Buy Keflex
Keflex

$0.79
Category
Active Ingredient
Delivery
Airmail (14-21 days) | EMS trackable (5-9 days)
Prescription
Issued on site / Included
Availability
In Stock
Product is shipped in a fully discreet envelope with no content disclosure, including all required documentation inside

Keflex Properties

Active Ingredients
Primary Category
Pharmacological Class
Cephalosporin Antibiotic
Contraindications
Minor Side Effects
Moderate Side Effects
Dosage Forms
Capsules, Oral Suspension
Administration Route
Oral
Mechanism of Action
Works by interfering with the production of bacterial cell walls, causing the bacteria to burst and die.
Prescription Status
Rx
Manufacturer
Eli Lilly and Company
Patient Summary
An antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including those of the skin, ears, and urinary tract.
Onset Time
Within 1 hour
Duration
6 to 8 hours
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature, away from moisture. Keep suspension refrigerated.
Age Restrictions
Consult doctor for paediatric use
Pregnancy Use
Considered relatively safe during pregnancy
Alternative Drugs

About Keflex

Generic Keflex (Cephalexin) is an oral, prescription-only antibiotic that belongs to the first-generation cephalosporin class. In Australia it is listed on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) schedule S4, meaning a doctor’s script is required for supply. The drug is widely prescribed for a range of bacterial infections, including uncomplicated skin and soft-tissue infections, streptococcal pharyngitis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Each tablet contains either 250 mg or 500 mg of the active ingredient cephalexin, a β-lactam that interferes with bacterial cell-wall synthesis. While its primary approved uses focus on common community infections, clinicians occasionally consider it for off-label prophylaxis in surgical settings when susceptibilities are known. Understanding how the medication works, its appropriate use, and how to obtain it safely can help patients achieve optimal outcomes.

What is Generic Keflex (Cephalexin)?

Generic Keflex (Cephalexin) is a synthetic β-lactam antibiotic derived from the cephalosporin nucleus. The TGA approved it for adult and paediatric use in 1995, and it remains on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) as a Schedule 4 medicine. As a first-generation cephalosporin, it exerts a narrow spectrum of activity, primarily targeting Gram-positive organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-sensitive), Streptococcus spp., and certain Gram-negative bacilli including Escherichia coli. The drug is supplied as film-coated tablets in 250 mg and 500 mg strengths, with dosing typically based on infection severity and patient weight.

How Keflex Works

Cephalexin binds covalently to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located on the inner surface of the bacterial cell membrane. PBPs are enzymes that catalyse the final stages of peptidoglycan cross-linking, a critical step in cell-wall construction. By occupying these binding sites, Keflex blocks the transpeptidation reaction, leading to a weakened cell wall that cannot withstand osmotic pressure. Consequently, bacteria undergo lysis and die-a process termed bactericidal activity.

Pharmacokinetically, Keflex is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with an oral bioavailability of approximately 90 %. Peak plasma concentrations occur within 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion, and the drug’s half-life in healthy adults is about .5-1 hour, allowing for multiple daily dosing to maintain therapeutic levels. The kidneys eliminate the majority of unchanged drug, so renal function directly influences clearance. Metabolism is minimal, and the drug does not undergo extensive hepatic transformation, limiting drug-drug interactions mediated by cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Why Keflex is Used for Infection Treatment Conditions

  • Uncomplicated Skin and Soft-Tissue Infections Why it works: Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) is a common pathogen in cellulitis and impetigo. Keflex’s affinity for PBPs in MSSA disrupts cell-wall synthesis, rapidly reducing bacterial load. Guideline position: Recommended as first-line therapy by the Australian Therapeutic Guidelines for skin infections when MRSA is not suspected.

  • Streptococcal Pharyngitis Why it works: Group A Streptococcus species are highly susceptible to cephalosporins. Eradicating the organism shortens symptom duration and prevents rheumatic fever. Guideline position: Listed as an alternative to penicillin V for patients with penicillin intolerance.

  • Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Why it works: E. coli strains causing uncomplicated cystitis often retain susceptibility to first-generation cephalosporins. By inhibiting PBPs, Keflex reduces bacterial replication in the urinary tract. Guideline position: Considered a suitable option for women without known resistance patterns, especially when fluoroquinolones are to be avoided.

  • Otitis Media (Middle-Ear Infection) Why it works: The drug penetrates middle-ear fluid at concentrations exceeding the MIC for common otitis media pathogens. Guideline position: Preferred for mild-to-moderate cases when H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis are susceptible.

  • Dental Prophylaxis (Off-label but evidence-supported) Why it works: Pre-operative dosing reduces oral streptococci that can seed endocardial lesions during invasive dental procedures. Guideline position: Not listed in Australian prophylaxis guidelines for high-risk cardiac patients, but some clinicians use it when amoxicillin is contraindicated.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Keflex

Evidence from small randomized trials and observational studies indicates that cephalexin may be useful as prophylaxis before certain orthopaedic surgeries, particularly when intra-operative cultures demonstrate susceptibility. Additionally, researchers have explored its role in treating early Lyme disease when doxycycline intolerance exists. These applications are not approved by the TGA, and the supporting data remain limited in scale. Off-label use should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Is Keflex Right for You?

Keflex is appropriate for adults and children over two months who have infections caused by susceptible bacteria and who have normal renal function. Patients with a known severe hypersensitivity to penicillins or other β-lactam antibiotics should avoid it, as cross-reactivity can occur. In elderly patients, dose adjustment may be required if creatinine clearance falls below 30 mL/min, because renal excretion predominates. Pregnant and breastfeeding women can be prescribed Keflex when the benefit outweighs potential risk; studies have not shown teratogenic effects, but clinicians monitor closely. Those on anticoagulants generally do not need dose changes, as Keflex does not affect coagulation pathways.

