Cephalexin ®
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Reviewed on Dec 19, 2025. by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer Registered with GPhC (No. 2241935) Next review due on December 19, 2028.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell

Last updated on Dec 19, 2025.

Can treat impetigo within two weeks.

Cephalexin is an oral antibiotic that helps treat skin infections, like impetigo. It’s taken 2-4 times a day for up to two weeks.

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$79.95 56 capsules
  • Prices include:
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    2-5 day shipping by secure courier

  • Consultation + Access to our clinicians

    Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.

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    $79.95
    Save $0.00 each order
Cephalexin Cephalexin

What is Cephalexin?

Cephalexin is an oral antibiotic that can treat impetigo, a bacterial skin infection. The symptoms typically include red, yellow, itchy scabs that form on the surface of your skin. It’s not a serious condition, but it’s very contagious, so it’s important to get treatment right away.[1] Impetigo can be treated with oral antibiotics within one to two weeks.

How does Cephalexin work?

Cephalexin is an antibiotic that disrupts bacterial cell wall formation. Without the cell wall, the bacteria can’t grow or survive, which leads to their dissolution.[2]

Will I get side effects using Cephalexin?

You might get side effects when taking Cephalexin, although not everyone will experience them. The side effects include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Itching
  • Rash
  • Joint pain

The side effects should stop once you finish your course of antibiotics. But if they worsen or become serious, contact your doctor straightaway or seek medical attention. Check the package leaflet for the full list of side effects.

Does alcohol affect Cephalexin?

It’s safe to drink alcohol while taking Cephalexin, but it can make some of your side effects worse, like nausea and vomiting. It’s best to limit drinking alcohol until you finish taking antibiotics.

What doses of Cephalexin are there?

Cephalexin is available in three doses: 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg. You usually take one 250 mg tablet every 6 hours or one 500 mg or 750 mg tablet every 6 or 12 hours. The duration of your treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are.

Treated trusted source:

  1. Nardi NM, Schaefer TJ. Impetigo. [2023] In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
  2. Herman TF, Hashmi MF. Cephalexin. [2023]. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell 23938
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on December 19, 2025. Next review due on December 19, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Cephalexin Cephalexin

How to take Cephalexin

Swallow the tablet whole with water. It can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food can reduce the risk of side effects.

If you’re taking multiple tablets daily, split them evenly throughout the day according to your doctor’s instructions. You should also take Cephalexin at the same time each day for it to work best.

Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell 23938
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on December 19, 2025. Next review due on December 19, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Cephalexin Cephalexin

Cephalexin isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.

Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our doctor know, and they can talk with you about it.

Cephalexin Cephalexin

Cephalexin: FAQ

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

How long does Cephalexin take to work?

Answer:
Cephalexin works quickly, so you should begin to feel better within a few days. But it may take a few weeks for the infection to completely clear. It's important not to stop taking antibiotics without consulting your doctor, as stopping the treatment before it’s complete can cause the infection to return.

Even after the infection is treated, you may experience some scarring or hyperpigmentation from the scabs. This is normal and will gradually fade over time.

How effective is Cephalexin for impetigo?

Answer:
One study compared three different antibiotics to treat impetigo: oral penicillin V, erythromycin, and cephalexin. The result found that cephalexin was the most effective treatment for treating bacterial impetigo.[1]

Can I take Cephalexin while pregnant?

Answer:
You should ask your doctor before taking Cephalexin when pregnant. While research shows no evidence of harm to the baby, it’s best to stay on the safe side and check in with your doctor.[2]

Is Cephalexin the best treatment for impetigo?

Answer:
Antibiotics are typically used to treat impetigo. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you might be recommended either topical or oral antibiotics. Topical antibiotics are prescribed for milder cases of impetigo, while oral antibiotics are recommended for moderate to severe cases.

If you have secondary impetigo, which is caused by an underlying condition, your doctor will also treat the underlying issue alongside your impetigo.

Do I need to avoid any foods with Cephalexin?

Answer:
No, you don’t need to avoid any food or drinks while taking Cephalexin. You can continue eating as normal.

Can I get Cephalexin through private health insurance?

Answer:
This depends on your private insurance plan. Certain insurers only cover specific brands, but it’s always best to ask your provider whether they cover your preferred treatment.

If it isn’t covered, you can always get Cephalexin from an online service, but this will be at your own expense.

Treated trusted source:

  1. Bass, James W., et al. (1997). Comparison Of Oral Cephalexin, Topical Mupirocin and Topical Bacitracin For Treatment Of Impetigo. The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.
  2. Herman TF, Hashmi MF. Cephalexin. [2023]. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.

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