Dosing
CrCl > 80: 250 mg - 1000 mg q 6 h po.
CrCl 80-50: 250 mg - 1000 mg q 6 h po.
CrCl 50-10: 250 mg - 1000 mg q 8-12 h po.
CrCl < 10: 250 mg - 1000 mg q 24- 48 h po.
Hemodialysis: 250 mg - 1000 mg after dialysis.
Peritoneal dialysis: na.
Important side effects
Important drug interactions
Concomitant cephalexin and cholestyramine reduces cephalexin absorption.
Rants and Screeds
Pearls
As you double the oral dose, you double the serum levels. Many patients tolerate 1 gm po qid (peak of 32 ug/ml) and may remove the need for iv therapy of mild to moderate cellulitis.
Treatment of choice
Use for
Streptococci of all types and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus.
Bronchitis, Cellulitis, Cystic fibrosis, dental prophylaxis, Diverticulosis/itis, Osteomyelitis, Otitis media, Peritonitis, Pharyngitis, Pneumonia, Prostatitis, Sinusitis, UTI.
Don't use for
Class
First-generation cephalosporin.
Last Update: 08/26/19.