Keftab (Cephalexin) — Patient Information (Australia)

Keftab is a brand of cephalexin, an antibiotic medicine used to treat a range of common bacterial infections. This guide explains how cephalexin works, how it is typically taken, what to expect, and important safety information. It is written for consumers in Australia and uses general information only.

Quick overview

• Active ingredient: Cephalexin
• Medicine class: Cephalosporin antibiotic (beta-lactam)
• Common uses: Skin infections, throat infections, urinary tract infections, and others
• How it’s taken: Usually by mouth, as capsules/tablets (strength varies by product)
• Key points: Complete the course even if you feel better; avoid missing doses

Basic product information

How cephalexin works (mechanism of action)

Cephalexin works by interfering with the way bacteria build and maintain their cell walls. Bacteria rely on strong cell walls to survive and multiply. Cephalexin binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are involved in cell wall formation. This weakens the cell wall and leads to bacterial death (often described as bactericidal).

Cephalexin is effective against many Gram-positive organisms and some other susceptible bacteria. It is not useful for viral infections like colds or influenza.

Pharmacokinetics (how the body handles it)

Absorption: Cephalexin is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral dosing. Food can influence how quickly it reaches peak levels, but it generally remains effective when taken with meals.

Distribution: It distributes into body fluids and tissues to reach sites where susceptible bacteria may be present.

Metabolism: Cephalexin is not extensively metabolised.

Elimination: It is primarily cleared by the kidneys (renal excretion). This is why kidney function matters for safe dosing in people with impaired kidney function.

Practical implication: Taking doses at consistent times helps maintain effective antibiotic levels.

Typical uses and indications

Keftab (cephalexin) is commonly used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Typical indications may include:

• Skin and soft tissue infections: e.g., cellulitis, infected wounds, impetigo, and certain abscess-related infections (as directed by clinicians)
• Respiratory tract infections: e.g., some cases of strep throat (depending on local guidance and organism susceptibility)
• Ear, nose, and throat infections: some bacterial infections where cephalexin is appropriate
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): including uncomplicated UTIs when caused by susceptible organisms
• Bone/joint or other complicated infections: in selected situations and usually guided by clinical assessment

Always use antibiotics only for infections that are likely to be bacterial. When available, laboratory testing (such as culture and sensitivity) helps confirm that cephalexin is appropriate.

When to take it (timing and dose schedule)

The dosing schedule depends on the infection type, severity, age, and kidney function. For many adult regimens, cephalexin is taken in divided doses, often four times daily.

General timing tips

• Space doses evenly: If taking four times daily, aim for roughly every 6 hours while awake.
• Be consistent: Try to take doses at similar times each day.
• Finish the course: Stopping early can allow bacteria to survive and may increase risk of recurrence.
• Follow the instructions on the packaging: Directions can vary between strengths and formulations.

If you miss a dose

• Take it as soon as you remember.
• If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time.
• Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.

Food interactions (what to take with meals)

Cephalexin can generally be taken with or without food. However, food may help reduce stomach upset for some people.

• If you get nausea: consider taking it with a meal or snack.
• Maintain routine: choose a consistent approach (with meals or on an empty stomach) that you tolerate well.

Alcohol and medicine interactions

While cephalexin does not have a classic “disulfiram-like” reaction with alcohol, it is still best to limit alcohol during treatment. Alcohol can worsen side effects such as dizziness, stomach irritation, and dehydration, and can interfere with recovery.

Possible medicine interactions

Cephalexin is not known for extensive interactions, but it can still affect and be affected by other medicines. Let your healthcare professional or pharmacist know about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter products and supplements.

• Probenecid: may reduce renal clearance and increase cephalexin levels.
• Other medicines affecting kidneys: may require monitoring if kidney function is reduced.
• Warfarin or other anticoagulants: antibiotics can alter gut bacteria and may affect INR in some people; monitoring may be needed.

If you use anticoagulants, it’s especially important to monitor for unusual bleeding or bruising and follow clinical monitoring plans.

Dosing (what strength and how much)

Cephalexin dosing varies with the infection and patient factors. The table below provides general examples only. Always follow the specific instructions provided with your medicine and clinical plan.

How long to take Keftab

Courses vary widely by condition. Some infections may improve within a few days, but treatment often continues for several days to prevent relapse. Your clinician will usually specify the intended duration.

• If you feel better early: continue until the full course is finished.
• If you don’t improve: seek medical advice promptly rather than extending or stopping without guidance.

Safety profile (side effects and when to get help)

Most people tolerate cephalexin well, but side effects can occur. Some symptoms are mild and temporary, while others require urgent attention.

Common side effects

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea, vomiting or stomach discomfort
• Headache
• Skin rash
• Vaginal yeast infection (in some people)

Serious side effects — seek urgent medical help

• Signs of allergy (anaphylaxis): trouble breathing, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, widespread hives, or fainting
• Severe skin reactions: blistering, peeling skin, mouth sores, or a rapidly worsening rash
• Severe or persistent diarrhoea: watery stool, blood or mucus, or diarrhoea lasting beyond what is expected
• Severe liver-related symptoms: yellowing of the skin/eyes, dark urine, or severe fatigue

If you suspect an allergic reaction, do not take further doses until you have sought urgent advice.

Who should be extra cautious

• People with a history of allergy to cephalosporins, penicillin, or other beta-lactam antibiotics
• Those with kidney impairment (dose adjustments may be needed)
• History of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea or bowel disease
• People taking blood thinners (monitoring may be needed)

Practical use tips for best results

• Take at regular intervals: even spacing helps maintain antibacterial activity.
• Use reminders: phone alarms or pill organisers can reduce missed doses.
• Hydrate: adequate fluids may help if you experience mild gastrointestinal side effects.
• Don’t share medicine: antibiotics are not interchangeable between infections.
• Monitor your symptoms: note temperature, pain, redness, swelling, or urinary symptoms and seek advice if worsening.
• Complete the course: finishing protects against recurrence and helps reduce antibiotic resistance.

