Generic Keftab (Cephalexin)

Introduction

Keftab is an oral antibacterial tablet that contains the active ingredient cephalexin, a first-generation cephalosporin. It is supplied in strengths of 125 mg, 250 mg, 375 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg. The medication is indicated for the treatment of a range of bacterial infections of the skin, respiratory tract, ears, bones, joints, and urinary system. In addition to these approved uses, clinicians sometimes employ cephalexin for other infections when susceptibility data support its activity, although such off-label applications have not received formal regulatory approval.

What is Keftab?

Keftab is a tablet formulation of the generic antibiotic cephalexin. Cephalexin belongs to the cephalosporin class, which was first discovered in the s from the fungus Acremonium (formerly Cephalosporium) [1]. The drug is marketed worldwide under many brand names, including Keflex, Ceporex, and Panixine. Keftab provides the same chemical entity as these branded products but is offered at a lower cost through generic production. While the specific manufacturer of Keftab may vary by region, all approved batches must meet the pharmaco-technical standards set by national regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

How Keftab Works

Cephalexin inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located on the inner surface of the bacterial membrane. This binding blocks the transpeptidation step that cross-links peptidoglycan strands, weakening the wall and leading to osmotic lysis of susceptible organisms [2]. The drug exhibits rapid bactericidal activity against Gram-positive cocci (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus non-MRSA, Streptococcus pyogenes) and some Gram-negative rods (e.g., Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis). Oral absorption is high (≈90 % bioavailability), and peak plasma concentrations are reached within .5-1 hour after ingestion. Cephalexin is principally eliminated unchanged by the kidneys; the average half-life in adults with normal renal function is about 1 hour, allowing for convenient twice-daily dosing.

Conditions Treated with Keftab

• Uncomplicated Skin and Soft-Tissue Infections (SSTIs): cellulitis, impetigo, erysipelas, and infected wounds caused by susceptible Staphylococcus or Streptococcus species. The drug’s high tissue penetration and rapid bactericidal action make it effective for these superficial infections.
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs): acute bacterial sinusitis, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis due to streptococci or Haemophilus influenzae.
• Otitis Media (Middle-Ear Infection): when the causative organism is known or presumed to be cephalexin-susceptible (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae).
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): uncomplicated cystitis caused by E. coli or other susceptible enteric Gram-negatives.
• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): when the pathogen is a susceptible staphylococcal strain, especially in patients without prosthetic material.

In each of these indications, cephalexin’s spectrum covers the most common bacterial culprits, and clinical guidelines (e.g., Infectious Diseases Society of America) list cephalexin as a first-line oral option for uncomplicated cases [3].

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Keftab

• Prophylaxis for Dental Procedures in Certain High-Risk Patients: Small case series have explored a single pre-procedure dose of cephalexin to reduce infective endocarditis risk in patients allergic to penicillins [4]. This use is not FDA-approved; clinicians must weigh the limited evidence against guideline-recommended alternatives.
• Mild to Moderate Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) When Atypical Pathogens Are Unlikely: Some clinicians prescribe cephalexin as part of a step-down regimen after initial intravenous therapy, based on susceptibility data [5]. Formal approval for CAP is absent.
• Treatment of Animal Bite Wounds (Human Exposure): Studies indicate cephalexin covers Pasteurella species frequently isolated from dog and cat bites [6]. Use remains off-label and should be guided by wound culture when available.

Important: Off-label applications have not undergone the rigorous efficacy and safety evaluation required for regulatory approval. Patients should discuss any such use with a qualified healthcare professional before initiating therapy.

Is Keftab the Right Medication for You?

Keftab is appropriate for adults with infections caused by bacteria known or highly likely to be susceptible to cephalexin. Ideal candidates include:

• Individuals with uncomplicated SSTIs, sinusitis, or uncomplicated cystitis who have normal renal function.
• Patients without a history of severe hypersensitivity to β-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems).
• Those who require an oral agent that can be taken twice daily, facilitating adherence.

Contraindications or cautionary situations:

• Known severe allergy to cephalosporins or any component of the tablet.
• Renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min), which necessitates dose reduction to avoid accumulation.
• Pregnancy and lactation: cephalexin is category B in the United States; it is generally considered safe, but a clinician should confirm appropriateness.
• History of Clostridioides difficile infection: any broad-spectrum antibiotic can precipitate recurrence; risk-benefit assessment is required.

Patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), penicillin-allergic severe reactions, or infections caused by resistant Gram-negative organisms (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa) should receive alternative therapy.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) - occurs in up to 10 % of patients.
• Mild rash or urticaria - often transient and not indicative of serious allergy.
• Altered taste (dysgeusia).

Rare

• Eosinophilic pneumonia - reported in isolated case reports; requires drug discontinuation.
• Hemolytic anemia - immune-mediated, very uncommon.

Serious

• Anaphylaxis - rapid onset of airway swelling, hypotension, and urticaria; constitutes a medical emergency.
• Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. These are extremely rare but warrant immediate cessation of the drug.
• Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea - can be life-threatening; monitoring for persistent watery stools is advised.

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Warfarin: cephalexin may potentiate the anticoagulant effect; monitor INR more frequently.
• Metformin: reduced renal clearance of metformin may increase lactic acidosis risk in renal impairment; dose adjustment may be required.
• Probenecid: decreases renal excretion of cephalexin, leading to higher plasma concentrations; dose modification may be necessary.

