| Medication | Cephalexin |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Cephalexin monohydrate |
| Product type | Generic prescription cephalosporin antibiotic |
| Reference brand | Keflex |
| Manufacturer | Provided by the assigned dispensing pharmacy |
| Country of manufacture | Provided for the available finished product |
| NDC | Provided for the available finished product, when applicable |
| FDA status | FDA-approved prescription antibiotic for infections caused by susceptible bacteria |
| Prescription status | Prescription required |
The image is illustrative. The assigned dispensing pharmacy identifies the actual manufacturer, capsule appearance, labeling, NDC and package before dispensing.
Cephalexin Capsule Availability
The amounts below are approximate starting prices for common Cephalexin capsule quantities. The assigned pharmacy confirms the prescribed strength, available finished product and final amount before fulfillment.
| Strength | Package | Approximate price | Per capsule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cephalexin 250 mg | 28 capsules | From $9.44 | From $0.34 |
| Cephalexin 500 mg | 28 capsules | From $13.08 | From $0.47 |
Final pricing depends on prescription details, quantity, available manufacturer, pharmacy assignment, insurance status and fulfillment method.
Patients may submit an existing prescription, request an eligible transfer from another pharmacy or select a $20 online medical consultation with Cody R. Christensen, DO,where available. A prescription is issued only when a licensed clinician determines that Cephalexin is medically appropriate.
Prescription and account information is handled according to the Sweetwater Medical Center Privacy Statement.
Cephalexin is a prescription first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat selected bacterial infections when the responsible bacteria are susceptible. It is commonly prescribed for certain infections affecting the skin, respiratory tract, ears, bones and urinary system. Cephalexin works by interfering with bacterial cell-wall formation, which prevents susceptible bacteria from maintaining their structure and multiplying.
Cephalexin is a generic medication with Keflex as the reference brand. Patients reviewing Cephalexin capsules should use only the strength and quantity prescribed by a healthcare professional. The assigned dispensing pharmacy confirms the available manufacturer, finished product, package and final price before dispensing.
Sweetwater Medical Center transmits submitted requests through the pharmacy-assignment system. An eligible partner pharmacy is selected according to the patient’s ZIP code, pharmacy licensing, service coverage, prescription details and product availability.
Cephalexin Price Without Insurance
Cephalexin price without insurance depends on the prescribed strength, quantity, available finished product and pharmacy assigned to process the request. Generic cephalexin products may have different manufacturers, capsule appearance, inactive ingredients, packaging and NDC numbers while containing the same active ingredient.
The approximate prices shown on this page are provided for orientation only. The assigned dispensing pharmacy confirms the actual product, availability, final amount and fulfillment details before completing the order.
How to Order Cephalexin Online With a Prescription
Patients looking to order Cephalexin begin by providing prescription and location information through the secure pharmacy request process. Antibiotics cannot be selected only from symptoms because conditions such as sore throat, cough, urinary discomfort or skin irritation may have bacterial, viral or noninfectious causes.
Select the Prescribed Cephalexin Strength
Choose the displayed strength and quantity that correspond to the prescription. Patients should not select a higher or lower strength based only on symptoms or price.
Provide Patient and Prescription Information
Submit the required patient details, ZIP code and prescription information. Patients may provide an existing prescription or request an eligible pharmacy transfer when available.
Partner Pharmacy Assignment
The order system identifies an eligible pharmacy according to location, pharmacy licensing, service coverage and ability to process the prescription request.
Prescription Review and Medication Fulfillment
The assigned pharmacy reviews the prescription, confirms the available cephalexin product, identifies the manufacturer and package, verifies availability and provides the final price and dispensing options.
What Cephalexin Is Used to Treat
Cephalexin is prescribed for bacterial infections caused by organisms that are susceptible to this antibiotic. The healthcare professional determines whether treatment is appropriate based on symptoms, physical examination, medical history, laboratory results or other clinical information.
FDA-approved uses include selected infections involving the respiratory tract, middle ear, skin and skin structures, bones and genitourinary tract.
- Skin and skin-structure infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including selected cases of cellulitis and infected wounds.
- Respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible organisms, including certain streptococcal infections.
- Middle-ear infections caused by bacteria susceptible to cephalexin.
- Bone infections and selected genitourinary infections when the responsible bacteria are susceptible.
Cephalexin does not treat viral infections such as influenza, common colds or viral bronchitis. Using an antibiotic when it is not medically needed may expose patients to unnecessary side effects and contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
Cephalexin for Common Bacterial Infections
Cephalexin may be prescribed for different types of bacterial infections when the expected organisms are susceptible. The choice of antibiotic depends on the infection location, severity, bacterial resistance patterns, allergies and individual patient factors.
Cephalexin for Skin Infections
Cephalexin for skin infection treatment may be considered when a clinician suspects susceptible streptococcal bacteria or methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. It may be used for selected cases of cellulitis, infected cuts and other uncomplicated skin infections.
Cephalexin does not treat every skin infection. Abscesses may require drainage, and infections caused by resistant bacteria such as MRSA may require another antibiotic or additional treatment.
Cephalexin for Urinary Tract Infections
Cephalexin may be prescribed for urinary tract infections when the suspected or confirmed bacteria are susceptible. Symptoms such as burning, urgency or frequency can also occur with other conditions, so antibiotic treatment should be based on clinical evaluation rather than symptoms alone.
