Cephalexin – What are the indications and contraindications?

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic, which are beta-lactam inhibitors. It is in the same class as penicillin, but is broader acting. Cephalosporins can cause pseudomembranous colitis and, as with all antibiotics, can cause dysbiosis. They are effective in treating respiratory tract, urinary tract, bone, and skin infections caused by Streptococcus or Staphylococcus.

Indications:

• Otitis media
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Streptococcal pharyngitis, tonsillitis
• Bronchitis
• Urinary tract infections
• Osteomyelitis
• Staphylococcal infection of the skin or subcutaneous tissue*

Contraindications:

• Renal failure
• Penicillin allergy

From a pharmacognosy perspective, Commiphora molmol, Echinacea spp., and Thymus vulgaris are broad spectrum antimicrobial herbs useful in treating various different infections. Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Sambucus nigra, Sanguinaria canadensis, and Thymus vulgaris have an affinity for the respiratory tract and are beneficial in treating URTIs. Baptisia tinctoria, Eucalyptus globulus, Salvia officinalis, and Thuja occidentalis are also effective in treating pharyngitis and tonsillitis.

*Penicillin is the usual drug of choice in the treatment and prevention of streptococcal infections.

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This post was written by Omar Rifai