SUMMARY CMI

CEPHALEX

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I using CEPHALEX?

CEPHALEX contains the active ingredient Cefalaxin monohydrate. CEPHALEX is used to treat infections caused by bacteria in different parts of the body. For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using CEPHALEX? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use CEPHALEX?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to CEPHALEX or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI. Do not take CEPHALEX if you are pregnant, taking medicines similar to CEPHALEX or have serious allergic reaction to penicillin. Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use CEPHALEX? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with CEPHALEX and affect how it works. A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I use CEPHALEX?

• Continue taking CEPHALEX 250 mg and 500 mg for as long as your doctor tells you.
• It is important to complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you do not, the bacteria causing your infection may not clear completely or your symptoms may return.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use CEPHALEX? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using CEPHALEX?

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using CEPHALEX? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Common side effects include: dizziness, fainting, light-headedness, cough, headache, diarrhoea, feeling sick, stomach pain, tiredness, weakness. Serious side effects include: swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat and difficulty breathing and/or swallowing. For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.

FULL CMI

CEPHALEX

Active ingredient(s): (Cefalaxin monohydrate)

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using CEPHALEX. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using CEPHALEX.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using CEPHALEX?
2. What should I know before I use CEPHALEX?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use CEPHALEX?
5. What should I know while using CEPHALEX?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using CEPHALEX?

CEPHALEX contains the active ingredient cefalexin monohydrate. This medicine belongs to a group of medicines called cephalosporins. These antibiotics work by killing the bacteria that are causing your infection.

CEPHALEX is used to treat infections caused by bacteria in different parts of the body, including infections of the:

• respiratory tract (throat, tonsils, chest and lungs)
• nose (sinusitis)
• ears (otitis media)
• skin and soft tissue
• kidneys and bladder (genitourinary tract).

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you.

Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.

There is no evidence that it is addictive.

2. What should I know before I use CEPHALEX?

Warnings

Do not use CEPHALEX if:

• you are allergic to cefalexin monohydrate, penicillin, other cephalosporins, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
  Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
  - shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
  - swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
  - rash, itching or hives on the skin.
  Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
• the expiry date (EXP) on the pack has passed.
• the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.

Check with your doctor if you:

• are allergic to any other medicines or any foods, preservatives or dyes.
• have any other medical conditions including
  - liver disease
  - kidney disease
  - bowel disease.

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start taking CEPHALEX.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may interfere with CEPHALEX and affect how it works.

These include:

• probenecid (e.g. Pro-Cid), a medicine commonly used to treat gout
• metformin, a medicine used in the treatment of diabetes.

These medicines may be affected by CEPHALEX or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines or you may need to take different medicines.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect CEPHALEX.

4. How do I use CEPHALEX?

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist.

They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

If you do not understand the instructions on the carton or bottle, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

How much to take

• Your doctor will tell you how much and how often you should take CEPHALEX.
• This will depend on the type of infection. The dose varies from patient to patient.

When to take CEPHALEX

• It does not matter if you take this medicine with or without food.

How to take CEPHALEX

• Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water.

How long to take CEPHALEX

• Continue taking CEPHALEX for as long as your doctor tells you.

It is important to complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you do not, the bacteria causing your infection may not clear completely or your symptoms may return.

If you forget to use CEPHALEX

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you use too much CEPHALEX

If you think that you have used too much CEPHALEX, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

• phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling 13 11 26), or
• contact your doctor, or
• go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

Symptoms of an overdose may include feeling sick in the stomach, diarrhoea, blood in the urine, unusually increased reflexes, convulsions or hallucinations.

5. What should I know while using CEPHALEX?

Things you should do

• Tell your doctor if the symptoms of your infection do not improve within a few days or if they become worse.
• Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking CEPHALEX, especially if you are about to be started on any new medicines.
• Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
• If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are taking CEPHALEX.
  It may interfere with the results of some tests.
• If you are diabetic, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using urine sugar tests.
  CEPHALEX may affect the results of some of these tests.
• Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked.
  Your doctor may do some tests from time to time to make sure the medicine is working and to prevent unwanted side effects.

Things you should not do

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly or change the dosage without first checking with your doctor.
  If you stop taking it, your condition may worsen.
• Do not take CEPHALEX to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
• Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how CEPHALEX affects you.

It may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people.

Children should be careful when riding bicycles or climbing trees.

Looking after your medicine

• Keep the capsules in the blister pack until it is time to take them.
• Keep it in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Do not store it in the bathroom or near a sink, in the car or on window sills.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

6. Are there any side effects?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking CEPHALEX.

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Common side effects

Serious side effects

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following, particularly if they occur several weeks after stopping treatment with CEPHALEX:

• severe stomach cramps or pain
• severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea
• fever, in combination with one of the above.

Do not take any diarrhoea medicine without first checking with your doctor.

You may have a serious condition affecting your bowel requiring urgent medical attention.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people. Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

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

What CEPHALEX contains

What it looks like

CEPHALEX 250 mg

White to off white powder filled in dark green cap and dark green body with printing "CEP" on cap and "250" on body with black ink. They are available in packs of 20 capsules.

CEPHALEX 500 mg

White to off white powder filled in light green cap and light green body with printing "CEP" on cap and "500" on body with black ink. They are available in packs of 20 capsules.

Sponsor

Pharmacor Pty Ltd.
Chatswood, NSW 2067,
Australia

Australian Registration Numbers for CEPHALEX products are:

250 mg capsule: 204535

500 mg capsule: 204534

This leaflet was prepared on: 08/2024

Published by MIMS October 2024

1 Name of Medicine

Cephalexin monohydrate.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Cephalex 250 mg capsules.

