Cephalkem 500 mg Capsule

Cephalkem 500 mg Capsule is an oral antibiotic that contains 500 mg of cefalexin in each capsule. It belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics and is used to treat certain bacterial infections, not viral illnesses like colds or flu. This strength is a capsule formulation made by Alkem Laboratories, India, and is commonly prescribed for infections such as skin, respiratory, ear, bone, and urinary tract infections when cefalexin is appropriate. Cephalkem 500 mg Capsule should be used only as directed by a healthcare professional.

How it works: Cefalexin works by interfering with the bacteria’s cell wall, which weakens the bacteria and causes it to die. As a capsule, Cephalkem 500 mg Capsule is swallowed and the medicine is released in the digestive tract so it can be absorbed into the body to fight the infection.

Cephalkem 500 mg Capsule is a higher single-dose capsule strength, which can make dosing simpler for adults and other patients who have been assessed by a doctor as needing a larger amount per dose. Because each capsule contains 500 mg of cefalexin, it may be used when a prescriber wants fewer capsules per dose than lower-strength products would require, but it is not meant to replace medical dosing guidance. This strength is chosen based on the type and severity of infection, kidney function, and how the patient is likely to tolerate treatment.

• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Throat and upper respiratory tract infections
• Ear infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Bone infections caused by susceptible bacteria

• Swallow Cephalkem 500 mg Capsule whole with water; do not crush or chew the capsule.
• Take it exactly on the schedule prescribed, even if you start to feel better.
• It can be taken with or without food; taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset.
• Try to take each dose at evenly spaced times to keep a steady level of medicine in your body.
• Finish the full prescribed course unless your doctor tells you to stop.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose; do not double up.

Each Cephalkem 500 mg Capsule provides 500 mg of cefalexin per capsule. The dose may be taken 2 to 4 times daily depending on the infection, but the exact schedule and total daily amount are decided by the prescriber based on the patient’s condition. The maximum daily dose depends on the indication and the doctor’s plan; do not take more than prescribed.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Cefalexin may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Mild rash

• Do not use Cephalkem 500 mg Capsule if you have a known allergy to cefalexin or other cephalosporin antibiotics.
• Tell your doctor if you have a penicillin allergy, because cross-reactivity can occur in some patients.
• Use extra caution if you have kidney disease, since cefalexin may need dose adjustment at this strength.
• This 500 mg capsule may be harder to split into smaller doses, so dosing should be individualized by a clinician rather than guessed at home.
• Report a history of severe diarrhea or colitis before starting treatment.
• Tell your prescriber about pregnancy or breastfeeding before using this antibiotic.
• Alcohol is not known to have a direct dangerous interaction with cefalexin, but it may worsen stomach upset or dehydration if you are already ill.

• Probenecid
• Metformin
• Warfarin and other blood thinners
• Live bacterial vaccines such as typhoid vaccine
• Strong diuretics or other medicines that can affect kidney function

Store Cephalkem 500 mg Capsule at room temperature in its original strip/box, away from moisture, heat, and direct light.