Generic Name: Cephalexin for Bladder Infection (cephalexin)
Cephalexin for Bladder Infection Reviews
"Reading these reviews prior to taking this scared me. I had to call my urgent care's aftercare department and local pharmacy a million times before actually taking it. Let me tell you... IT WAS GREAT! I have a history of anxiety and panic attacks, and I especially get nervous taking new drugs. I'm a 23-year-old female that is completely healthy. I got a minor UTI from being in the pool and was prescribed Cephalexin 500mg for 7 days. I had panic attacks the first few days after taking it because of my FEAR of taking the drug and especially after reading these crazy reviews. After my 5th dose, I was completely fine. I finally calmed down and realized that it was legit my anxiety. I actually had no real side effects from this antibiotic, thank God! My infection cleared, and I feel great. I hope this eases someone's anxiety. I wish I had read something like this before taking it. Stay well, everyone!!"
Keflex (cephalexin) "I have suffered with urine infections on and off for years and was always given Macrobid or trimethoprim which never cleared it up for long or completely, and also gave me severe side effects. A new doctor started me on Keflex and it has cleared it up properly - very minimal side effects if any."
Keflex (cephalexin) "I started with a bladder infection on Sunday. I was urinating every 10-15 minutes, and it was so painful and I felt a lot of pressure. I called the doctor, and I was put on Bactrim on Monday night. The Bactrim gave me the spins, constipation, and anxiety. It was a nightmare! After 5 doses of Bactrim, my infection kept getting worse. I called the doctor, and they switched me to Keflex. I started the Keflex at 9 pm, and in less than 24 hours, I felt much better. No side effects except a little bit of nausea and dizziness, so remember to eat when you take it. It is a miracle drug for urinary infections and bladder infections."
Keflex (cephalexin) "I have a double whammy: I have interstitial cystitis (which feels like a constant bladder infection), and on top of that I'm prone to actual bladder infections. I've learned to be able to tell the difference between a bladder infection and a cystitis flare-up. I have a lot of drug allergies and cannot take sulfa drugs or Cipro, which are commonly prescribed for bladder infections. Keflex has been the only antibiotic that I can take that doesn't give me any side effects and gets rid of the infection. It's saved my bacon on numerous occasions. I also prophylactically take Acidophilus orally to avoid yeast infections. It all works like a charm. I have NEVER had a bad side effect from Keflex."
Keflex (cephalexin) "It helped in getting rid of my bladder infection, but I was out in the sun for half the day doing some work outside, and I got horribly burnt and a bad sun rash. So just try to avoid the sun while on this medication."
Keflex (cephalexin) "So I ended a Saturday at the ER. I ended up having a urinary infection, a severe one. The PA prescribed Keflex 500 mg for 7 days - it really helped after 2 days, but I noticed that it does bring out side effects on myself. I feel nauseous, tired, agitated, eyes feel hot, headaches. Even though I took 2 Advil, it was still there. I also feel super anxious, I've been having mood swings, I feel more sad, and somehow more depressed than I have been in the past. And I still have one more day to go."
Keflex (cephalexin) "I was prescribed Keflex twice a day for 7 days for UTI but I only lasted 4 days. Before I took this medication I had some anxiety, but no other mental health issues besides my ADHD. The 2nd day I took it I became psychotic. I was severely depressed, paranoid, convinced everyone was talking about me or working against me. I cried all day. My mind was racing & convincing me of all kinds of delusions about myself & those around me. I was having vivid disturbing nightmares. I couldn’t eat anything. Constantly felt like I was going to vomit & slept from the time I got home from work until the next morning when I got up for work. I have been on antibiotics before, but this was my first AND LAST time I will ever take this."
Keflex (cephalexin) "Had a really bad UTI and was prescribed Keflex. I have a lot of anxiety when it comes to taking medications. I take Keflex with Zofran just as a precaution and also with food before I take it. No side effects besides some gas here and there. After taking the first dose, my UTI symptoms started to go away within the first five or so hours. Keflex is always my go-to when I have a UTI, it works so well!! Also, after taking a pill, I drink about 32 oz of water with it."
