Cefalexin

Pregnancy & gynaecology-specific. Every dose row is source-referenced; verify against institutional protocols.

CefalexinCephalosporin antibacterial

Regimens checked: 2026-10-17. Each indication has its own preparation, limits and safety checks.

Cefalexin: indication-specific regimens
Indication	Dose	Route	Frequency	Duration / preparation	Maximum	Monitoring / cautions
NICE second-choice lower-UTI option when suitable for culture results/allergy history NICEchecked	500 mg	Oral	Twice daily	7 days · 500 mg capsule/tablet; swallow with water. If a suspension is used, verify its concentration and measure the prescribed mg Dose adjustment is required with renal impairment. This is not the pyelonephritis step-down prescription for every organism.	1000 mg/day in this uncomplicated lower-UTI regimen; other infections have different schedules	Monitor Culture/susceptibility, response within 48 hours, allergy, diarrhoea and renal function Contraindications / cautions Cephalosporin allergy; assess severe immediate beta-lactam allergy. Systemic/upper-UTI features need a different regimen

Pregnancy safety

Pregnancy lower-UTI option selected by culture/allergy context

Lactation

Monitor infant for GI effects or sensitisation