Cephalex 500 mg capsules.

Excipients with known effect.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Cephalex 250 mg capsules.

Cephalex 500 mg capsules.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Cephalexin is indicated in the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms:
Respiratory tract infections caused by S. pneumoniae and group A beta-haemolytic streptococci. (Penicillin is the usual drug of choice in the treatment and prevention of streptococcal infections, including the prophylaxis of rheumatic fever. Cephalexin is generally effective in the eradication of streptococci from the nasopharynx; however, substantial data establishing the efficacy of cephalexin in the subsequent prevention of rheumatic fever are not available at present.)
Bacterial sinusitis caused by streptococci, S. pneumoniae and S. aureus (methicillin-sensitive only).
Otitis media due to S. pneumoniae, staphylococci.
Skin and soft tissue infections caused by staphylococci and/or streptococci.
Genitourinary tract infections, including acute prostatitis caused by E. coli, P. mirabilis, and Klebsiella sp.
The effectiveness of cephalexin in the treatment of bacterial infections of the brain and spinal column has not been established and cephalexin is not indicated in these conditions.

Note.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Dosage.

Method of administration.

Dosage adjustment.

Adults.

Children.

Impaired renal function.

4.3 Contraindications

Cephalexin is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics or who have previously experienced a major allergy to penicillin (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Before instituting therapy with cephalexin, every attempt should be made to determine if the patient has had previous hypersensitivity reactions to the cephalosporins, penicillins or other drugs. This product should be given cautiously to penicillin sensitive patients.
There is some clinical and laboratory evidence of partial cross allergenicity of the penicillins and the cephalosporins. Patients have been reported to have had severe reactions (including anaphylaxis) to both drugs.
If an allergic reaction to cephalexin occurs, the drug should be discontinued and the patient treated with the usual agents (e.g. adrenaline or other pressor amines, antihistamines or corticosteroids).
Antibiotic associated pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with virtually all broad spectrum antibiotics (including macrolides, semisynthetic penicillins and cephalosporins). A toxin produced with Clostridium difficile appears to be the primary cause. The severity of the colitis may range from mild to life threatening. It is important to consider the diagnosis in patients who develop diarrhoea or colitis in association with antibiotic use (this may occur up to several weeks after cessation of antibiotic therapy). Mild cases usually respond to drug discontinuation alone. However, in moderate to severe cases appropriate therapy with a suitable oral antibacterial agent effective against Clostridium difficile should be considered. Fluids, electrolytes and protein replacement should be provided when indicated.
Drugs which delay peristalsis, e.g. opiates and diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil) may prolong and/or worsen the condition and should not be used.
Broad spectrum antibiotics should therefore be prescribed with caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.
Patients should be followed carefully so that any side effects or unusual manifestations of drug idiosyncrasy may be detected.
Prolonged use of cephalexin may result in the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Careful observation of the patient is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.

Neurotoxicity.

Use in renal impairment.

Use in the elderly.

Paediatric use.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions.

Effects on laboratory tests.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

As with other β-lactams, the renal excretion of cephalexin is inhibited by probenecid.
In healthy subjects given single 500 mg doses of cephalexin and metformin, plasma metformin C_max and AUC increased by an average of 34% and 24%, respectively, and metformin renal clearance decreased by an average of 14%. The interaction of cephalexin and metformin following multiple dose administration has not been studied. Administration of a cephalosporin to a metformin treated patient may result in increased metformin exposure.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

The effects of this medicine on a person's ability to drive and use machines were not assessed as part of its registration.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Adverse drug reactions reported with cephalexin are very rare (< 0.01%) and are listed below:

Blood and lymphatic system disorders.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Hepatobiliary disorders.

Immune system disorders.

Infections and infestations.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Nervous system disorders.

Psychiatric disorders.

Renal and urinary disorders.

Reproductive and breast disorders.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

4.9 Overdose

There is no definite experience of poisoning or severe overdosage with cephalexin. However, clinical features of overdosage may be similar to those seen with other cephalosporins and penicillins, i.e. convulsions, hallucinations, hyper-reflexia, electrolyte imbalance, gastrointestinal disturbances and haematuria.
In the event of severe overdosage, general supportive care is recommended including close clinical and laboratory monitoring of haematological, renal, hepatic functions and coagulation status until the patient is stable.
Forced diuresis, peritoneal dialysis, haemodialysis or charcoal haemoperfusion have not been established as beneficial for an overdose of cephalexin.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Note.

Note.

Clinical trials.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Distribution.

Metabolism/ excretion.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Carcinogenicity.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Lactose anhydrous, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate.
The capsule shell consists of titanium dioxide, allura red, brilliant blue, quinoline yellow, gelatin, sodium lauryl sulphate, water.
Traces of printing black Ink contain shellac, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, strong ammonia solution, black iron oxide, potassium hydroxide, water.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

36 months.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Cephalex 250 mg: Store below 30 degrees Celsius.
Cephalex 500 mg: Store below 30 degrees Celsius.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Cephalex 250 mg and 500 mg capsules are supplied in PVC/PVDC-Alu blister pack of 20 capsules.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Cephalexin monohydrate is a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration. It is 7-(D-α-amino-α -phenyl-acetamido)-3-methyl-3-cephem-4- carboxylic acid, monohydrate.

Chemical structure.

CAS number.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Prescription Only Medicine (S4).

Summary Table of Changes