Keftab

Drug Name

Keftab (Cephalexin)

Drug Uses

Keftab is used for the treatment of bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, the middle ear, the bones, the skin, and the reproductive and urinary systems.

How it is taken

Keftab can be taken by mouth with (to avoid an upset stomach) or without food once every 6 to 12 hours. Keftab is an antibiotic and you must take it at the right time for the complete duration of the treatment to ensure that there is an optimum level of the drug in your body at all times.

Stopping it midway may lead to a relapse and a worse one at that. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Keftab is a cephalosporin which stops or slows the growth of bacterial cells by preventing bacteria from forming the cell wall that surrounds each cell. The bacteria are unable to survive without the cell wall. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, E. coli and several others bacteria are highly susceptible to Keftab.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Keftab then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, or to penicillins or other cephalosporins, kidney disease, intestinal disease (colitis).

You must not take Keftab if you are allergic to any ingredient in it.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Keftab and contact your doctor immediately.

Certain drugs can interact with Keftab and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Keftab is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug or consult your doctor about it.

Keftab may cause certain lab tests to be incorrect. Ensure that your lab personnel know that you are taking the drug.

Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about Keftab before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.

Periodic lab tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

Avoid taking Live Vaccines.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are Stomach upset, headache, fatigue, dizziness, or diarrhea. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; hives; or a rash), rash, redness, or itching, severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, mucous or blood in the stool, unusual bleeding or bruising, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, new signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat or fever), easy bruising/bleeding, change in the amount of urine, severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis), persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool, white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.