Cefalexin or cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is an orally administered agent with a similar antimicrobial spectrum to the intravenous agents cefalotin and cefazolin. It is commonly marketed under the trade name Keflex or Sporidex.

Cefalexin Indications

Cefalexin is used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections (including sinusitis, otitis media, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, and bronchitis), and skin and soft tissue infections. In addition to being a rational first-line treatment for cellulitis, it is a useful alternative to penicillins in patients with penicillin hypersensitivity. It is marketed by generic pharmaceutical manufacturers under a wide range of brand names, including: Apo-Cephalex, Biocef, Cefanox, Ceporex, Cephabos, Cilex, Ialex, Ibilex, Kefexin, Keflet, Keflex, Keforal, Keftab, Keftal, Lopilexin, Larixin, Novo-Lexin, Ospexin, Zephalexin, Panixine Disperdose and Sporidex. A version of Keflex 750 mg capsules is marketed for twice-daily dosage, to improve patients compliance. However, it is not a sustained release formulation, and since it is more expensive than the older strengths, some physicians prescribe three 250 mg capsules to be taken twice daily, as a cheaper alternative.