What to expect during treatment

Many bacterial infections start improving within 48 to 72 hours after starting an effective antibiotic. However, improvement can vary depending on the infection type and severity.

• Skin infections: redness and pain may take a few days to settle.
• Throat infections: pain and fever often reduce within a couple of days.
• UTIs: burning or urgency may improve quickly, though complete resolution requires the full course.

If there is no improvement, symptoms worsen, or you develop new concerning signs (especially fever returning, spreading redness, severe diarrhoea), contact a healthcare professional.

Alternative options

If cephalexin is not suitable (for example due to allergy, resistance patterns, or the infection being caused by an organism that is not susceptible), alternative antibiotic choices may be considered by a clinician. Which option is appropriate depends on the infection and local guidelines.

Common alternative antibiotic classes (examples)

• Penicillins: for certain susceptible infections (choice depends on allergy history)
• Other cephalosporins: in some cases
• Macrolides or clindamycin: may be used when appropriate and guided by susceptibility
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or nitrofurantoin: sometimes for selected UTIs

Don’t switch antibiotics on your own. If you suspect the medicine isn’t working, seek advice.

Australia: market and legal context

In Australia, antibiotic availability and prescribing practices are regulated to protect public health and reduce antibiotic resistance. Cephalexin is an antibiotic medicine and is supplied through appropriate healthcare pathways.

Online pharmacies typically follow Australian requirements regarding medicine supply, identity verification, and delivery. Availability can vary based on product strength and stock levels.

Antibiotic stewardship (recent emphasis)

Australian health guidance continues to emphasise antibiotic stewardship—using the right antibiotic, at the right dose, for the right duration, only when needed.

• Antibiotics should generally be used for confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infections.
• Where possible, testing (such as swabs or urine cultures) helps ensure targeted therapy.
• Patients are encouraged to complete courses to reduce relapse and resistance.

Recent guidance and practical considerations

While local protocols may differ by state and facility, common themes in current Australian practice include:

• Confirm the likely cause: treat bacterial infections; avoid antibiotics for viral illnesses.
• Watch for allergic reactions: especially in people with past beta-lactam allergies.
• Consider kidney function: dose may need adjustment for renal impairment.
• Review if not improving: re-assessment is recommended if symptoms do not improve in the expected timeframe.

Your pharmacist can also advise on side-effect management and safe use based on your medicines list.

Delivery and availability (online pharmacy experience)

Availability of Keftab (cephalexin) can depend on stock, strength, and formulation. Many online pharmacies in Australia provide options such as:

• Home delivery: delivery times vary by location and courier service
• Packaging: medicines are typically shipped in sealed packaging with product labelling
• Cold chain: most cephalexin tablets/capsules do not require refrigeration, but always follow storage directions on the label
• Tracking: some services provide delivery tracking updates

If you need the medicine urgently or have concerns about delivery timing, contact customer service before ordering where possible.

Storage advice

• Store at room temperature as directed on the packaging.
• Keep medicines in the original container to protect from moisture and maintain identification.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date.

FAQ — Keftab (Cephalexin)

1) Is Keftab used for colds or flu?

No. Colds and flu are usually viral. Antibiotics like cephalexin only treat bacterial infections.

2) How soon will I feel better?

Many people begin to feel improvement within 48–72 hours if the infection is bacterial and the organism is susceptible. If you don’t improve, or symptoms worsen, contact a healthcare professional.

3) Can I take Keftab with food?

Yes. Cephalexin can generally be taken with or without food. If you experience nausea or stomach upset, taking it with a meal may help.

4) Can I drink alcohol while taking cephalexin?

It’s best to limit alcohol during treatment. While there isn’t a commonly used “hard stop” interaction, alcohol can increase side effects and may slow recovery.

5) What should I do if I get diarrhoea?

Mild diarrhoea can occur. Drink fluids and consider pharmacist advice. Seek urgent medical help if diarrhoea is severe, persistent, contains blood, or comes with fever or significant abdominal pain.

6) What if I’m allergic to penicillin?

Some people with penicillin allergies may also react to cephalosporins. Tell your pharmacist or healthcare professional about any past beta-lactam allergy (including penicillin and cephalosporins) before starting. If you have signs of an allergic reaction, get urgent help.

7) Can cephalexin affect birth control or pregnancy?

Cephalexin is not generally known to directly reduce effectiveness of oral contraceptives. If vomiting or severe diarrhoea occurs, absorption may be affected—use additional contraception and seek advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations should be discussed with a clinician.

8) Can I take Keftab if I have kidney problems?

Possibly, but dosing may need adjustment and monitoring may be required. Tell your pharmacist or prescriber about kidney impairment so safe dosing can be chosen.

9) Are probiotics helpful?

Some people choose to take probiotics to support gut health during antibiotics. Evidence varies, and individual suitability depends on your health. Ask a pharmacist if you’re considering probiotics, especially if you have immune system conditions.

10) What if I’m taking other medicines?

Check with your pharmacist if you take anticoagulants (like warfarin), probenecid, or other medicines that may affect kidney function. Always provide a full list of your medicines and supplements.

Need help choosing or using Keftab?

If you’re unsure whether cephalexin is suitable for your symptoms, or you have questions about dosing schedule, side effects, or interactions with your current medicines, speak with a pharmacist.