Panixine DisperDose (Oral)

Cephalexin is used to treat bacterial infections in various parts of the body. It is part of a group of medicines called cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or stopping them from growing. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they get worse, contact your doctor.

Serious allergic reactions can happen with this medicine. Contact your doctor right away if you experience chest pain, blistering, peeling, or loose skin, red skin lesions, large hives on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genital area, severe acne or skin rash, sores or ulcers on the skin, trouble breathing or swallowing, or fever or chills while using this medicine.

Cephalexin may cause diarrhea, and in some cases it can be severe. Do not take any medicine or give medicine to your child for diarrhea without first consulting your doctor. Diarrhea medicines may worsen the diarrhea or prolong it. If you have questions about this or if mild diarrhea continues or worsens, contact your doctor.

Before you or your child undergo any medical tests, inform the medical doctor in charge that you are using this medicine. The results of some tests may be influenced by this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless your doctor has discussed them with you. This includes prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks and benefits. Here are some important points to think about:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. If you are using non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies so far have not shown any specific problems in children that would limit the use of cephalexin.

Geriatric

Studies have not shown any specific problems in elderly patients that would limit the use of cephalexin. However, older adults are more likely to have age-related kidney issues, which may require caution and possibly a dose adjustment for those taking cephalexin.

Breast Feeding

Research in women suggests that this medication poses minimal risk to infants when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be used together even if interactions could happen. In such cases, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or take other precautions. It is very important that your healthcare professional knows if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions are significant but not exhaustive.

Using this medicine with the following medicine is not recommended. Your doctor may choose not to prescribe this medication or may change other medicines you are taking.

• Dofetilide

Using this medicine with the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency of one or both medicines.

• Cholera Vaccine, Live
• Methotrexate
• Probenecid
• Warfarin

Using this medicine with the following medicine may increase the risk of certain side effects, but using both may be the best treatment for you. If prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency of one or both medicines.

• Cholestyramine

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around meal times as interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical issues may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical problems, especially:

• Colitis (inflammation in the gut), history of
• Severe diarrhea, history of
• Seizures, history of—Use with caution. May worsen these conditions.

• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease—Use with caution. Effects may be heightened due to slower removal of the medicine from the body.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may happen, if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Diarrhea

Rare

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• chills
• clay-colored stools
• cough
• dark urine
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• fever
• general tiredness and weakness
• headache
• itching or rash
• joint or muscle pain
• light-colored stools
• loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, irritated eyes
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• unpleasant breath odor
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• upper right abdominal or stomach pain
• vomiting of blood
• yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

• Abdominal or stomach cramps or tenderness
• back or leg pains
• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• bloating
• blood in the urine or stools
• chest pain
• coughing up blood
• diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody
• difficulty with breathing or swallowing
• fast heartbeat
• general body swelling
• hives
• increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
• increased thirst
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• loss of appetite
• nosebleeds
• pain
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• paralysis
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• prolonged bleeding from cuts
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• red or black, tarry stools
• red or dark brown urine
• swollen or painful glands
• tightness in the chest
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual weight loss
• watery or bloody diarrhea

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Acid or sour stomach
• anxiety
• belching
• burning feeling in the chest or stomach
• difficulty with moving
• dry mouth
• heartburn
• hyperventilation
• indigestion
• irregular heartbeats
• irritability
• itching of the vagina or genital area
• muscle pain or stiffness
• nervousness
• pain during sexual intercourse
• pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
• redness of the skin
• restlessness
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• shaking
• stomach upset
• trouble sleeping
• white or brownish vaginal discharge

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Bio-Cef
• Keflex
• Panixine DisperDose

In Canada

• Novo-Lexin

Available Dosage Forms:

• Capsule
• Tablet
• Powder for Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic

Pharmacologic Class: 1st Generation Cephalosporin

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Shake the oral liquid well before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage forms (capsules or suspension):For infections: Adults and children 15 years of age and older—1000 to 4000 milligrams (mg) per day, taken in divided doses. Children 1 year of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 25 to 100 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) per day, taken in divided doses. Children younger than 1 year of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days.

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