What are the side effects of cephalexin in infants?

Understanding Cephalexin and Its Side Effects in Infants
Cephalexin, a widely used cephalosporin antibiotic, is often prescribed to treat various bacterial infections in infants and children. While it is generally considered safe and effective, parents and caregivers should be aware of potential side effects that may arise during treatment.
Common Side Effects
One of the most frequently reported side effects of cephalexin in infants is diarrhea. This gastrointestinal upset can occur as the antibiotic disrupts the natural balance of bacteria in the gut. Although this side effect is typically mild and resolves after discontinuation of the medication, it is crucial for caregivers to monitor their child closely. If diarrhea becomes severe or is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or stomach cramps, it is essential to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Other common side effects may include nausea and stomach pain. These symptoms can be distressing for infants, and while they are usually not serious, they can lead to discomfort and irritability.
Serious Side Effects
While most side effects are mild, there are more serious reactions that require immediate medical attention. Signs of an allergic reaction to cephalexin can manifest as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat. Additionally, a severe skin reaction characterized by fever, sore throat, burning eyes, and a painful red or purple rash may occur, necessitating urgent medical care.
Rare but Notable Reactions
In rare cases, cephalexin can lead to clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, a more severe form of diarrhea caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the intestines. This condition can occur during or after treatment and may present with watery or bloody stools. Parents should be vigilant for these symptoms and seek medical advice if they arise.
Conclusion
In summary, while cephalexin is an effective antibiotic for treating bacterial infections in infants, it is not without its potential side effects. Caregivers should be aware of common issues like diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain, as well as serious allergic reactions that require immediate attention. Monitoring the infant’s response to the medication and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers can help ensure safe and effective treatment.

What are the side effects of cephalexin for babies?

Some children get diarrhoea, stomach pains and may feel sick or be sick (vomit) when they first start taking Cefalexin. See the information on antibiotics below for advice on what to do. Contact your doctor if your child has diarrhoea that goes on for more than 4 days or if it is severe and watery, or contains blood.

Is it safe for infants to take antibiotics?

Why overuse of antibiotics in babies and children can be dangerous. Antibiotics are not necessary for every illness. Giving them to your child when they aren’t warranted can be potentially harmful, with some research suggesting it may be especially problematic during the first year or two of life.

What are the 3 major adverse reactions with antibiotics?

More severe reactions may lead to:

• Blistering of your skin.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
• Breathing problems, including wheezing.

Who should avoid cephalexin?

To make sure cefalexin is safe for you, tell your doctor before starting to take it if you have: ever had an allergic reaction to cefalexin or any other medicine. kidney problems. ever had a severe skin rash or skin peeling, blistering or mouth sores after taking antibiotics.

Why can’t you lie down after taking cephalexin?

Can I lie down after taking cephalexin? After taking the antibiotic, you should avoid lying down since it may increase the time it takes for the medication to pass through your oesophagus and into your stomach, potentially irritating your oesophagus.

What is a bad reaction to cephalexin?

severe diarrhoea or there is blood or mucus in your diarrhoea. pale poo and dark pee, yellowing of your skin (this may be less obvious on brown or black skin), or whites of your eyes – this may be a sign of liver problems. unexplained bruising on your skin.

Can cephalexin be given to infants?

15 mg/kg/day divided BID for neonates up to 6 weeks of age. May give total daily dose once daily beyond 6 weeks of age.

What are the side effects of cephalexin in breastfed babies?

Only tiny amounts of cefalexin get into breast milk, so it does not normally cause any side effects in your baby. However, it has caused diarrhoea in a few infants. It’s important to treat an infection while you’re breastfeeding as there’s a risk that it could make you unwell if left untreated.

What not to mix with cephalexin?

Do not take cefalexin at the same time as zinc supplements or anything with zinc in it. This is important because zinc may reduce the amount of cefalexin in your body, meaning the medicine cannot work as it’s meant to.

What are the side effects of antibiotics in infants?

Side effects may include rashes, allergic reactions, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Make sure you let your child’s doctor know if your child has had a reaction to antibiotics in the past. Sometimes a rash will occur during the time a child is taking an antibiotic.