KEFLEX Capsule Ref.[27460] Active ingredients: Cefalexin

Source: FDA, National Drug Code (US)  Revision Year: 2021 

1. Indications and Usage

1.1 Respiratory Tract Infections

KEFLEX is indicated for the treatment of respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes.

1.2 Otitis Media

KEFLEX is indicated for the treatment of otitis media caused by susceptible isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Moraxella catarrhalis.

1.3 Skin and Skin Structure Infections

KEFLEX is indicated for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible isolates of the following Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

1.4 Bone Infections

KEFLEX is indicated for the treatment of bone infections caused by susceptible isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis.

1.5 Genitourinary Tract Infections

KEFLEX is indicated for the treatment of genitourinary tract infections, including acute prostatitis, caused by susceptible isolates of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

1.6 Usage

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of KEFLEX and other antibacterial drugs, KEFLEX should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information is available, this information should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

2. Dosage and Administration

2.1 Adults and Pediatric Patients at Least 15 Years of Age

The usual dose of oral KEFLEX is 250 mg every 6 hours, but a dose of 500 mg every 12 hours may be administered. Treatment is administered for 7 to 14 days.

For more severe infections larger doses of oral KEFLEX may be needed, up to 4 grams daily in two to four equally divided doses.

2.2 Pediatric Patients (over 1 year of age)

The recommended total daily dose of oral KEFLEX for pediatric patients is 25 to 50 mg/kg given in equally divided doses for 7 to 14 days. In the treatment of β-hemolytic streptococcal infections, duration of at least 10 days is recommended. In severe infections, a total daily dose of 50 to 100 mg/kg may be administered in equally divided doses.

For the treatment of otitis media, the recommended daily dose is 75 to 100 mg/kg given in equally divided doses.

2.3 Dosage Adjustments in Adult and Pediatric Patients at Least 15 Years of Age with Renal Impairment

Administer the following dosing regimens for KEFLEX to patients with renal impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

Table 1. Recommended Dose Regimen for Patients with Renal Impairment:

Renal functionDose regimen recommendation
Creatinine clearance ≥60 mL/min No dose adjustment
Creatinine clearance 30 to 59 mL/min No dose adjustment; maximum daily dose should not exceed 1 g
Creatinine clearance 15 to 29 mL/min 250 mg, every 8 hours or every 12 hours
Creatinine clearance 5 to 14 mL/min not yet on dialysis* 250 mg, every 24 hours
Creatinine clearance 1 to 4 mL/min not yet on dialysis* 250 mg, every 48 hours or every 60 hours

* There is insufficient information to make dose adjustment recommendations in patients on hemodialysis.

10. Overdosage

Symptoms of oral overdose may include nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, diarrhea, and hematuria. In the event of an overdose, institute general supportive measures.

Forced diuresis, peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, or charcoal hemoperfusion have not been established as beneficial for an overdose of cephalexin.

16.2. Storage and Handling

KEFLEX should be stored at 25ºC (77ºF); excursions permitted to 15º to 30ºC (59º to 86ºF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.

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