Taking Keflex Effectively

  • Timing: Take the tablets with a full glass of water, preferably spaced evenly every 6-8 hours for the 250 mg dose and every 8 hours for the 500 mg dose, to maintain steady plasma levels.
  • Food interactions: Food does not significantly alter absorption, so tablets can be taken with or without meals. However, high-calcium or iron supplements may bind the drug; separate intake by at least two hours.
  • Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten within 4 hours, take it promptly. If it is closer to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule-do not double up.
  • Travel considerations: When travelling to remote regions, carry a sufficient supply and keep tablets in a dry, temperature-controlled container; cephalexin remains stable at room temperature for up to two years.

Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Most adverse events are mild and stem from the drug’s β-lactam structure:

  • Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhoea) - Result from alteration of gut flora. Taking the tablet with food can lessen discomfort; a probiotic supplement may help restore normal bacteria.
  • Transient rash or urticaria - Reflect histamine release due to immune sensitisation. Over-the-counter antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine) can control symptoms, but any spreading or severe rash warrants immediate medical review.
  • Clostridioides difficile infection - Though rare with first-generation cephalosporins, disruption of normal colonic flora can permit overgrowth. Patients reporting watery, foul-smelling stools for more than three days should seek care promptly.
  • Serious hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis) - Characterised by throat swelling, breathlessness, or hypotension. This reaction is life-threatening; emergency services must be called without delay.

Commonly, side effects resolve upon completion of therapy. If intolerable, clinicians may switch to a non-β-lactam agent such as a macrolide.

Buying Keflex from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service?

Access to Keflex can be challenging in remote Australian communities where local pharmacies stock limited ranges. Our online pharmacy bridges that gap, offering a discreet, secure platform for ordering prescription-only medicines when you have a valid prescription from an Australian-registered prescriber.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international wholesalers that meet Australian TGA standards and World Health Organization (WHO) Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) criteria. Every batch of Generic Keflex (Cephalexin) undergoes third-party testing for potency, purity, and microbial limits before it is dispatched.

Pricing & Access

Because Generic Keflex contains a widely available active ingredient, we can provide it at a fraction of the cost of brand-name equivalents. Our pharmacy service often includes a 10 % discount on repeat orders, helping patients maintain adherence without financial strain. Alternative cephalosporins, such as cefalexin tablets from other manufacturers, are listed for comparison.

Discreet Delivery

Orders are packaged in unmarked boxes, protecting your privacy. Express shipping typically arrives within seven business days to most Australian postcodes, while standard delivery may take up to three weeks, depending on location.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I take Keflex with alcohol? There is no direct pharmacological interaction between cephalexin and ethanol, but drinking heavily may worsen gastrointestinal side effects and impair immune function, potentially slowing recovery.

  • How long will I need to stay on Keflex? For uncomplicated skin infections, a typical course lasts 5-7 days; urinary tract infections often require 7 days, while streptococcal pharyngitis may be treated for 10 days to ensure eradication.

  • Is it safe to use Keflex for recurrent ear infections in children? Pediatric dosing is weight-based, and short courses are generally well-tolerated. Recurrent otitis media should be evaluated for underlying risk factors before repeated antibiotic courses.

  • What should I do if I develop a rash after the first dose? Discontinue the medication and contact a healthcare professional immediately. A mild rash may be managed with antihistamines, but any progression suggests a possible allergic reaction.

  • Does Keflex interfere with birth control pills? Cephalexin does not affect the enterohepatic recirculation of estrogen, so it does not reduce contraceptive efficacy. Nonetheless, using a backup method during a prolonged course is a prudent precaution.

  • Can Keflex be used in patients with mild renal impairment? For creatinine clearance >30 mL/min, standard doses are acceptable. Below this threshold, dosage reduction or interval extension is recommended to avoid accumulation.

  • Why might my doctor prescribe a higher dose of 100 mg daily? Severe infections such as deep-seated cellulitis or pyelonephritis may require higher serum concentrations; splitting the dose into 500 mg twice daily achieves the needed exposure.

  • Is resistance to Keflex common? Resistance has risen in certain Staphylococcus aureus strains (MRSA) and in E. coli producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases. Culture and sensitivity testing guide appropriate use.

  • Can I switch from intravenous cefazolin to oral Keflex before finishing therapy? Yes, once the patient is clinically stable and able to tolerate oral intake, stepping down to Keflex can complete the course while reducing hospital stay.

  • What should I store Keflex for? Keep tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate; discard any tablets that are discoloured or crumbly.

Glossary

Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs)
Enzymes involved in the final cross-linking of bacterial cell-wall peptidoglycan; targeted by β-lactam antibiotics.
Bioavailability
The proportion of an administered dose that reaches systemic circulation in an unchanged form.
Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs)
Enzymes produced by some Gram-negative bacteria that hydrose a wide range of β-lactam antibiotics, conferring resistance.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Keflex is intended for general educational purposes and does not substitute professional medical advice. All treatment choices, including those involving off-label applications, should be made under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Readers are assumed to be responsible adults capable of making informed health decisions. Our online pharmacy offers a convenient access route for individuals who may encounter limited availability through traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies or who seek cost-effective generic options. Always discuss any medication changes with your doctor before initiating, modifying, or discontinuing therapy.


Information Prepared By

Sarah Jones
Tosin (Olalekan) Olaluwoye, MD, PhD