What is Keflex used for?

• Respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections
• Ear infections
• Bone infections
• Skin and skin structure infections
• Urinary and reproductive organ infections

How does Keflex work?

Keflex is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Keflex is a bactericidal antimicrobial via inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis, meaning it can kill bacteria by inhibiting the bacterial cell wall formation, their protective covering. 

Like other antibiotics, Keflex works against infections caused by bacteria. It is not effective against viral infections such as the flu or the common cold.

What is the suggested dosing for Keflex?

Dosage adjustment is required for adults and pediatric patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl less than 30 mL/min).

Typical dosing for adults and pediatric patients 15 years and older:

• Take 250 mg by mouth every 6 hours, but a dose of 500 mg by mouth every 12 hours is also adequate. 
• The treatment duration is 7 to 14 days.
• For more severe infections, larger doses of oral Keflex may be needed, up to 4 grams daily in 2 to 4 equally divided doses.

Typical dosing for pediatric patients who are 1 to 15 years old:

• Dosage is calculated using your child’s weight in kilograms.
• The recommended daily dose of oral Keflex is 25 to 50 mg/kg given in equally divided doses every 6 or 12 hours.
• The treatment duration is 7 to 14 days.
• In severe infections, a daily dose of 50 to 100 mg/kg administered in equally divided doses is recommended.
• The recommended daily dose of otitis media (ear infections) treatment is 75 to 100 mg/kg given in equally divided doses.