Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:
Cephalexin belongs to a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. They are
similar to penicillin in action and side effects. They stop or slow the growth
of bacterial cells by preventing bacteria from forming the cell wall that
surrounds each cell. The cell wall protects bacteria from the external
environment and keeps the contents of the cell together. Without a cell wall,
bacteria are not able to survive. Bacteria that are susceptible to cephalexin
include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae,
E. coli and several others. Cephalexin was approved by the FDA in January 1971.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 250 and 500 mg, and 1 g. Capsules: 250, 333, 500 and
750 mg. Powder for Suspension: 125 and 250 mg/5 ml.
STORAGE: Tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature, 15-30°C
(59-86°F). Suspensions should be refrigerated and discarded after 14 days.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Cephalexin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria
that are susceptible to the effects of cephalexin. Common infections that are
treated with cephalexin include infections of the
middle ear,
tonsils,
throat,
larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis) and pneumonia. It also is used for
treating urinary tract, skin, and bone infections.
DOSING: The dose of cephalexin for adults is 1 to 4 grams in divided doses.
Children are treated with 25-100 mg/kg/day in divided doses. The dosing interval
may be every 6 or 12 hours depending on the infection.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Serious interactions of cephalexin with other drugs are
uncommon.
PREGNANCY: There are no good studies of cephalexin in pregnant women.
Cephalexin should only be used during
pregnancy if there are no other safe
alternatives.
NURSING MOTHERS: Most cephalosporins are excreted in breast milk. Nursing
mothers should avoid using cephalosporins or stop
breastfeeding while taking a
cephalosporin.
Cephalexin, like almost all antibiotics, may cause mild or severe cases of
pseudomembranous colitis, a mild to severe inflammation of the colon.
Antibiotics, including cephalexin alter the normal flora of the colon and permit
overgrowth of a bacterium called Clostridium difficile. Studies indicate that a
toxin produced by Clostridium difficile is a primary cause of
pseudomembranous
colitis.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the kidney, ureter, bladder, and/or urethra. Not
everyone with a UTI has symptoms. Common symptoms include a frequent urge to
urinate and a painful, burning when urinating.
Most sore throats are caused by viruses or mechanical causes (such as mouth breathing) and can be treated successfully at home. However, a person should be seen by a health care professional if they have a sore throat that has a rapid onset, and is associated with a fever or tenderness of the front of the neck; a sore throat that causes the person to have difficulty swallowing (not just pain swallowing) or breathing; or if a sore throat lasts for more than a week.
Strep throat is a sore throat caused by a bacterium called streptococcus (strep) that can be treated through antibiotics. Common symptoms of strep throat include pinkeye, runny nose, skin rash, cough, hoarseness, diarrhea and more. Complications of untreated strep throat include middle ear infections, meningitis, pneumonia, rheumatic fever, and more.
Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticuli in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the tissues that surround the colon. Diverticulitis symptoms include: abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Treatment methods include prescription medications, and in some cases, diverticulitis surgery.
Ingrown hairs may be caused by improper shaving, waxing or blockage of the hair follicle. Symptoms and signs of ingrown hairs include itching, tenderness, and small red pus bumps. Ingrown hairs usually heal on their own, but topical antibiotics, chemical depilatories, and hair-removal laser may be used in the treatment of ingrown hairs.
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium, and is one of the most common causes of infection of the colon. C. difficile spores are found frequently in hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, and nurseries for newborn infants. They can be found on bedpans, furniture, toilet seats, linens, telephones, stethoscopes, fingernails, rings, floors, infants' rooms, and diaper pails. They even can be carried by pets. Antibiotic-associated (C. difficile) colitis is an infection of the colon caused by C. difficile that occurs primarily among individuals who have been using antibiotics. Treatment for C. difficile colitis hydration, replenishment of electrolyte deficiencies, discontinuing the antibiotic that caused the colitis, and using antibiotics to eradicate the C. difficile bacterium.
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection caused by staph and strep bacteria. There are two types of impetigo: non-bullous and bullous. Symptoms of non-bullous impetigo include small blisters on the nose, face, arms, or legs and possibly swollen glands. Bullous impetigo symptoms include blisters in various areas, particularly in the buttocks area. Treatment involves gentle cleansing, removing the crusts of popped blisters, and the application of prescription-strength mupirocin antibiotic ointment.
Jock itch is an itchy red rash that appears in the groin area. The rash may be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. People with diabetes and those who are obese are more susceptible to developing jock itch. Antifungal shampoos, creams, and pills may be needed to treat fungal jock itch. Bacterial jock itch may be treated with antibacterial soaps and topical and oral antibiotics.
Folliculitis is a skin condition that causes small red bumps to form around the hair follicles. Skin bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas my infect the follicles. Treatment involves over-the-counter bacterial washes, topical antibiotics, and/or topical steroids.
Middle ear infection or inflammation (otitis media) is inflammation fo the middle ear. There are two types of otitis media, acute and chronic. Acute otitis media is generally short in duration, and chronic otitis media generally lasts several weeks. Seventy-five percent of children in the U.S. suffer from otitis media at some point. Treatment depends upon the type (chronic or acute).
Impetigo (pronounced im-puh-TIE-go) is a contagious, superficial infection of the skin caused by staphylococcus (Staph) and streptococcus (Strep) bacteria. Impetigo is more common in children (especially 2-
to 5-year-olds) than in adults. Impetigo is most likely to occur in warm and humid environments and is most commonly spread by close contact (such as family members).
What are the types of impetigo, and what are impetigo symptoms
and signs? What does impetigo look like?
There are two kinds of impetigo:
Non-bullous impetigo: This is the common form, caused by both Staph and
Strep bacteria. This form initially presents as small red papules similar to insect bites. These lesions rapidly evolve to small blisters and then to pustules that finally scab over with a characteristic honey-colored crust. This entire process takes about one week. These lesions often st...
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