Various Uses for Keflex (Cephalexin)

Below is a list of common conditions treated with the antibacterial drug, Keflex (cephalexin); however, it’s not an exhaustive list as this drug can be used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections and can even be used as a preventative measure. The below conditions are simply what is more commonly seen in both adults and children.

Respiratory Tract Infections

When the infection is caused by Streptococcus pneumonia and Streptococcus pyogenes, Keflex can be used to treat it. The respiratory tract includes everything from nasal passageways to the cilia in the lungs. Wherever the air goes is part of the respiratory tract. Bacterial infections here generally start in the nasal and throat passageways. While penicillin is more popular for treatment against streptococci infections, Keflex has been proven beneficial in patients whose bacteria is primarily in the nasopharynx and who may have either a sensitivity or a high tolerance to penicillin.

Otitis Media

This is primarily found in children, but adults are not excluded. It’s an infection in the middle ear and generally is caused by water and several types of bacteria getting into the canal. This condition causes severe symptoms like ear pain, imbalance, drainage, headache, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and irritability. It can even lead to hearing loss. The main bacteria of otitis media include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Keflex successfully treats all of these strains.

Skin and Skin Structure Infections

These are usually caused by streptococci strains, including Streptococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, that are resistant to methicillin and penicillin. The severity depends on whether it’s labeled a complicated or uncomplicated bacterial infection by the Food and Drug Administration guidelines. They can cause anything from skin abscesses and blisters to infections involving the deeper tissues. Higher doses of Keflex can be used to treat these infections depending on the severity.

Bone Infections

Bacterial bone infections caused by Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus are treated with Keflex. This is generally termed as osteomyelitis and can occur in any age group or gender. The most common sites are in the spine, feet and pelvis in adults and the ends of bones in children. When the bacteria moves from the bloodstream into the bone, it causes symptoms like pain over the area, inability to bear weight or walk, fever, chills, and skin redness. It can lead to some major deficits if left untreated.

Genitourinary Infections

Genitourinary conditions can happen anywhere from the kidneys to the prostate in men. It’s caused by strains of bacteria including Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli moving into the genitourinary tract. There are a variety of symptoms for GU infections and it depends on where the site of the infection is. All of these can be treated with varying doses of Keflex as well.

Of note, to avoid building a resistance to certain groups of antibiotics, it’s important not to overuse these medications in patients who have frequent infections.