Understanding when Keflex should not be used is essential for your child's safety. Most importantly, avoid this medication if your child has had serious allergic reactions to cephalosporin antibiotics or severe immediate reactions to penicillin.
Keflex contraindications include absolute restrictions (cephalosporin allergies) and relative cautions (severe immediate penicillin reactions, severe renal impairment). Its excellent safety profile and minimal drug interactions make it one of the safest antibiotics for most children.
Any history of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to cephalexin or other cephalosporin antibiotics
History of immediate anaphylactic reaction to penicillin antibiotics within 1 hour of administration
This medication is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed. However, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding and need to give this medication to your child, it's always a good idea to discuss this with your healthcare provider to ensure it's the best choice for your specific situation.
Specific drugs: See description
Effect: Increased cephalexin levels and prolonged half-life
How it happens: Blocks renal tubular secretion of cephalexin
Management: Monitor for increased side effects; dose reduction may be needed
Specific drugs: See description
Effect: Slight increase in metformin levels
How it happens: Possible competition for renal elimination pathways
Management: Monitor blood glucose more closely if applicable
Specific drugs: See description
Effect: Theoretical slight reduction in contraceptive efficacy
How it happens: Possible minimal disruption of enterohepatic circulation
Management: Consider backup contraception if concerned
No information available
No information available
Frequency
Continuous during first dose, then daily
Frequency
Daily monitoring
Frequency
Monitor response to therapy
Frequency
Monitor symptoms, labs if indicated