Patients experiencing severe illness, worsening symptoms, medication reactions, or medical emergencies should seek immediate medical care or contact a licensed healthcare professional.
Medical services and prescriptions offered through Superior Health & Wellness are provided by licensed healthcare professionals in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Prescription medications are dispensed by licensed pharmacies following a valid provider prescription.
Patients are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription medications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.