Consumer medicine information

Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin


Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.


1. Why am I using Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin?

Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin contains the active ingredient cefalexin monohydrate. Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin is an antibiotic used to treat infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria. For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI. Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin and affect how it works. A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I use Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin?

  • The usual adult dose is 500 mg every 6 hours.
  • Your doctor may recommend a different dose depending on your condition.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you are using Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin.
  • If symptoms of your infection do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, tell your doctor.
  • If you get severe diarrhoea, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Do this even if it occurs several weeks after Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin has been stopped.
  • If you get a sore white mouth or tongue while taking or soon after stopping Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin, tell your doctor. Also, tell your doctor if you get vaginal itching or discharge. This may mean you have a fungal infection called thrush.
Things you should not do
  • Do not stop taking Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin because you are feeling better, unless advised by your doctor.
  • Do not give Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Driving or using machines
  • Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin affects you.
  • Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin may cause tiredness or dizziness in some people.
Drinking alcohol
  • Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Looking after your medicine
  • Keep your capsules below 25°C.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Common side effects: vaginal thrush – sore and itchy vagina and/or discharge, oral thrush – white, furry, sore tongue and mouth, itching of the genital area and the skin around the back passage, headache, agitation, confusion, painful, swollen joints indigestion, stomach pain or discomfort, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, unusual tiredness.
Serious side effects: confusion and hallucinations (seeing, feeling, or hearing things that are not there), yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark coloured urine, bleeding or bruising more easily than normal.

For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.

Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin

Active ingredient: cefalexin monohydrate


Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin?
2. What should I know before I use Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin?
5. What should I know while using Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin?

Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin contains the active ingredient cefalexin monohydrate.

Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin is an antibiotic used to treat infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria.

Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin belongs to a group of antibiotics called cephalosporins. These antibiotics work by killing the bacteria that are causing your infection.

Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin can be used to treat infections of the:

  • respiratory tract (throat, tonsils, chest, and lungs)
  • nose (sinusitis)
  • ears (otitis media)
  • skin and soft tissue
  • kidneys and bladder (genitourinary tract).

Your doctor may have prescribed Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin for another reason.

2. What should I know before I use Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin?

Warnings

Do not use Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin if:

  • you are allergic to cefalexin monohydrate, other cephalosporins or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
    Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
    – asthma,
    – wheezing,
    – shortness of breath,
    – swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing,
    – skin rash, itching or hives.
  • you have had a serious allergic reaction to any penicillins. You may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin if you are allergic to any penicillins.

Check with your doctor if you:

  • have had any type of allergic reaction to any cephalosporin or penicillin medicines.
    You may have an increased chance of being allergic to Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin if you are allergic to any cephalosporins or penicillins.
  • you have any allergies to any other medicines or any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
  • have or have had any other medical conditions:
    – kidney disease
    – stomach or bowel problems
    – liver disease

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin during pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin passes into breast milk. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin when breastfeeding.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins, or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket, or health food shop.

Some medicines may interfere with Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin and affect how it works. These include:

  • probenecid, a medicine used to treat gout
  • metformin, a medicine used to treat diabetes

Talk to your doctor about the need for an additional method of contraception while taking Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin.

Some antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of some birth control pills.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are taking and if these affects Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin.

4. How do I use Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin?

How much to take

Adults

  • The usual adult dose is 500 mg every 6 hours. Your doctor may recommend a different dose depending on your condition.

When to take Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin

Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin should be taken at about the same time each day.

Taking each dose of Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you to remember when to take the medicine.

How to take Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin

  • Swallow Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin capsules with a glass of water.
  • It does not matter if you take Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin before or after food.

How long to take Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin

Continue taking Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin until you finish the pack or until your doctor recommends.

If you forget to use Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin as you would normally.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you use too much Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin

If you think that you have used too much Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin, you may need urgent medical attention.

If you take too much Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin you may feel sick in the stomach, experience diarrhoea, convulsions or hallucinations.

