Keflex (cephalexin) is a common antibiotic you’ll find in many home medicine cabinets.

It treats bacterial infections like skin infections, bronchitis, ear infections, and urinary tract infections. Doctors often choose it because it’s effective, inexpensive, and well understood.

How Keflex works is simple: it kills bacteria by stopping them from building cell walls. That makes it good for infections caused by susceptible bacteria — not viruses. If you have a cold or the flu, Keflex won’t help.

Typical adult doses run from 250 mg to 500 mg every six to 12 hours depending on the infection. Some prescriptions use 1 gram twice daily. Kids get doses adjusted for weight. Always follow the exact directions from your prescriber. Do not stop early because symptoms improve — stopping too soon can let bacteria come back stronger.

Common side effects are mild and include stomach upset, diarrhea, and dizziness. Serious allergic reactions can happen, especially if you’re allergic to penicillin or other cephalosporins. If you develop a rash, swelling, breathing trouble, or severe diarrhea, stop the drug and get medical help.

Keflex can interact with other medicines. For example, combining it with probenecid changes how the kidneys handle the drug. If you take blood thinners like warfarin, your doctor may monitor you more closely. Tell your prescriber about all medicines and supplements you use.

If you’re thinking of getting Keflex online, pick a pharmacy that requires a valid prescription and shows a real business address and phone number. Check for pharmacist contact, clear refund policies, and secure checkout. Avoid sellers that offer powerful antibiotics without any prescription or medical review.

Store Keflex at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children. Unused antibiotics should be disposed of safely — many pharmacies offer take-back programs.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Keflex is commonly used in pregnancy when necessary, but always check with your doctor. Breastfeeding mothers usually tolerate it well, but watch infants for diarrhea or thrush.

Questions to ask your prescriber: What bacteria are we targeting? How long should I take this? What side effects should I watch for? Are there alternatives if I’m allergic? These simple questions help you get the right treatment.

If symptoms don’t improve in 48 to 72 hours or they get worse, contact your doctor. Fever, spreading redness, or painful urination can mean you need a change in therapy. Antibiotics work best when chosen for the right bug and taken the right way.

Missed doses matter. If you miss one, take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is close — don’t double up. Finish the full course even if you feel better. Short or interrupted treatment raises the risk of resistance. For urinary tract infections, a typical short course might be five to seven days, but some doctors prescribe longer based on symptoms or urine tests. If you have recurrent infections, your doctor may order a culture to find the best antibiotic. A pill box or phone reminder helps people stick to the schedule.