Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Keflex Safe To Take Inspite Of Having Penicillin Allergy?
Question: my doctor prescribed reflex for a urinary infection. I did cipro for 10 days and it didn't work. Now i'm reading somewhere that keflex is not good if you had a penicillin allergy, which I had a small reaction of hives when I was about 24. I think I have taken reflex since then though without an adverse exaction.(your board keeps changing reflex to reflex; i hope you know that it's missing a "k."
Brief Answer:
Small chances for allergy (almost nil)...
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Keflex is the brand name for the generic antibiotic Cephalexin. It is of cephalosporin group and not a penicillin. It is true that there is a small risk for the patients who are having penicillin allergy, would also have cephalosporin allergy.
As this does happen in rare cases, I always advise my patients to look at any sign of allergy even if they are taking the last dose of the antibiotic. I have had many cases, when patients has experienced allergic reaction at the last dose of medication (although no prior allergy was noticed). So, always be alert for signs of allergic reaction.
With regards to antibiotic use, I usually ask my patients to run urine analysis and urine culture and sensitivity testing to determine the antibiotic of choice to treat UTI. You can discuss it further with your doctor.
I also advise to:
- drink more water
- avoid/limit salt intake
- take uva-ursina tea or other herbal supplements for UTI for longer periods than use of antibiotics.
Wish fast recovery! Do let me know if you have further questions!
Dr.Albana
Small chances for allergy (almost nil)...
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Keflex is the brand name for the generic antibiotic Cephalexin. It is of cephalosporin group and not a penicillin. It is true that there is a small risk for the patients who are having penicillin allergy, would also have cephalosporin allergy.
As this does happen in rare cases, I always advise my patients to look at any sign of allergy even if they are taking the last dose of the antibiotic. I have had many cases, when patients has experienced allergic reaction at the last dose of medication (although no prior allergy was noticed). So, always be alert for signs of allergic reaction.
With regards to antibiotic use, I usually ask my patients to run urine analysis and urine culture and sensitivity testing to determine the antibiotic of choice to treat UTI. You can discuss it further with your doctor.
I also advise to:
- drink more water
- avoid/limit salt intake
- take uva-ursina tea or other herbal supplements for UTI for longer periods than use of antibiotics.
Wish fast recovery! Do let me know if you have further questions!
Dr.Albana
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
