General information

Keftab (Cephalexin) is a semisynthetic broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic of the first generation. It works via inhibiting the third and last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis by preferably binding to specific proteins (PBPs) that are located inside the bacterial cell wall. It is aimed to treat or prevent a range of infections proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. It is effective against Gram-positive pathogens. It is aimed to treat such diseases as respiratory tract infections caused by streptococcus pneumoniae and streptococcus pyogenes; otitis media due to streptococcus pneumoniae, haemophilus influenzae, staphylococcusaureus, streptococcus pyogenes, moraxella catarrhalis; skin and skin structure infections caused by staphylococcusaureus and/or streptococcus pyogenes; bone infections caused by staphylococcusaureus and/or proteus mirabilis; genitourinary tract infections, including acute prostatitis, caused by escherichia coli, proteus mirabilis, and klebsiella pneumonia. Keftab is not effective against viral infections such as the common cold or flu.

Directions

Take this medication exactly as your doctor has prescribed it. Determine a proper dosage that best suits your condition. You must carefully follow all directions given to you. Avoid exceeding your dose or taking the medication longer than it was advised by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water. This medication is not chewed, crushed or broken while taking. If you feel better after a few days of the treatment, you should still continue taking this medicine. It is important to complete the full course.

Precautions

Before taking Keftab tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to penicillins or other cephalosporins. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions. This medication is prescribed cautiously if you anamnesis contains a history of severe kidney disease, intestinal disease (colitis), peptic or intestinal ulcer, diabetes or if you are malnourished. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Do not drink alcohol. Pay attention to a possibility of suffering from pseudomembranous colitis (a colon inflammation caused by eradication of the normal gut flora by antibiotics). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids, meals, food supplements and other medications you are allowed to take.

Contraindications

Keftab is contraindicated in patients showing hypersensitivity to any component of the medicine and other cephalosporin antibiotics (Ceclor, Ceftin, Cefzil, Duricef, Fortaz, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax) and penicillins. This medication is administered cautiously in patients suffering from chronic renal insufficiency, colitis, diabetes. Kefatb is not given to pregnant and breastfeeding women or patients that suffer from malnutrition.

Possible side effect

Most regular side effects that are mild and transient include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, colitis, inflammation of the bowel, painful joints, vaginal discharge. More serious side effects include: fatigue, bloody and water diarrhea, strong allergic reactions such as rash or hives, swelling of face, lips, eyelids, tongue, throat, difficulty in swallowing, difficulty breathing, skin itching, vaginal itching, seizures (epileptic fits), high fever, migraines, agitation, mental confusions, hallucinations. This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Others may occur in some people and there may be some side effects not known yet. In case you have experienced any side effect not listed above, immediately notify your doctor or local poison centre.

Drug interactions

In case you are not confident whether this medicinal product is compatible with other medicines or supplements, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist. It is not advisable to combine the usage of this product with other drugs of similar class without your doctor’s permission as it may result in a serious aggravation. Generally Keftab is able to interact with a class of antidiabetic drugs of the biguanide class used to treat type II diabetes such as metformin (Glucophage XR, Riomet, Fortamet, Glumetza, Obimet, Gluformin, Dianben, Diabex, and Diaformin); with a class of uricosuric drug used in the treatment of gout and hyperuricemia such as probenecid (Benuryl, Benemid, Probalan; with blood thinners (anticoagulants) such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven, Marevan, Lawarin, Waran, and Warfant).

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose, do it as soon as you remember. Avoid taking the medicine if it is too late or almost the time for your next dose. Never increase the recommended dose. You can take your dose next day at the time you are used to take it on a regular basis.

Overdose

If you suspect you have used too much of this medication, seek emergency medical attention right away. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention. The most common symptoms of overdose include: seizures, allergic reactions such as skin rash, hives, itching, swelling of the tongue, face, lips, throat, colpitis, diarrhea, nausea, emesis, dyspepsia, hematuria. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Storage

This medication is stored in a cool dry place at temperature between 15-25 C (59-77 F), away from sources of sunlight, heat and moisture. Do not store this drug in the bathroom. Keep this product out of the reach of children and pets. Do not apply any unused capsules after 14 days.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.