Can Amoxicillin Be Substituted With Cephalexin To Avoid Allergic Reactions From The Medication?

Posted on Sat, 19 May 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 19 May 2018 Answered on

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : I was prescribed cephalexin 500 mg 4 times per day for 10 days to treat an infected blister on a toe 4 days ago. (I have had surgery on this foot 3 years ago for a deep staph infection that required hospitalization and a long course of antibiotics to cure it.. l am a 71 year old male.) I am having an allergic reaction to this medication in the form of blisters and soreness on my tongue — very uncomfortable. I happen to have for dental visits a dozen amoxicillin 500 mg capsules. Can they be substituted for the cephalexin until I can get in to see my primary care doc? I am afraid to stop the cephalexin with nothing to replace it given my history and the fact that I have had knee replacement surgery.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
amoxicillin can be taken as substitute against cephalexin.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I have read your query thoroughly.

* As there is allergy to cephalexin, its further consumption has to be stopped.
The presence of infected blister needs to continue antibiotic for healing, so if
there is no history of drug sensitivity to amoxicillin, I recommend to take it as a
substitute till you meet your primary care doc.

* In addition to the above

- Care of local part in form of dressing coverage.
- Application of honey over the blisters to cure it early provided blood sugar is
normal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy