Keftab (Cephalexin) – Patient Information (UK)

Keftab contains cephalexin, an antibiotic from the cephalosporin group. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections. This page is designed to help you understand what Keftab is, how it works, how to take it safely, and what to expect while you’re using it.

Key facts at a glance

• What it treats: Bacterial infections such as skin and soft tissue infections, and some respiratory, urinary, and ear infections.
• How it works: Cephalexin stops bacteria from building their cell walls, leading to bacterial death.
• Typical course: Often 5–10 days depending on the infection and response.
• Important safety point: Do not use antibiotics for viral illnesses (e.g., most colds and flu).
• Seek advice urgently if: you get signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of face/lips, difficulty breathing, widespread rash).

How Keftab works (mechanism of action)

Cephalexin is a beta-lactam antibiotic. It targets bacterial proteins known as penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). These PBPs are involved in making and strengthening the bacterial cell wall.

By inhibiting PBPs, cephalexin interferes with cell wall formation. This weakens the bacterial cell wall, causing the bacteria to die—especially when bacteria are actively growing and dividing.

Pharmacokinetics (what the body does to the medicine)

“Pharmacokinetics” describes how a medicine is absorbed, distributed, metabolised, and eliminated. While individual results vary, the general pattern for cephalexin is:

• Absorption: Cephalexin is absorbed from the gut after taking a tablet.
• Distribution: It reaches infected tissues and body fluids to help fight bacterial infection.
• Elimination: Most of the antibiotic is cleared from the body primarily via the kidneys (urine).
• Timing: Dosing is usually spaced across the day to maintain effective levels against bacteria.

If you have kidney problems, you may need a different dose or interval. Always follow professional advice for your situation.

Typical uses (indications)

Keftab is used to treat infections where cephalexin is likely to be effective. Common indications include infections caused by bacteria that are susceptible to cephalexin, such as:

• Skin and soft tissue infections (e.g., infected wounds, cellulitis)
• Respiratory tract infections in certain cases (for example, some bacterial tonsillitis or infections of the throat—depending on local guidance and likely cause)
• Ear infections (otitis media/other bacterial ear infections under clinical assessment)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by susceptible bacteria
• Bone infections (osteomyelitis) as guided by healthcare professionals

Antibiotics should be chosen based on the likely bacteria and local resistance patterns. If symptoms don’t improve as expected, a review may be needed.

When to take Keftab (timing and course length)

Cephalexin dosing schedules commonly involve taking tablets several times a day to keep drug levels sufficiently high. Your exact schedule depends on:

• the infection type and severity
• age and body weight (for children)
• kidney function
• local clinical guidance

Practical timing tips:

• Try to take each dose at even intervals (for example, morning/early afternoon/evening/night depending on the schedule).
• Set reminders if you sometimes forget doses.
• Continue the course for the full duration advised, even if you start to feel better.

How to take Keftab

Swallow the tablets with water. You can usually take cephalexin with or without food (see below for food interactions). If you experience stomach upset, taking it with meals may help.

• With food: often helps reduce nausea and stomach discomfort.
• Without food: may be fine for many people, but some prefer taking with meals.
• Missed dose: take it as soon as you remember unless it’s nearly time for the next dose; then skip the missed dose and carry on.
• Do not double up: never take extra tablets to make up for a missed dose.

Food interactions

Cephalexin can generally be taken with food. Food does not usually make it unsafe to take. However, individual tolerance varies:

• If you get nausea or indigestion, taking Keftab with a meal may be more comfortable.
• Try to keep a consistent routine (with or without meals) to support adherence.

If you’re taking other medicines or have dietary restrictions, it’s still wise to check for specific interactions with your pharmacist or medicines record.

Alcohol and medicine interactions

Drinking alcohol during an antibiotic course is not usually described as a direct interaction with cephalexin, but it can still be a problem in practice:

• May worsen side effects such as stomach upset, dizziness, or fatigue.
• May slow recovery if your illness is causing dehydration or poor appetite.

For best results, consider limiting or avoiding alcohol while you’re unwell and taking the antibiotic.

If you drink alcohol regularly or have liver-related conditions, ask a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

Safety profile and possible side effects

Like all medicines, Keftab can cause side effects. Many people experience no problems or only mild, temporary effects. Always seek advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or concerning.

Common side effects

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach discomfort
• Headache
• Skin rash (mild rashes can occur)

Serious side effects – get urgent medical help

• Allergic reaction: swelling of the face/lips/tongue, breathing difficulties, wheezing, or widespread hives.
• Severe or persistent diarrhoea, especially if watery or contains blood, or if you develop fever or severe abdominal pain. This can be a sign of antibiotic-associated colitis.
• Severe skin reactions: blistering, peeling skin, mouth ulcers, or rash with fever.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding or signs of low blood counts.

Allergy considerations (important for cephalosporins)

If you have had an allergic reaction to cephalexin, other cephalosporins, or penicillins, discuss this before starting. Allergic reactions can occasionally be serious.

Practical use tips to improve results

• Complete the course: stopping early can increase the risk of symptoms returning.
• Hydrate: drink fluids to support comfort, especially if you have fever or diarrhoea.
• Monitor improvement: many bacterial infections begin to improve within a few days; if not, you may need reassessment.
• Hygiene for skin infections: keep the affected area clean and follow any wound care advice.
• Prevent spread: avoid sharing towels or bedding, and wash hands regularly.

