Do not take Cefalexin:

• If you are allergic to cefalexin, other cephalosporins (similar antibiotics) or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in Section 6). An allergic reaction may include rash, itching, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Cefalexin if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to cefalexin, cephalosporins, penicillins, or other drugs in the past
• develop severe or prolonged diarrhoea during or after taking cefalexin
• have a severe kidney disorder (you may need a reduced dose)
• have ever developed a severe skin rash or skin peeling, blistering and/or mouth sores after taking cefalexin or other antibacterials.

Tell your doctor if you are having blood or urine tests. Cefalexin may interfere with these tests.

Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) has been reported with the use of cefalexin. AGEP appears at the initiation of treatment as a red, scaly widespread rash with bumps under the skin and blisters accompanied by fever. The most common location: mainly localized on the skin folds, trunk, and upper extremities. The highest risk for occurrence of this serious skin reaction is within the first week of treatment. If you develop a serious rash or another of these skin symptoms, stop taking cefalexin and contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately.

Other medicines and Cefalexin

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

This is especially important of the following, as they may interact with your Cefalexin:

• Any other antibiotics (e.g. gentamicin, tobramycin, cefuroxime)
• Potent diuretics e.g. furosemide (water tablets used to treat high blood pressure or water retention)
• Probenecid (a treatment for gout)
• Metformin (a treatment for diabetes)
• Drugs used to treat leukaemia.

It may still be all right for you to be given Cefalexin and your doctor will be able to decide what is suitable for you.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

Driving and using machines

Cefalexin should not affect your ability to drive or use machines.

Cefalexin Tablets contain sodium

This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially ‘sodium free’.