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Antimicrobials
Cephalexin

Cephalexin

Low
Excellent (90 to 100%)
$ (<$25/day)

Spectrum of Activity

General Spectrum of Activity
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Dosing

General Information

  • Multivitamins/Minerals: 
    • May decrease the serum concentration of Cephalexin
    • Specifically, the zinc contained in many multivitamins may decrease cephalexin absorption
    • Management: Consider administering multivitamins at least 3 hours after cephalexin
  • Zinc Salts: 
    • May decrease the absorption of Cephalexin
    • Management: Consider administering oral zinc salts at least 3 hours after cephalexin
  • Absorption: Rapid (90%)
  • Distribution: 
    • Widely into most body tissues and fluids, including gallbladder, liver, kidneys, bone, sputum, bile, and pleural and synovial fluids
    • CSF penetration is poor
  • Protein Binding: 10% to 15%
  • Half-Life Elimination: 0.5-1.2 hrs
  • Time to Peak, Serum: ~1 hour
  • Excretion: Urine (>90% as unchanged drug)