Most cephalexin side effects are minor and can easily be treated by your healthcare provider. Common side effects experienced by both adults and children include upset stomach, headache, and dizziness. Other side effects -- like hives, severe rash, and throat or mouth sores -- are potentially serious. If you have any of these cephalexin side effects, stop taking the drug and call your healthcare provider.
An Introduction to Cephalexin Side Effects
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with
cephalexin (
Keflex®,
Biocef®). But not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate cephalexin quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(The cephalexin side effects discussed below are not a complete list of reported side effects. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
Common Cephalexin Side Effects
Cephalexin has been studied extensively in clinical trials, with thousands of people worldwide having been evaluated. In these studies, side effects are always documented and compared to people not taking the medicine. The most common side effects with cephalexin occurring in either adults or children included:
Serious Cephalexin Side Effects
Some cephalexin side effects can indicate a potentially serious complication. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking cephalexin and call your healthcare provider. These side effects include but are not limited to:
- Hives
- Severe or watery diarrhea
- Blood in stools
- Throat or mouth sores
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
- Severe rash
- Itching
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the throat
- Peeling of the skin.
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