Indications

Cephalexin is used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. It is also sometimes used to treat acne.

In addition to being a rational first-line treatment for cellulitis, it is a useful alternative to penicillins in patients with penicillin hypersensitivity. Caution should always be taken when prescribing cephalosporins to those with strong history of true penicillin hypersensitivity. However, cephalexin and other first-generation cephalosporins are known to have a modest cross-allergy in patients with penicillin hypersensitivity.