Cephalexin for Respiratory Infections
For respiratory infections, cephalexin may be appropriate for selected bacterial conditions, including certain streptococcal infections. It does not provide treatment for viral respiratory illnesses such as influenza or most uncomplicated colds.
Cephalexin 250 mg and 500 mg Dosage Information
Cephalexin 250 mg and 500 mg contain the same active antibiotic in different strengths. The prescribed strength, dose frequency and treatment duration depend on the infection, age, kidney function, bacterial susceptibility and individual response.
For adults and patients aged 15 years or older, labeled regimens may include 250 mg every six hours or 500 mg every 12 hours. Some infections require a different total daily dose or treatment schedule, so patients should follow the prescription and pharmacy label rather than applying a general dosing plan.
Cephalexin 250 mg
The 250 mg strength may be prescribed in divided doses when the treatment plan requires smaller amounts at shorter intervals. Patients should not combine capsules or change the frequency unless instructed by the prescriber.
Cephalexin 500 mg
Cephalexin 500 mg capsules may be prescribed at defined intervals for selected infections. A higher capsule strength does not mean that it is appropriate for every infection or patient.
Kidney Function and Dose Adjustment
Cephalexin is eliminated mainly through the kidneys. Patients with reduced kidney function may require a lower total daily dose or a longer interval between doses to reduce the risk of excessive drug exposure.
Take cephalexin at approximately evenly spaced times and complete the prescribed course unless the prescriber directs otherwise. Do not double a missed dose or stop treatment early solely because symptoms improve.
Cephalexin Safety, Allergies, Side Effects and Drug Interactions
Cephalexin belongs to the beta-lactam antibiotic group. Patients should tell the prescriber about previous reactions to penicillin, cephalexin or another cephalosporin. Some people with a penicillin allergy may still be able to use cephalexin, but a history of anaphylaxis, facial swelling, breathing difficulty or a severe skin reaction requires careful medical assessment.
Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion and abdominal discomfort. Antibiotic treatment can also disturb normal intestinal bacteria and increase the risk of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea during treatment or after the course has ended.
- Contact a healthcare professional for persistent watery diarrhea, fever or significant abdominal cramping.
- Seek urgent care for facial swelling, throat tightness, breathing difficulty, widespread hives or a severe blistering skin reaction.
- Report bloody diarrhea, seizures, confusion or rapidly worsening symptoms immediately.
- Do not self-treat severe antibiotic-associated diarrhea with anti-diarrheal medication without medical advice.
The prescriber and pharmacist should review kidney disease and all current medicines before treatment. Relevant interactions may include probenecid, which can reduce cephalexin elimination, and metformin, because cephalexin may increase metformin exposure in some patients. Patients taking warfarin or another anticoagulant may require additional monitoring.
Cephalexin may also affect certain laboratory tests, including some urine glucose and antiglobulin tests. Patients should inform the clinician or laboratory that they are taking this antibiotic.
Severe allergic reactions, bloody diarrhea, seizures, confusion or rapidly worsening illness require urgent medical evaluation.
Medical Disclaimer
This page provides general information about cephalexin, approximate pricing and the partner-pharmacy order process. It does not diagnose a bacterial infection and does not replace an examination, laboratory testing, culture results, prescription instructions or an individual treatment plan.
An online consultation does not guarantee that cephalexin will be prescribed. The clinician may recommend another antibiotic, further testing, in-person care or no antibiotic treatment when cephalexin is not medically appropriate.
Seek urgent medical care for breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, fainting, a severe skin reaction, bloody diarrhea, seizures, confusion or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cephalexin
How much does Cephalexin cost without insurance?
Approximate prices are shown in the table near the top of this page. The assigned pharmacy confirms the final amount after reviewing the prescribed strength, quantity and available product.
Can I order Cephalexin online with a prescription?
Patients may begin the secure order process with an existing prescription, an eligible pharmacy transfer or an available medical consultation. A licensed pharmacy must validate the prescription before dispensing cephalexin.
Where can I fill a Cephalexin prescription online?
The Sweetwater order system assigns an eligible partner pharmacy according to the patient’s ZIP code, pharmacy licensing and service coverage. That pharmacy confirms availability, final pricing and fulfillment options.
Does Cephalexin require a prescription in the United States?
Yes. Cephalexin is a prescription antibiotic and must be dispensed by a licensed pharmacy using a valid prescription from an authorized healthcare professional.
Can a pharmacy transfer my Cephalexin prescription?
A transfer may be available when the prescription remains valid and applicable pharmacy requirements are met. The assigned pharmacy determines whether the transfer can be completed.
Related Cephalexin and Antibiotic Information
Medical References
Pharmacist Review of Medication Information
The medication information on this page, including cephalexin indications, capsule strengths, dosing considerations, allergy risks, interactions, adverse effects and antibiotic safety warnings, was reviewed by Jeffrey Collins, PharmD — Wyoming Pharmacist License 3836; NPI 1255701884.
This pharmacist review applies to the general medication information published on this page and does not authorize an individual prescription or determine which antibiotic is appropriate for a specific infection. The assigned pharmacy remains responsible for validating the prescription, identifying the available product, confirming inventory and final pricing, and dispensing the medication.
Last pharmacist review: 08.06.2026