What is cephalexin
Cephalexin is an antibiotic that belongs to the group cephalosporin and is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections including of the skin, respiratory tract, urinary tract infections, and bone infections as well. It is also called Keflex. In addition, it could be taken orally in the form of tablets, capsules, or some other forms. That works to kill the bacteria by interfering in its normal functioning and metabolism to eradicate the infection from your body.
What is amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that is used for the treatment of all kinds of bacterial infections. It works by preventing the growth of bacteria or all the conditions by which bacteria could grow are changed to make them inhibited. Amoxicillin belongs to the family of penicillin. Furthermore, it is widely used for the treatment of pneumonia, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, or any kind of infection spread in the body due to bacteria. Besides this, it is an internationally proven antibiotic that belongs to the family of penicillin.
Differences between cephalexin and amoxicillin
Some of the differences between cephalexin and amoxicillin are enlisted as:
- They vary in the spectrum of their activity as amoxicillin is more effective in its functioning. And also used to treat a broad range of bacterial infections that couldn’t be covered by Keflex.
- Cephalexin is being used to treat gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
- The process of administration is also different in both. As amoxicillin could be taken in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid form, or injections. But Keflex could be taken orally only.
- Side effects of amoxicillin are adverse as compared to Keflex. Amoxicillin causes allergic reactions in the body that is not observed by using Keflex.
- The dosage of both of these is also different. As amoxicillin is taken 2 times a day in most cases irrespective of some severe cases. Whereas Keflex could be taken up to 4 times as well.
- These are different in their pricing as well. Cephalexin is less expensive than amoxicillin from a lot of companies and brands.
Similarities in cephalexin and amoxicillin
Amoxicillin and Keflex both are antibiotics that are similar in a lot of aspects.
- Both of these belong to the beta-lactam family.
- Both work to kill bacteria by distracting their cell wall.
- Both Keflex and amoxicillin is used to treat the same kind of infections.
- These are safe to use and the human body could tolerate these without any severe side effects.
- Amoxicillin and cephalexin shouldn’t take to people who suffer from some kind of allergic reaction.
- Some particular precautions should be followed while using both during breastfeeding and pregnancy.
- Their use to treat viral infections could leave some worse effects.
- Amoxicillin and cephalexin should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture of any kind.
Cephalexin and amoxicillin are used for
Amoxicillin is used for:
- Skin infections of all types
- Respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sore throat
- Urinary tract infections
- Bone infections
- Prevention of bacterial infections as well as to protect surgical procedures or dental diseases
Keflex is used to treat:
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Lower respiratory tract infections
- Infections in all soft tissues
- Dental infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Dental infections
- Prevention of bacterial infections by working as a vaccine
Side effects of cephalexin and amoxicillin
Side effects of cephalexin and amoxicillin are mentioned as:
Cephalexin
It could leave some side effects as well including:
- Gastrointestinal disturbance
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Dizziness, fatigue, or headache
- Fungal infection in the mouth or oral thrush
- Allergic reaction
Amoxicillin
Like other medications amoxicillin leaves some side effects including
- Headache
- Vomiting and nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Redness, or inflammation
- High risk of yeast infection
- Hives
Which drugs interact with their effect
Here some of the drugs are given that should avoid taking if you are using amoxicillin to treat any bacterial infection:
- Anticoagulants
- Oral contraceptives
- Allopurinol
- Probenecid
- Methotrexate
Dosage
Some are the guidelines you should follow to intake This:
- In case of mild infection if it is of ear infection, urinary tract infection, or sinus infection in indults, then the typical dose is 500mg which should be taken after every 8 to 115 hours.
- In case of severe infections as it is of any kind of pneumonia dose should be 800 to 1200mg after 8 to 12 hours.
- In the case of pediatric patients, it dose be according to the age and weight of the child. That will range from 20 to 90 mg that is divided into 2 to 3 parts per day.
- In case of any kidney or liver infection, it should be used according to the status of the infection or the range of it by which infection could be avoided.
The use of cephalexin is different from amoxicillin:
- In the case of adult daily dosage of Keflex is from 250 mg to 500 mg after every 12 hours for ordinary infection.
- For infection in the skin or soft tissues, its dose is 250 mg after every 6 hours.
- For urinary tract infections, the daily dose is 500 mg after every 12 hours for 7 days.
- In air Passing tract infections, the dose is 250 mg after every 12 hours for 15 days.
- While suffering from pneumonia it is good to take 500 mg after every 12 hours for 15 days.
Conclusion
In case of any kind of bacterial infection, whether it is in any body part there are different antibiotics available in the market. Which vary in their functioning and mode of action. Here two of them are advised on how these could be used in case of suffering bacterial infections. And how amoxicillin and cephalexin differ from each other. In addition, which one is good for some particular problem? For the best selection and to get rid of infection all the details are available here.
