If you are taking Cephalexin you may experience one or more of the following allergic reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening. Most often, however, reactions are quite mild: itching, rashes, occasional fever, chills, and reactions of one or more of the components of the blood. Serios reactions are called anaphylactic reactions; although they are quite rare, some deaths have been reported from anaphylactic reactions to this or another member of the cephalosporin class.
Cautions and Warnings
If you know that you are allergic or feel that you might be allergice to Penicillin, you should avoid taking Cephalexin because of the chance that you will be allergic to it too. The most common allergic effect experienced with any of the antibiotics similar to Penicillin is a hivelike rash over large areas of the body with itching and redness. It is extremely important that you tell your doctor if you have ever taken this drug or any of the penicillins before, and if you have experienced any adverse effects to the drug such as rash, itching, or difficulty in breathing. The safe use of Cephalexin in pregnant females has not been definitely established and it should be used only if there is a specific need for it, since it is possible that this drug may cross the blood barrier into the unborn child. These drugs will also pass into the milk of a nursing mother.
Possible Adverse Drug Effects
Cephalexin and other cephalosporin antibiotics have been known to induce adverse effects on the blood system; it is the others that have been more definitely associated with decrease in kidney function. Taking Cephalexin induces nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in about one-third of patients. Less frequent adverse effects: cramps in the abdomen, upset stomach, headache, not feeling well, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, tingling in the extremities, and (occasional) enlargement of the liver.
Drug Interactions
Cephalexin, which works by killing microorganisms which cause infections, may be inhibited by antibiotics, such as Erythromycin and Tetracycline, which do not kill but simply stop the growth of microorganisms. The two types should not be taken together. Probenecid will slow down the excretion rate of cephalosporins.
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