This article describes possible interactions with cephalexin oral capsule. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
Cephalexin also comes as oral tablets and an oral liquid suspension (type of liquid mixture) that you swallow. But those forms aren’t discussed in this article. The interactions of cephalexin may vary depending on the form of cephalexin you’re prescribed.
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Other drugs and cephalexin
The drugs in the following list may interact with cephalexin oral capsule. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with cephalexin.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with cephalexin oral capsule include:
- anticoagulants:
- loop diuretics (water pills):
- drug examples: furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of kidney damage as a side effect of cephalexin and loop diuretics
- metformin (Fortamet, Glumetza):
- what might happen: can increase the effect of metformin and increase its risk of side effects
- oral iron:
- drug examples: sucroferric oxyhydroxide (Velphoro), ferric citrate (Auryxia)
- what might happen: can make cephalexin less effective
- probenecid (Probalan):
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of cephalexin
When to avoid cephalexin
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with cephalexin oral capsule. Because of this, doctors may not prescribe cephalexin in these cases. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
A contraindication for cephalexin oral capsule is:
- Past allergic reaction to cephalexin or another cephalosporin. If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to cephalexin, taking it again may cause another allergic reaction. Similarly, if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin drug, taking cephalexin may cause another allergic reaction. Cephalexin is a cephalosporin drug.
Before you start taking cephalexin, talk with your doctor about the contraindications of cephalexin. They can recommend whether you should take this drug.
Alcohol and cephalexin
Cephalexin oral capsule is not known to interact with alcohol. But if you have side effects from cephalexin, drinking alcohol could make them worse. These side effects could include nausea or indigestion. For this reason, if you drink, it may be best to avoid alcohol during your treatment.
If you drink alcohol and have concerns about avoiding it while taking cephalexin oral capsule, talk with your doctor.
Other interactions and cephalexin
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether cephalexin oral capsule has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other interactions possible with cephalexin.
Cephalexin and supplements
Before taking cephalexin oral capsule, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Cephalexin and herbs
Cephalexin oral capsule isn’t known to interact with any herbs. But this doesn’t mean interactions with herbs can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbal supplements while taking cephalexin oral capsule.
Cephalexin and vitamins
Cephalexin oral capsule isn’t known to interact with any vitamins. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vitamins can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamins while taking cephalexin oral capsule.
Cephalexin and food
Cephalexin oral capsule isn’t known to interact with foods. But this doesn’t mean interactions with foods can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what foods you should while taking cephalexin oral capsule.
Cephalexin and vaccines
Cephalexin oral capsule isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking cephalexin oral capsule.
Cephalexin and lab tests
Cephalexin oral capsule may interact with a urine test used to check for glucose (blood sugar) in the urine. This interaction occurs if the urine glucose test uses Benedict’s or Fehling’s solution.
Having this test during treatment with cephalexin may lead to a false-positive test result. This result means the test shows glucose in your urine even though it’s not actually present.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having a urine glucose test while taking cephalexin oral capsule.
Cephalexin and cannabis or CBD
Cephalexin oral capsule isn’t known to interact with cannabis (commonly called marijuana) or cannabis products such as cannabidiol (CBD). But this doesn’t mean interactions can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
As with any drug or supplement, tell your doctor before taking cannabis with cephalexin.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
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Get free cardHealth factors and cephalexin
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with cephalexin oral capsule. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works.
Before taking cephalexin, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether cephalexin is right for you.
These health conditions or other factors might interact with cephalexin oral capsule:
- epilepsy or seizure
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- past allergic reaction to cephalexin
- past allergic reaction to a penicillin drug, such as penicillin V
Questions about cephalexin and interactions
Here are answers to some common questions about cephalexin and possible interactions.
Are there foods to avoid while taking cephalexin?
No, you don’t need to avoid any foods while taking cephalexin.
You can take the cephalexin with or without a meal. Some people may have digestive side effects such as nausea with a cephalexin dose. But eating a meal or snack with it may help ease these side effects. Food won’t affect how well the drug works.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you take other medications. They can tell you whether any interact with foods.
Can omeprazole and cephalexin be taken together?
Yes, it’s thought to be safe to take omeprazole and cephalexin together. No interactions between these medications have been reported.
Omeprazole treats indigestion and certain conditions caused by a high amount of stomach acid. It works by lowering the amount of acid in your stomach. Some antibiotics need stomach acid for your body to properly absorb them. But cephalexin isn’t one of those antibiotics.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you take omeprazole. They can tell you if it interacts with other medications you take.
Preventing cephalexin interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with cephalexin oral capsule. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications and herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you’re prescribed a new drug while taking cephalexin oral capsule.
Taking cephalexin exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.