Can Cephalexin Be Taken For Sore Throat?

Posted on Sun, 4 May 2014

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

Sun, 4 May 2014 Answered on

Wed, 21 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Can I take Cephalexin 500mg for a sore throat that was issued to my by my doctor in Nov. 2013, and will this help me get over this cold and cough?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wait for few more days before starting antibiotic.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

You can use this antibiotic if it has not passed the expiry date. However it will hardly be of use if cold and cough are from non bacterial cause.

As such cough and cold are commonly due to viral in nature. It resolves spontaneously without antibiotics. Since you are not running high grade fever, I would wait for atleast 5-7 days before starting antibiotics.

In short, as per my opinion, you shouldn't take last years antibiotic prescription now. You can reconsider the option if symptoms worsens / you develop high grade fever.

Hope this answers your question. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad