Antibiotic Selection Guide
Select Your Infection Type
Recommended Antibiotics
When you see Keftab is the brand name for Cephalexin, a first‑generation cephalosporin antibiotic that stops bacterial cell‑wall formation, you might wonder if it’s the best fit for your infection.
How Keftab (Cephalexin) Works
Keftab belongs to the cephalosporin class, which means it binds to penicillin‑binding proteins inside the bacterial cell. By blocking these proteins, the drug weakens the peptidoglycan layer, causing the bacteria to burst. It’s especially good against Gram‑positive organisms like Staphylococcus aureus (non‑MRSA) and Streptococcus pyogenes.
When Doctors Prescribe Keftab
Typical indications include skin infections (cellulitis, impetigo), ear infections (otitis media), throat infections (streptococcal pharyngitis), and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. The usual adult dose is 250‑500mg every 6hours for 7‑10days, but dosage can be lowered for children based on weight.
Pros and Cons of Keftab
- Pros
- Well‑tolerated with a low rate of serious side effects.
- Oral tablets and liquid formulation make it easy to take.
- Broad coverage of common skin and soft‑tissue pathogens.
- Cons
- Not effective against resistant strains such as MRSA or many Gram‑negative organisms.
- May cause mild gastrointestinal upset, rash, or rare C.difficile infection.
- Requires multiple daily doses, which can affect adherence.

Common Alternatives to Keftab
If Keftab isn’t suitable-because of allergy, resistance, or dosing convenience-doctors often turn to other antibiotics. Below is a quick snapshot of the most frequently considered options.
Antibiotic | Typical Adult Dose | Primary Spectrum | Common Uses | Pregnancy Safety | Cost (AU$) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cephalexin (Keftab) | 250‑500mg q6h | Gram‑positive, some Gram‑negative | Skin, ear, throat, UTI | Category B (generally safe) | 10‑15 |
Amoxicillin | 500mg q8h | Gram‑positive, some Gram‑negative | Respiratory, otitis media, H.pylori | Category B | 8‑12 |
Dicloxacillin | 500mg q6h | Penicillin‑resistant Staph | Skin, bone infections | Category B | 12‑18 |
Clindamycin | 300mg q6h | Anaerobes, MRSA | Severe skin, intra‑abdominal | Category C | 20‑30 |
Azithromycin | 500mg day1, then 250mg daily x4 | Atypical, some Gram‑positive | Respiratory, sexually transmitted | Category B | 15‑22 |
Cefadroxil | 500mg q12h | Gram‑positive, limited Gram‑negative | Skin, bone, UTI | Category B | 12‑20 |
Doxycycline | 100mg bid | Atypical, some Gram‑positive | Travelers’ diarrhea, acne | Category D (caution) | 10‑15 |
How to Choose the Right Antibiotic
Think of antibiotic selection as a decision tree. First, identify the suspected pathogen-if you have a simple skin infection caused by S. aureus, a first‑generation cephalosporin like Keftab works well. If the lab reports MRSA, you’ll need something with MRSA activity, such as clindamycin or doxycycline.
Second, consider patient factors: allergies (penicillin‑allergic patients often react to cephalosporins), pregnancy status, renal function, and dosing convenience. For a busy parent who can’t remember a q6h schedule, azithromycin’s once‑daily regimen may improve adherence.
Third, weigh cost and availability. In many Australian pharmacies, Keftab and amoxicillin are the most affordable, while clindamycin can be pricier and sometimes requires a specialist prescription.

Safety, Side Effects, and Drug Interactions
Across the board, cephalosporins have a low propensity for severe adverse events. The most common complaints with Keftab are mild nausea, abdominal cramping, and a transient rash. If you notice severe diarrhea, especially watery stools with fever, contact your doctor-this could signal C.difficile colitis.
Drug interactions are relatively few, but keep an eye on antacids containing aluminum or magnesium; they can reduce cephalexin absorption, so separate doses by at least two hours.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss options with their clinician. While Keftab is categorized as Pregnancy Category B (no proven risk in humans), some alternatives like doxycycline (Category D) are generally avoided.
Key Takeaways
- Keftab (Cephalexin) is a solid first‑line choice for uncomplicated skin, ear, throat, and urinary infections.
- It’s inexpensive, widely available, and safe for most adults and children.
- Limitations include lack of activity against MRSA and certain Gram‑negative bugs.
- Alternative agents-amoxicillin, dicloxacillin, clindamycin, azithromycin, cefadroxil, doxycycline-provide coverage for specific pathogens, allergy profiles, or dosing needs.