Dosing guidance (general information)

Dosing varies by infection, age, weight, and kidney function. The following table provides general dosing ranges often used for cephalexin; however, the exact dose for an individual should always be based on professional assessment and local guidance.

Always use the exact dose instructed for your prescription label. If you are unsure about tablet strength or dosing frequency, check with a pharmacist.

What to expect during treatment

• First 24–48 hours: You may still feel unwell, but you should not feel steadily worse.
• 2–3 days: Many bacterial infections begin to improve.
• If symptoms worsen or do not improve: seek medical advice for review, especially if fever persists or infection spreads.

Alternative options (when cephalexin may not be suitable)

Alternatives depend on the infection type, likely bacteria, allergies, kidney function, and local antimicrobial resistance guidance. Your prescriber/pharmacist may consider different antibiotic classes or non-antibiotic management if appropriate.

Possible alternatives (examples) may include:

• Other antibiotics in a similar or different class, depending on susceptibility (e.g., different cephalosporins or penicillins if appropriate)
• Macrolides or others if there’s intolerance/allergy and if they are suitable for the specific infection
• Topical treatments for some mild skin problems (where clinically appropriate)

If you have previously had an allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics, discuss this early—there may be options that avoid the relevant allergy pathway.

UK market and legal context (pharmacy and access)

In the United Kingdom, access to medicines is regulated to support safe supply and appropriate use. Antibiotics are treated as important medicines, and supply may be linked to appropriate clinical assessment and adherence to antimicrobial stewardship.

On an online pharmacy website, you can typically expect:

• Checking eligibility and safety information before supply.
• Verification of suitability based on the medicine, dose, and patient details.
• Clear labelling for how to take the medicine safely.
• Advice on what to do if side effects occur.

National guidance emphasises using antibiotics only when needed and choosing options that are appropriate for the suspected infection.

Recent guidance and antimicrobial stewardship (UK)

UK antimicrobial stewardship aims to:

• reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing
• promote correct dosing and adequate course duration
• encourage review when symptoms don’t improve
• limit development of antibiotic resistance

In general, the best antibiotic depends on the suspected bacteria, the site of infection, severity, and local resistance patterns. If your clinician suspects a viral illness or a self-limiting condition, antibiotics are usually not recommended.

Delivery and availability (online pharmacy)

Availability may vary by strength, tablet size, and stock levels. Most UK online pharmacies aim to provide:

• Secure packaging to protect tablets during transit.
• Delivery tracking where offered.
• Timely dispatch aligned with cut-off times.
• Clear product labelling including medicine name, strength, and batch details.

If you require a specific strength (e.g., 250 mg vs 500 mg), check the listing to ensure the correct option is selected.

Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Check the packaging for the expiry date.
• Do not use after the expiry date. If tablets look damaged or discoloured, consult a pharmacist.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

1) What is Keftab used for?

Keftab (cephalexin) is used to treat certain bacterial infections, commonly affecting the skin/soft tissue, urinary tract, and parts of the respiratory tract, depending on the suspected cause and local guidance.

2) How quickly should I feel better?

Some improvement is often seen within a couple of days. If your symptoms are not improving after a few days, or they worsen, contact a healthcare professional for reassessment.

3) Can I take Keftab with food?

Yes. Food is generally fine and taking cephalexin with meals may reduce stomach upset for some people.

4) Can I drink alcohol while taking Keftab?

There is not usually a direct interaction, but alcohol can worsen side effects and slow recovery. Limiting alcohol while you’re unwell is sensible.

5) What if I miss a dose?

Take it as soon as you remember unless it’s nearly time for the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

6) What should I do if I get diarrhoea?

Mild diarrhoea can occur. However, if you have severe diarrhoea (especially watery or with blood), fever, or severe abdominal cramps, contact urgent medical advice because antibiotic-associated colitis can occur.

7) Is cephalexin safe if I’m allergic to penicillin?

Some people with penicillin allergy may tolerate cephalosporins, while others may not. Allergy history is important—ask a pharmacist or clinician before using if you’ve had allergic reactions to penicillins or cephalosporins.

8) Can I stop Keftab early if I feel better?

It’s generally important to finish the planned course for the infection to reduce the chance of the infection returning and to support appropriate treatment.

9) Does Keftab affect contraception?

Most antibiotics, including cephalexin, do not typically reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraception. However, if you have severe diarrhoea or vomiting, it may affect absorption. If you’re concerned, ask a pharmacist for personalised guidance.

10) Who should take extra care?

People with kidney impairment, a history of significant allergies, or those taking multiple medicines should check with a pharmacist—especially before starting if you’re unsure whether cephalexin is appropriate.

When to seek medical help

Contact urgent medical services or seek prompt advice if you experience:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (swelling, breathing difficulty, severe rash)
• severe or persistent diarrhoea
• worsening infection symptoms (spreading redness, high fever, severe pain)
• any worrying symptoms that develop soon after starting the medicine

This information is intended to support understanding and safe use. For advice tailored to your condition and medicines, speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional.