Cephalexin

Definition

Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, particularly those affecting the skin and eyes. As a broad-spectrum antibiotic, it is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, making it a common choice for treating common skin and eye infections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cephalexin is effective against common skin and eye pathogens, such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Haemophilus species.
2. It is commonly prescribed for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis, impetigo, cellulitis, and other skin and soft tissue infections.
3. Cephalexin is typically administered orally and has good absorption and distribution throughout the body, including the skin and eye tissues.
4. Like other cephalosporins, cephalexin works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in bacteria, leading to cell lysis and death.
5. Cephalexin has a relatively low risk of side effects, with the most common being gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Review Questions

• Explain how the mechanism of action of cephalexin makes it effective against a broad range of bacterial infections.
  • Cephalexin, as a cephalosporin antibiotic, works by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, which is a critical structure for the survival and growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. By disrupting the formation of the peptidoglycan layer, cephalexin causes osmotic instability and ultimately leads to cell lysis and death of the bacteria. This broad-spectrum activity against a wide variety of bacterial pathogens makes cephalexin a versatile choice for treating common skin and eye infections.
• Describe the specific types of bacterial infections that cephalexin is commonly used to treat, and explain why it is an effective choice for these conditions.
  • Cephalexin is commonly prescribed for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis, impetigo, cellulitis, and other skin and soft tissue infections. These conditions are often caused by Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, as well as some Gram-negative bacteria, like Haemophilus. Cephalexin's broad-spectrum activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, combined with its good absorption and distribution in the skin and eye tissues, make it an effective choice for treating these common bacterial infections of the skin and eyes.
• Analyze the potential advantages and limitations of using cephalexin as an antibiotic for treating bacterial infections of the skin and eyes, and discuss how healthcare providers might consider these factors when prescribing this medication.
  • The key advantages of using cephalexin for treating bacterial infections of the skin and eyes include its broad-spectrum activity against a wide range of pathogens, good tissue penetration, and relatively low risk of side effects. These properties make cephalexin a versatile and commonly prescribed antibiotic for these types of infections. However, healthcare providers must also consider the potential limitations, such as the development of antibiotic resistance, particularly with the overuse or misuse of cephalexin. Additionally, providers should be mindful of any patient-specific factors, such as allergies or interactions with other medications, that may impact the appropriateness of prescribing cephalexin. By carefully weighing the benefits and risks, healthcare providers can optimize the use of cephalexin to effectively treat bacterial infections of the skin and eyes while minimizing the development of antibiotic resistance.

Related terms

Cephalosporins: A class of antibiotics derived from the Cephalosporium fungus, which are structurally similar to penicillins and used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections.

Gram-positive Bacteria: Bacteria that stain purple with the Gram stain technique, indicating a thick peptidoglycan cell wall, and are generally more susceptible to certain antibiotics.

Gram-negative Bacteria: Bacteria that stain pink with the Gram stain technique, indicating a thin peptidoglycan cell wall and an outer lipopolysaccharide membrane, making them generally more resistant to certain antibiotics.