Drug-Food Interactions

Cephalexin can be taken with or without food. High-fat meals may delay absorption slightly but do not affect overall exposure. Alcohol does not interact directly, yet excessive intake can worsen gastrointestinal side effects.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Typical adult dosing: 250 mg to 500 mg every 6-12 hours depending on infection severity and site. For severe infections, 750 mg q6h may be prescribed.
• Renal adjustment: For creatinine clearance 10-30 mL/min, the total daily dose should be reduced by 50 % and divided into 3-4 doses.
• Missed dose: Take the forgotten dose as soon as it is remembered unless the next scheduled dose is due within 2 hours. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule; do not double-dose.
• Overdose: Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and seizures (rare). Seek immediate medical attention; activated charcoal may be administered if presentation is early. Hemodialysis can enhance removal in severe renal impairment.

Practical precautions:

• Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water.
• Consistent timing (e.g., morning and evening) improves adherence.
• Avoid concurrently taking antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, as they can modestly reduce absorption.
• Do not operate heavy machinery if experiencing severe dizziness or seizures.

FAQ

• What should I do if I need to travel abroad with Keftab?

  • Keep the tablets in their original labeled container, store them at room temperature away from direct sunlight, and carry a copy of the prescription or a physician’s letter if required by customs.

• Can I take Keftab with a high-protein diet?

  • Protein intake does not affect cephalexin absorption, so a high-protein diet is safe.

• What do the imprints on the tablet look like?

  • Tablets are typically round, scored, and bear the manufacturer’s logo and strength imprint (e.g., “125 MG” or “500 MG”). Inactive ingredients may include lactose, corn starch, and magnesium stearate.

• Are there regional formulation differences I should know about?

  • Some countries use film-coated tablets while others use uncoated immediate-release tablets; both contain the same amount of active cephalexin.

• Will taking Keftab affect drug testing for employment?

  • Cephalexin is not a prohibited substance and does not produce a positive result on standard occupational drug screens.

• Is it safe to take Keftab while breastfeeding?

  • Small amounts of cephalexin are excreted in breast milk; it is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but infants should be monitored for gastrointestinal upset.

• How long can I store Keftab before it expires?

  • The stability data from manufacturers indicate a shelf life of 24 months when stored below 30 °C (86 °F) and protected from moisture.

• What is the difference between cephalexin and amoxicillin?

  • Both are β-lactam antibiotics, but cephalexin is a cephalosporin with stronger activity against Gram-positive cocci and less activity against H. influenzae compared with amoxicillin.

• Can Keftab be used for prophylaxis after surgical procedures?

  • Cephalexin is sometimes prescribed as a single peri-operative dose for clean surgeries to prevent skin-flora infections; this is an off-label indication and should be guided by surgical protocol.

• Why might my urine turn a different color while taking Keftab?

  • Cephalexin is excreted unchanged in the urine and can impart a mild yellow-green hue, which is harmless.

Glossary

Cephalosporin

A class of β-lactam antibiotics that inhibit bacterial cell-wall synthesis; cephalexin is a first-generation member with strong activity against Gram-positive organisms.

Penicillin-Binding Proteins (PBPs)

Enzymes located in the bacterial cell membrane that catalyze the cross-linking of peptidoglycan; binding of cephalexin to PBPs disrupts this process, leading to bacterial death.

Creatinine Clearance (CrCl)

A measure of kidney function used to adjust dosing of renally excreted drugs such as cephalexin; calculated from serum creatinine, age, weight, and sex.

Off-Label Use

Prescribing a medication for an indication, dosage, or patient group that has not been formally approved by regulatory agencies.

Buying Keftab from Our Online Pharmacy

Keftab can be obtained through our online pharmacy, a licensed broker that sources the medication exclusively from vetted, internationally recognized suppliers. By purchasing from our service, you benefit from:

• Cost-Effective Pricing: Generic cephalexin is offered at prices close to manufacturer cost, reducing the financial burden of treatment.
• Verified Quality: All inventory undergoes strict quality assurance checks, ensuring each batch meets the standards required by the FDA, EMA, and other health authorities.
• Discreet, Reliable Delivery: Packages are shipped in unmarked, secure packaging with tracking options; typical delivery times are 7 days for express service and approximately 3 weeks for standard airmail.
• International Access: Our pharmacy broker network enables acquisition of medications that may be unavailable or back-ordered in certain regions, expanding treatment options for patients with limited local supply.

We operate as a pharmacy-broker service, partnering with licensed overseas pharmacies to provide a seamless, privacy-focused experience. While we facilitate the purchase, clinical decisions remain the responsibility of your healthcare provider.

Disclaimer

The details presented here about Keftab are intended solely for general educational purposes and do not replace professional medical advice. All therapeutic choices, including those involving off-label applications, should be made under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Readers are presumed to be competent adults capable of evaluating health information responsibly. Our online pharmacy supplies Keftab to individuals who may encounter restricted access through conventional pharmacies or insurance programs, or who are seeking affordable generic options. Prior to initiating, modifying, or terminating any medication regimen, it is essential to consult a qualified health professional.