Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid
About Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid
Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid is a prescription medication used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract, skin, and urinary tract infections. It contains two active ingredients that work together to kill bacteria and prevent them from resisting the treatment. This medication is only effective against bacterial infections and will not work for viral infections like the common cold or flu.
For the medicine to work effectively, you must take it at evenly spaced times throughout the day and complete the entire course exactly as prescribed. You can take this medication with or without food, though taking it with a meal can help prevent an upset stomach. Drinking plenty of water and getting enough rest will support your body's recovery while you take this treatment.
Some people may experience mild side effects while taking it, such as diarrhoea, nausea, or stomachache. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe watery diarrhoea, yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, or an allergic reaction like a skin rash or swelling.
Before starting this, tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease, liver issues, seizures, or severe stomach problems like colitis. Older adults, particularly those with reduced kidney function, may require dose adjustment and closer monitoring during treatment.
The children's dose is based on the body weight, age, type and severity of infection, and kidney function. A doctor or pharmacist will calculate the exact amount based on body weight for your child. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding so they can decide whether this medicine is appropriate for you.
Uses of Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
When taken consistently as directed, this medicine may provide the following health benefits:
- Treats bacterial infections: Helps treat stubborn bacterial infections, allowing you to return to your normal daily activities.
- Works against resistant bacteria: Combines two active ingredients to help treat bacterial strains that may be resistant to standard antibiotics.
- Supports complete recovery: A full course helps clear the infection, reducing the risk of symptoms returning or becoming more severe.
Directions for Use
- Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset.
- Generally, it is to be taken twice daily, or as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea or vomiting
- Mild diarrhea
- Upset stomach or mild abdominal pain
- Oral thrush or vaginal yeast infection
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Severe, watery, or bloody diarrhoea accompanied by stomach cramps
- Hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing (signs of an allergic reaction)
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin (signs of liver damage)
- Dark-colored urine or pale stools
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Complete the full course: Take this for the entire prescribed duration, even if your symptoms improve, to help prevent the infection from returning and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
- Measure liquid medicine accurately: If using the liquid form, shake the bottle well before each use and use a proper measuring device instead of a household spoon.
- Inform healthcare providers: Tell your doctor or laboratory staff that you are taking it before any blood or urine tests, as it may affect certain test results, such as urine glucose tests.
- Get emergency medical help immediately: If you develop any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or severe dizziness. Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department without delay.
- Tell your doctor before taking: if you have ever had a severe kidney or liver disease, previously developed cephalosporin-associated haemolytic anaemia (a condition where red blood cells are destroyed), allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis) to penicillin or any cephalosporin antibiotic, as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Drug Interactions
- Probenecid: It can slow the elimination of cephalexin from the body, increasing cephalexin blood levels and the risk of side effects.
- Oral blood thinners (like warfarin): Cephalexin may increase the risk of bleeding, requiring closer monitoring of your blood clotting times.
- Metformin (especially in kidney impairment): Cephalexin may increase metformin levels in the body rarely. Your doctor may monitor your kidney function or adjust your treatment if needed for this combination.
- Live bacterial vaccines (e.g., oral typhoid vaccine): Antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of certain live bacterial vaccines. Tell your doctor if you are due to receive a vaccine while taking this medicine.
- Nephrotoxic medicines (e.g., aminoglycosides): Medicines that can harm the kidneys (such as aminoglycosides). Cephalexin, which rarely can harm the kidneys, may increase the risk of kidney problems when used together. Your doctor may monitor your kidney function for this combination medicine.
- Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs: Use with caution, especially if you have kidney disease, as Cephalexin may increase the risk of kidney problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consuming alcohol while taking Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid to prevent unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will prescribe Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionIn some cases, Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid may affect your ability to drive. Don’t drive or operate machinery unless you are feeling well.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have liver problems. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid to you.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have kidney problems. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid to you.
Children
safe if prescribedCephalexin+clavulanic Acid is safe for children if prescribed by a doctor. The dosage regimen depends upon the age and severity of the infection.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Support your gut health: Consider taking a probiotic medicine or consuming fermented foods like yoghurt a few hours after your dose to help restore the healthy bacteria in your gut that antibiotics can temporarily reduce.
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your kidneys process the medication efficiently and to replace fluids lost if you experience mild diarrhoea.
- Limit alcohol: Control your alcohol intake while taking this medicine, as alcohol can irritate your stomach and increase the risk of side effects like dizziness and nausea.
- Rest and recover: Allow your body plenty of rest, so your immune system can work effectively alongside the medicine to fight off the infection.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect our body. Infectious or harmful bacteria can make you sick and reproduce quickly in your body. These harmful bacteria produce toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. It can target any body part and multiply very quickly. When infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine are more prone to bacterial infection.
FAQs
Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid belongs to the class of medicines called 'antibiotics' used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections.
Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid contains clavulanic acid and cephalexin. Cephalexin prevents the formation of bacterial cell covering, which is required for their survival, thereby killing the bacteria and preventing infection spread. Clavulanic acid works by increasing cephalexin's antibacterial activity and decreasing bacterial resistance. Thus, Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid aids in the treatment of bacterial infections.
It is suggested that you finish the course of Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid even if you feel better because it is an antibiotic. Skipping it may result in a serious illness that no longer reacts to the antibiotic (antibiotic resistance).
Diarrhoea and stomach upset might be common side-effects with Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience prolonged diarrhoea with abdominal pain, stop taking Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid and consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Do not take Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid on your own. It will be recommended by a doctor to treat or prevent specific medical issues or conditions. Taking it on your own can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Certain laboratory test results, such as blood tests and urine tests may be affected by Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid.
Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid is effective for treating bacterial infections, including sore throat. However, you are recommended to confirm with a doctor if the sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection. Do not self-medicate.
Cephalexin+clavulanic Acid causes side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and abdominal pain. Most of these are temporary and do not require any medical attention, as they will gradually reduce over time. Please contact a doctor if these persist for longer durations.
This combination may be prescribed in selected situations when your doctor believes it is the most appropriate option based on the type of infection, the suspected bacteria, which antibiotics work best in your area, and your individual medical condition. It should be used only under medical supervision.
No, it is an antibiotic and is only effective against bacterial infections. It will not work to treat viral infections like the flu, bronchitis caused by viruses, or the common cold. Using antibiotics when they are not needed can make them less effective for future infections. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure about the cause of your illness.
It is recommended to limit alcohol while taking it. Alcohol can irritate your stomach, worsen side effects like nausea or dizziness, and dehydrate your body, which can slow down your recovery. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about alcohol use.
Medicine should only be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor. Your healthcare provider will weigh the benefits against any potential risks to your baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
If you have had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin, tell your doctor before taking this medicine. Although the risk of reacting to cephalosporins such as cephalexin is generally low, it can still occur in some people. Your doctor will assess your allergy history and decide whether this medicine is suitable or recommend an alternative if needed.
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