How Long Can You Take Keflex For?

Answer

There is no set maximum duration you can take Keflex (cephalexin) for. How long you are treated with the drug depends on many factors, including what you are being treated for, and how severe your infection is.

Having said this, if you have taken multiple courses of the antibiotic in a row, you certainly have to consider the fact that the bacteria that is causing your infection may not be sensitive to it.

What Is Keflex Used For?

Keflex (cephalexin) is a first-generation 'cephalosporin' antibiotic, with activity against most gram-positive bacteria.

It is primarily used for the treatment of ear and respiratory tract (e.g., pharyngitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia) infections, as well as some dermatological infections. It is active against several different bacteria, such as staphylococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. It can also be used for some urinary tract infections.

What To Do If Keflex Isn't Working

You didn't mention in your question what you are using Keflex for, so it is tough to give specific guidance regarding what may be happening if it doesn't seem to be working. However, for most infections, Keflex is usually given for 7 to 14 days in a row.

If one course of the antibiotic has not completely cleared your infection, there are some options for you.

Sometimes, your doctor may decide to continue on the drug for a longer period of time. More often, however, they will switch the antibiotic since an infection not being cured by a course of antibiotics is an indication it may not be susceptible to it (i.e., it may be resistant).

In your question, you stated you have had three courses of Keflex in a row. That's a very strong indication it isn't the right antibiotic choice for you. The bacteria causing your infection might not be sensitive to the Keflex, or it has developed some sort of resistance to it.

I highly recommend talking to your doctor about your options. If your infection is serious enough, your doctor can order a test known as a 'culture and sensitivity' where they can identify exactly what bacteria is causing your infection and what antibiotics will work for it.

They may also have a good indication of certain bacterial infections prevalent in your area and prescribe an antibiotic based on that information. Alternative antibiotics could include:

• Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
• Doxycycline
• Amoxicillin
• Amoxicillin/clavulanate
• Azithromycin
• Cefuroxime
• Cefdinir
• Levofloxacin

Again, if I had a better idea of what you're treating, I could give more specific guidance.

Final Words

So, overall, there isn't a maximum duration of use that Keflex is safe for. It can be used as long as needed to treat an infection. If, however, you notice your infection not getting better after a course (or three courses in your case), that is an indication an alternative antibiotic is needed.