You should immediately:

  • phone the Poisons Information Centre
    (by calling 13 11 26), or
  • contact your doctor, or
  • go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

5. What should I know while using Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin?

Things you should do

  • If the symptoms of your infection do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, tell your doctor.
  • If you are about to start taking any new medicine, tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin.
  • If you have to test your urine for sugar while you are using Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin, make sure your doctor knows which type of test you use. Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin may affect the results of some of these tests.
  • If you have to have any blood tests tell your doctor, you are taking Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin. Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin may affect the results of some blood tests.

Call your doctor straight away:

  • If you get severe diarrhoea. Do this even if it occurs several weeks after Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin has been stopped.
    – Diarrhoea may mean that you have a serious condition affecting your bowel. You may need urgent medical care. Do not take any diarrhoea medicine without first checking with your doctor.
  • If you get a sore white mouth or tongue while taking or soon after stopping Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin. Also, if you get vaginal itching or discharge. This may mean you have a fungal infection called thrush.
    – Sometimes the use of Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin allows fungi to grow and the above symptoms to occur. Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin does not work against fungi.
  • If you become pregnant while you are taking Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin.

Remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you are using Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin.

Things you should not do

  • Do not stop taking Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin because you are feeling better, unless advised by your doctor.
    If you do not complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, all of the bacteria causing your infection may not be killed. These bacteria may continue to grow and multiply so that your infection may not clear completely or it may return.
  • Do not give Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
  • Do not use Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin affects you.

Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin may cause dizziness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin before you drive a car or do anything else that may be dangerous if you are affected.

Children should be careful when riding bicycles or climbing trees.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

Alcohol may cause dizziness in some people

Looking after your medicine

Keep your capsules in the original pack until it is time to take them. If you take your capsules out of the blister pack, they will not keep as well.

Store it in a cool dry place below 25°C away from moisture, heat, or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

  • in the bathroom or near a sink, or
  • in the car or on window sills.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date, packaging is torn or show signs of tampering.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effects What to do
Fungal infection related:

  • vaginal thrush – sore and itchy vagina and/or discharge
  • oral thrush – white, furry, sore tongue and mouth
  • itching of the genital area and the skin around the back passage

Gut or Gastrointestinal related:

  • indigestion, stomach pain or discomfort
  • diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting

General Disorders:

  • dizziness, unusual tiredness, or weakness
  • headache

Others:

  • agitation, confusion
  • painful, swollen joints.
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.
They are generally mild and do not cause patients to stop taking Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects What to do
Mental or brain related:

  • confusion and hallucinations (seeing, feeling, or hearing things that are not there)
  • seizure potential

Liver related:

  • yellowing of the skin and eyes
  • dark coloured urine

Allergy related:

  • swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
  • any skin rash, itching, hives, blistering or peeling of the skin
  • severe blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nose, and genitals

Blood related:

  • bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
  • blood in the urine

Bowel related:

  • severe abdominal cramps or stomach cramps
  • watery and severe diarrhoea, which may also be blood
  • fever, in combination with one or both of the above
Call your doctor straight away or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following side effects, particularly if they occur several weeks after you stop taking Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin. You may need urgent medical attention.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor’s prescription.

What Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
cefalexin (as monohydrate)
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
  • gelatin
  • magnesium stearate
  • microcrystalline cellulose
  • purified water
  • quinoline yellow
  • aluminium lake
  • sodium lauryl sulfate
  • sunset yellow FCF
  • TekPrint SW-9008 Black Ink (PI 2328)
  • titanium dioxide
  • magnesium stearate
  • microcrystalline cellulose
Potential allergens This medicine does not contain lactose, sucrose, gluten, tartrazine, or azo dyes.

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin looks like

Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin 500 mg capsules – opaque white in colour (AUST R 393108).

Each pack contains 20 capsules.

Who distributes Blooms The Chemist Cefalexin

Sandoz Pty Ltd
ABN 60 075 449 553
54 Waterloo Road
Macquarie Park, NSW 2113
Tel: 1800 726 369

This leaflet was prepared in June 2023.

Published by MIMS March 2024