Can You Take Keflex And Eliquis Together?

Quick Answer

Yes, Keflex (cephalexin) is generally considered safe to take with Eliquis (apixaban).

While Keflex may interfere with the effectiveness of certain anticoagulants, like warfarin, it does not have the same interaction with Eliquis.

As always, it's best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice regarding your specific medications.

Detailed Answer

Keflex (cephalexin) is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections, while Eliquis (apixaban) is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots.

As mentioned in the section above, Keflex is not known to interact with Eliquis and they are generally considered safe to take together.

Keflex, on its own, doesn't have any anticoagulant (i.e., blood-thinning) properties and doesn't significantly affect the metabolism of most drugs, since it does not inhibit or induce CYP metabolizing enzymes in the liver.

However, I do think it's worth noting that Keflex may interfere with certain anticoagulants, like warfarin (brand name Coumadin), due to its potential effects on vitamin K.

Studies have shown that certain antibiotics, including Keflex (cephalexin), could alter vitamin K synthesis due to alterations in the intestinal flora caused by the antibiotic's action.

The mechanism of action of warfarin is dependent on vitamin K. However, since Eliquis works through a different mechanism (inhibiting factor Xa rather than affecting vitamin K), it is not affected by drugs like Keflex.

Final Words

As always, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized advice. They can assess your specific medical history, current medications, and individual needs to provide you with the most appropriate guidance.

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