RiteMED Cefalexin Dosage/Direction for Use

Cefalexin is administered orally.
Usual Adult Dose: 250 mg every 6 hours (Maximum Dose: 4 g/day).
For streptococcal pharyngitis, skin and skin structure infections and uncomplicated cystitis (in patients > 15 years old): 500 mg every 12 hours.
Larger doses (up to 4 g daily) may be needed for more severe infections or those caused by less susceptible organisms. If daily doses of cefalexin greater than 4 g are required, initial therapy with parenteral cephalosporins, in appropriate doses, should be considered.
Elderly: Follow the usual adult dose. However, dosage should be reduced in case of renal impairment.
Patients with Renal Impairment: The initial dose is the same as in patients with normal renal function.
Subsequent doses are based on the patient's creatinine clearance as follows: Recommended Maintenance Dose in Adults with Renal Impairment: See Table 2.

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Adult patients receiving intermittent dialysis should be given an additional 500 mg of cefalexin after each dialysis, i.e. a total dosage of up to 1 g on that day.
Usual Pediatric Dose: 25 to 50 mg/kg body weight/day to be given in equally divided doses every 6 hours.
For severe infections, the dosage may be doubled (Maximum dose: 4 g/day).
For streptococcal pharyngitis (in patients > 1 year old), skin and skin structure infections, and mild, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, the total daily dose may be divided and administered every 12 hours.
For otitis media, the dose may be increased to 75 to 100 mg/kg body weight/day to be given in equally divided doses every 6 hours.
Children receiving intermittent dialysis should be given an additional 8 mg per kg of cefalexin after each dialysis. (See Table 3.)

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Usual Duration of Treatment: For mild to moderate infections: 5 to 7 days.
For cystitis: 7 to 14 days.
For β-hemolytic streptococcal infections: At least 10 days.
Or, as prescribed by a physician.
Directions for Reconstitution: See Table 4.

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