Cefalexin 125mg/5ml 100ml Suspension POM x1

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Cefalexin 125mg/5ml 100ml

Cefalexin 125mg/5ml Oral Suspension (POM) is a prescription-only, first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, including those of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin and soft tissue, ears, bones and joints, and mouth. It is particularly suited to children and adults who cannot swallow solid dosage forms. The branded equivalent is Keflex Suspension.

Key Product Details

• Active ingredient: Cefalexin monohydrate
• Concentration: 125mg cefalexin per 5ml (after reconstitution)
• Pack size: 100ml
• Excipients: Contains sucrose (3.119g per 5ml) and Allura Red AC (E129)
• Storage (unreconstituted): Do not store above 25°C
• Storage (reconstituted): Refrigerate at 2°C–8°C; discard after 10 days

Usage Instructions

The suspension must be reconstituted by a pharmacist before dispensing. Shake well before each use and measure doses with the supplied oral syringe or medicine spoon — do not use a kitchen teaspoon. The suspension can be taken with or without food. Space doses evenly throughout the day and always complete the full prescribed course, even if symptoms improve, to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Indications

Cefalexin treats bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms, including:

• Respiratory tract infections (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis)
• Middle ear infection (otitis media)
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Bone and joint infections
• Genito-urinary tract infections (including cystitis and acute prostatitis)
• Dental infections

Dosage (per SmPC and PIL)

Adults: 1–4g daily in divided doses. Most infections respond to 500mg every 8 hours (equivalent to 20ml of 125mg/5ml suspension). For skin and soft tissue infections, streptococcal pharyngitis, and mild uncomplicated UTIs, 250mg every 6 hours or 500mg every 12 hours is usual. Reduce dose in patients with severe renal impairment.

Children (under 5 years): 125mg every 8 hours (5ml). For otitis media, 75–100mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses is required.

Children (5 years and over): 250mg every 8 hours (10ml). In severe infections, the dose may be doubled.

General paediatric dosage: 25–50mg/kg/day in divided doses. Always follow the prescriber's instructions.

Side Effects

Common effects (affecting around 1 in 10 people) include diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting, which often resolve without stopping treatment. Serious but rare effects (less than 1 in 1,000) include severe diarrhoea (which may indicate C. difficile-associated colitis), jaundice, unexplained bruising, and serious skin reactions such as acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), which typically appears within the first week of treatment as a red, widespread rash with blisters and fever. Stop treatment and seek urgent medical advice if these occur.

Precautions and Contraindications

Inform your prescriber of any known allergy to cefalexin, other cephalosporins, or penicillin, as cross-reactivity can occur. Use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment (dose reduction may be required) and in those with a history of severe gastrointestinal disease. This suspension contains sucrose — patients with hereditary fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine. It also contains Allura Red AC (E129), which may cause allergic reactions in some patients. Cefalexin may interfere with blood and urine tests — inform any clinician ordering tests that you are taking this medicine. Not for use against viral infections.

When to Seek Urgent Help

Stop immediately and call 999 or go to A&E for signs of anaphylaxis (sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue; difficulty breathing; severe rash or skin peeling). Call 111 or contact your doctor promptly for bloody or persistent diarrhoea, signs of liver problems (pale stools, dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes), or unusual bruising.

Resources

• NHS: How and when to take cefalexin
• NHS: Side effects of cefalexin
• Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)
• Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always follow your prescription label and consult your doctor or pharmacist for individual advice.