Does Cephalexin Treat Gonorrhea?
The primary drug for gonorrhea is ceftriaxone, a cephalosporin antibiotic. While cephalexin does belong to cephalosporins it is not a recommended drug for the treatment of gonorrhea. Therefore, cephalexin should not be used for the treatment of this disease.
Does Cephalexin Treat Chlamydia?
The recommendation for the treatment of chlamydia does not include cephalexin. Antibiotics used for treating chlamydia are azithromycin and doxycycline. Alternatively, erythromycin, levofloxacin, or ofloxacin can also be used [1].
Because cephalexin is not in the guidelines for the treatment of chlamydia, it should not be used.
Many of cephalosporin antibiotics show no effectiveness in treating chlamydia. In two studies, Ceftriaxone and cefoxitin showed no effect on chlamydia infections [2, 3]. This indicates that the use of other cephalosporins can have similar effects.
Taking ineffective antibiotics is not recommended. It can lead to the development of resistance and other health problems.
Infections Treated with Cephalexin
The primary use of cephalexin is in infections like pneumonia [4], pharyngitis [5], tonsillitis [5], urinary tract infections [6], skin and soft tissue infections [7].
In addition, cephalexin is also used in children. It can treat bone, ear, genital, and osteoarticular infections [8, 9].
Cephalexin can also be used as a surgical prophylactic measure in penicillin-allergic patients with heart valve conditions. It is necessary when an operation is performed in non-sterile parts of the body, like the mouth or upper respiratory tract [9].
Cephalexin is particularly effective against infections caused by gram-positive cocci. However, it can also be used in certain infections caused by Enterococcus and some infections caused by E. coli and Klebsiella [10]. There are also other pathogens that are susceptible to cephalexin. Among them are
What are the Side Effects of Cephalexin?
Cephalexin can cause a variety of side effects. Some of these side effects are mild and may go away, while others can be severe and require immediate medical attention.
Common side effects of cephalexin include:
- nausea [9],
- diarrhea [9],
- vomiting [9],
- heartburn [9],
- stomach pain [9],
- dizziness [9],
- extreme tiredness [9],
- agitation [9],
- confusion [9],
- headache [9]
- and joint pain [9].
In some cases, cephalexin can cause serious side effects. Among them are: watery or bloody stools [9], stomach cramps [9], fever while taking the medication[9].
Other serious side effects include rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, and eyes, difficulty breathing or swallowing, wheezing, sore throat, chills, and hallucinations [9].
If you experience any of the serious symptoms, you should immediately see a doctor.
Some of the side effects tend to increase after alcohol. You can get stronger feelings of nausea and dizziness. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume any alcohol while taking cephalexin [11, 12].
In rare cases, cephalexin can cause cholestatic jaundice and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis [13, 14].
Can I Take Cephalexin On My Own?
Cephalexin is a prescription medication and should be taken only under medical professional supervision.
There are many reasons why you should not take cephalexin on your own.
One of the most important reasons why you should consult a doctor before therapy is interaction. Cephalexin can interact with other drugs, herbal products, and supplements.
Antibiotics can also impact many diseases, and the illness can influence the effects of the antibiotics. You should always tell the doctor about your allergies and gastrointestinal, kidney, and liver diseases [9].
Another reason why you should not take cephalexin on your own is the planning of the therapy. Sometimes, it is necessary to follow an unusual dose or duration of the treatment. It is necessary to consult a healthcare professional to establish an appropriate treatment plan.
In both cases, when the treatment is too short or long, it can lead to health complications.