Cephalexin (Keflex^®, Biocef^®) is a prescription antibiotic licensed to treat a number of common infections. Specifically, it is used for preventing heart valve infections and treating various types of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, skin infections, and respiratory tract infections.

 

Cephalexin is part of a class of drugs called cephalosporins. It prevents bacteria from making and maintaining their cell wall. By affecting the cell wall of bacteria, cephalexin eventually causes the bacteria to die and stops the spread of infection in the body.

 

Before you start taking cephalexin, information on antibiotic use should be reviewed with your healthcare provider to help minimize risks during the treatment process. For example, it is important that you complete your entire prescription, even if you start feeling better (to ensure that the infection is completely treated). You should also talk to your healthcare provider before using cephalexin if you have kidney disease or kidney failure, are pregnant, or will be having surgery.