- Always match the antibiotic to the likely organism, patient characteristics, and practical considerations like cost and dosing frequency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Keftab for a urinary tract infection?
Yes, cephalexin is effective against many uncomplicated UTIs caused by Escherichia coli and other Gram‑negative rods, but a urine culture is recommended to confirm susceptibility.
What should I do if I develop a rash while taking Keftab?
Stop the medication and contact your healthcare provider immediately. A rash could signal an allergic reaction, especially if it spreads or is accompanied by swelling.
Is Keftab safe for children?
Absolutely. Pediatric dosing is weight‑based (typically 25‑50mg/kg per day divided every 6hours). Always follow the doctor’s prescription.
How does Keftab compare to amoxicillin for ear infections?
Both work well against the common bacteria that cause otitis media. Amoxicillin is often preferred as first‑line because of its twice‑daily dosing, but Keftab is a good alternative if a patient cannot tolerate penicillins.
Can I take antacids with Keftab?
Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can lower the absorption of cephalexin. Space them at least two hours apart to avoid reduced effectiveness.
Miriam Rahel 17.10.2025
Although the summary enumerates the principal indications, it neglects to address cephalexin’s bioavailability, which averages approximately 90 % when administered orally. Moreover, the omission of its renal clearance parameters may mislead prescribers regarding dose adjustments in patients with impaired kidney function. The table’s cost figures, expressed in Australian dollars, also lack a conversion reference for international readers.
Katie Henry 17.10.2025
Healthcare providers should weigh the convenience of a six‑hour dosing schedule against patient adherence, especially in pediatric populations where dosing frequency can be a barrier to successful therapy. The low incidence of severe adverse events renders cephalexin a favorable option for uncomplicated infections, provided susceptibility is confirmed. Discussing potential drug‑food interactions, such as with calcium‑containing antacids, further optimizes treatment outcomes.
Sara Werb 17.10.2025
Can you believe the pharma giants are pushing Keftab like it’s a miracle cure?? They don’t tell you that the “broad spectrum” claim hides a glaring weakness against MRSA-yes, the very bugs that are becoming untreatable!!! And don’t even get me started on the hidden fees in the cost column; they’re sneaking extra dollars into the system while we’re none the wiser!!! Remember, every “Category B” label is just a marketing ploy to make us think it’s safe!!! Stay vigilant!!!
Winston Bar 17.10.2025
Yet another run‑of‑the‑mill cephalosporin that offers nothing revolutionary.
Russell Abelido 17.10.2025
When we examine antibiotic stewardship, cephalexin occupies a nuanced position within the therapeutic arsenal. Its narrow spectrum against Gram‑positive organisms reduces collateral damage to the microbiome compared with broader agents, thereby diminishing the risk of Clostridioides difficile overgrowth. However, the necessity of q6h dosing can compromise adherence, especially in patients juggling work and family responsibilities, which in turn may foster sub‑therapeutic exposure and resistance selection. The drug’s pharmacokinetic profile-rapid oral absorption and primarily renal excretion-facilitates predictable serum concentrations, easing therapeutic drug monitoring. From a safety perspective, the incidence of severe hypersensitivity reactions remains low, aligning with its categorization as a generally well‑tolerated agent. In pediatric populations, weight‑based dosing ensures adequate exposure while maintaining a favorable side‑effect profile, a fact that underscores its utility in community settings. Moreover, the cost analysis presented in Australian dollars highlights its affordability, an important consideration in low‑resource environments where expensive alternatives are impractical. Clinicians should also remain cognizant of potential drug interactions, notably the reduced absorption when co‑administered with aluminum‑ or magnesium‑containing antacids; spacing dosing intervals mitigates this issue. While cephalexin is ineffective against MRSA, it remains a viable first‑line choice for uncomplicated skin and soft‑tissue infections where Staphylococcus aureus predominates. In cases of documented penicillin allergy, cross‑reactivity is low, though a thorough allergy assessment is advisable. The therapeutic decision‑tree should incorporate patient‑specific factors such as renal function, pregnancy status, and the likelihood of adherence before finalizing the regimen. Ultimately, matching the antibiotic to the suspected pathogen, rather than defaulting to broad‑spectrum coverage, preserves antimicrobial efficacy for future generations. For those seeking a once‑daily alternative, agents like azithromycin may improve compliance, yet the trade‑off includes a broader spectrum and higher cost. In summary, cephalexin offers a balanced blend of efficacy, safety, and cost, provided its limitations are respected and patient education is emphasized 🙂.