Medical Questions » Antibiotics Questions » Question No. 59
| Question: | I have been prescribed an antibiotic called Keflex for my cystitis, but it gave me diarrhoea and I stopped it. i am also 6 months pregnant. Is this the right antibiotic to use? |
| Answer: | Keflex is an excellent broad spectrum antibiotic, and a member of the cephalosporin group. These are a group of relatively strong antibiotics that are divided by doctors into first, second and third generation cephalosporins. In general terms, they increase in strength and the number of types of bacteria they are active against decreases as you go from first to third generation drugs.
First generation cephalosporins such as cephalexin (also known as Keflex and Ibilex) and cefaclor (Ceclor, Keflor) are commonly used by general practitioners. They are active against a very wide range of bacteria, and are particularly useful in chest, urinary, skin and joint infections. They can interact with some other antibiotics, and must be used with care in patients with kidney failure. Side effects are uncommon with the first generation of this group, but more likely with the third generation cephalosporins which are given by injection. The most common side effect, is unfortunately the one you suffered, diarrhoea. On the other hand, it is quite safe to use in pregnancy.
You need to have your q' stitis treated properly, so should return to your GP so that another antibiotic, that will hopefully not cause diarrhoea, can be prescribed. |
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