Cephalexin Side effect

Cephalexin Side Effects in Australia: What You Should Know

Cephalexin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic in Australia, used to treat various bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. While it is generally well tolerated, like all medications, cephalexin can cause side effects. Understanding these potential effects helps patients use the medicine safely and know when to seek medical advice.

Common Side Effects of Cephalexin

Most side effects associated with cephalexin are mild and temporary. The more frequently reported ones include:

Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and mild stomach discomfort are common. Diarrhea may sometimes be caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut, so it’s important to monitor its severity.
Oral and vaginal thrush: This yeast infection can occur due to disruption of normal bacterial flora, leading to soreness or itching in the mouth or vaginal area.
Dizziness and tiredness: Some people may feel lightheaded or unusually fatigued while taking cephalexin.
Headache: Mild headaches have been reported by some users.

These side effects often resolve as your body adjusts to the medication. Drinking plenty of fluids and taking cephalexin with food can help reduce stomach upset.

Serious but Rare Side Effects

Though uncommon, cephalexin can cause more serious reactions that require immediate medical attention:

Allergic reactions: Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, rash, itching, or hives. If any of these occur, stop taking the medication and seek emergency care immediately.
Severe diarrhea: Watery or bloody diarrhea accompanied by abdominal cramps and fever may indicate a serious bowel condition called Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea or colitis. This can happen during or even weeks after stopping cephalexin.
Skin reactions: Severe rashes, blistering, peeling, or signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome are very rare but serious side effects.
Blood disorders: Rarely, cephalexin may cause changes in blood counts, such as low platelets or white blood cells, leading to increased risk of bleeding or infection.
Liver issues: Signs like yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or persistent abdominal pain should prompt urgent medical evaluation.

What to Do If You Experience Side Effects

For mild side effects like nausea or dizziness, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about ways to manage them.
If you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction or severe diarrhea, seek immediate medical help.
Always inform your healthcare provider if you experience unusual or persistent symptoms during or after treatment with cephalexin.

Precautions While Taking Cephalexin

Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how cephalexin affects you, especially if you feel dizzy or tired.
Do not stop taking the antibiotic early without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better.
Inform your doctor if you have a history of penicillin or cephalosporin allergies before starting cephalexin.
Maintain regular follow-ups if prescribed for long-term use or for serious infections.

Summary

Cephalexin is a widely used and effective antibiotic in Australia with mostly mild side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. Serious adverse reactions are rare but require prompt medical attention. By understanding potential side effects and communicating openly with healthcare providers, patients can safely benefit from cephalexin’s infection-fighting properties.

References:

Healthdirect Australia: Cephalexin Side Effects
NPS MedicineWise: APO-Cephalexin Capsules Consumer Information
Drugs.com: Cephalexin Side Effects
MIMS Australia: Cephalexin Consumer Medicine Information
Cleveland Clinic: Cephalexin Uses and Side Effects

Citations:

Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share