Treating bacterial infections and preventing heart valve infections are two common Keflex uses. Bacterial infections that can be treated with the drug include urinary tract infections, bone infections, and middle ear infections, among others. Keflex does not work against infections caused by a virus, such as the flu, stomach flu, or common cold. Currently, there are no universally recognized off-label Keflex uses.
An Overview of Keflex UsesKeflex® (cephalexin) is a prescription antibiotic licensed to treat a number of infections. Some of these Keflex uses include:
- Treatment of bacterial infections
- Prevention of heart valve infections (bacterial endocarditis).
Keflex is most commonly used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Some of these types of infections may include:
- Respiratory tract infection (pneumonia, bronchitis, strep throat, or tonsillitis)
- Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
- Middle ear infection (otitis media)
- Sinus infection (sinusitis)
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Irritation of the prostate (prostatitis)
- Skin infection (cellulitis, folliculitis, or impetigo).
Keflex may also be substituted in place of penicillin to treat common infections in people who are allergic to that particular drug. It should be noted, however, that there is a small chance that people who are allergic to penicillin will also be allergic to Keflex or to other cephalosporins.
Keflex is not effective against any infection caused by a virus, such as the flu, stomach flu, or common cold.
Endocarditis occurs when the inner lining of the heart (the endocardium) develops inflammation, usually from an infection. Bacterial endocarditis occurs when bacteria are responsible for causing the inflammation. Endocarditis can occur after a number of procedures, such as dental procedures. Keflex may help prevent this by curbing the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation.