Introduction to Cefalexin: Its Side Effects and Functions

Cefalexin is an essential medication commonly found in most households' medicine cabinets. As a frequently used drug in clinical medicine, it can be utilized in various treatments, making it likely that many individuals have taken it to address various health issues. This article aims to provide an overview of what cefalexin is, its side effects, and its functions.

1. What is Cefalexin?

Cefalexin is a commonly used antibiotic primarily targeting bacterial infections. Common applications include respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, and skin infections. It is essential to follow doctor's instructions when using this medication and avoid self-medication. Without a clear diagnosis of bacterial infection, taking antibiotics orally can be harmful, affecting the immune system and potentially causing allergic reactions. Regarding when to take cefalexin, it is recommended to take it half an hour after meals to minimize gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

2. Functions of Cefalexin

Cefalexin drugs have a wide range of antibacterial activity, strong antibacterial ability, few adverse reactions, low toxicity, and good effectiveness, making them one of the fastest-growing antibiotics. Up to now, they have developed into the fifth generation. Cefalexin drugs primarily work by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, leading to bacterial expansion, rupture, and self-dissolution. There are various types of cefalexin drugs, including both injectable and oral formulations, making them widely used in clinical settings. Clinically, they can be used to treat sensitive bacterial infections in various systems, such as upper and lower respiratory infections, digestive system infections, urinary and reproductive system infections, ear, nose, and throat infections, brain infections, gynecological infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and bone and joint infections.

3. Side Effects of Cefalexin

Common side effects of cefalexin include gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, or diarrhea. It can also cause allergic reactions manifesting as rashes, drug eruptions, erythema, and urticaria. Additionally, it may lead to mental symptoms like headache, dizziness, lack of energy, and a general feeling of being unwell. In severe cases, it can even cause urinary difficulties or allergic shock.