"My symptoms: Strange pain at the tip of the urethra (only at the end of my urination) and a sudden increase in the frequency of urination. Treatment: After three days of pain, I went to the doctor. She recommended cephalexin twice a day for 7 days (plus plenty of water!). Effects: Pain started to reduce within 2 days. Frequency is reducing slowly. This medicine definitely works!"
"I get UTIs every other month due to an autoimmune disease. Nothing works well for me except Cephalexin 500 mg by Lupin, two per day for 5 days. No side effects at all, but some reviews here list 4 times daily. I wouldn't ever take that much because it isn't necessary for me."
"I felt a UTI along with blood in my urine coming on right after I returned from vacation and contacted my doctor at 8 am. He prescribed me Cephalexin 500mg, 1 pill 3 times a day. I started at 10 am and by the end of the day, the blood was gone and the pain substantially subsided. I'm still having the urination urges, but I'm on the meds for 10 days total. I'm pretty confident it's gonna get the job done completely. I hate UTIs and don't get them frequently, but if I get another, I definitely would take Cephalexin again."
Keflex (cephalexin) "I usually never have side effects from antibiotics, but I had moderate dizziness and nausea. The nausea is not bad enough to send me to bed all day, but it does interfere with my daily schedule and leaves me extremely worn out and fatigued. It is frustrating. I have to take it four times a day for ten days."
Keflex (cephalexin) "Cystitis for what seems forever. Take Keflex 500mg when an attack occurs. Told later by chemist who knew how often I get cystitis, could go on preventative 250mg daily so saw Dr. who said OK. After being months free, Dr said no, go off it for a while. Three weeks later, worst dose of Cystitis ever. Luckily have Keflex on hand so along with Ural, will be seeing Dr. very soon. What's the risk of being on a preventative dose every day?"
"I am very sensitive to antibiotics. Bactrim makes me nauseous, gives me a rapid heartbeat, and makes me feel like I have a fever. Cephalexin, on the other hand, doesn't make me feel sick at all. The only thing it really does is make me exhausted for the first 1-3 hours after taking the dose and makes me feel high during that time. Not sure if that is a good or bad thing. However, if I stand up during this 1-3 hour time frame, I do get a little dizzy and slightly nauseous, but it's nothing. Overall, good medicine."
"Been taking this medication every day for about a year now as I have renal failure and recurrent urinary tract infection problems. No side effects at all for me. However, if I forget to take it one day, I will get an infection nearly instantly, so it's obviously working well."
Keflex (cephalexin) "Took a 500 mg dose of Keflex twice a day for one week - I had a UTI. Side effects were diarrhea, headaches, felt depressed, upset stomach, and nausea. Now I’m having stomach cramping. Just hope the urinary tract infection I had is gone after taking this strong antibiotic."
"Cephalexin is the only antibiotic that clears UTIs for me. The GPs always tell me to try others but inevitably just prolong my infection until I finally get cephalexin. No noticeable side effects for me and always does the job. I literally cry with relief when I get these as I know within 24 hours I can get on with my life!"
Keflex (cephalexin) "I have suffered with reoccurring bladder infections or symptoms of bladder infections for the past 7 years without any relief up until this past April 2014 when I was referred to a specialist by my urologist who himself could not help me. I was prescribed Keflex by this specialist and it has seemed to be the miracle I have been needing up until a month ago when my symptoms reappeared. Not sure if my body has become immune to the Keflex but I am back suffering with on again off again symptoms making my life miserable."
"I have a urinary infection with pain and blood. The doctor gave me Keflex 500 mg three times per day for a 7-day course. After the third tablet on the first day, the pain is almost gone and there is no more blood. I am very happy and will continue to finish the whole 7-day course. Keflex works very well for me."
"Was experiencing pressure in the lower abdomen and urge to urinate frequently (approx 2 x's per hour sometimes more). Tried amoxicillin, which did nothing. Was given cephalexin 500 mg 2 x's daily. First 3 days noticed a change. Only issue was a headache. Day 4, urination frequency was decreasing (once every 2-2 and 1/2 hrs) and most pressure/pain was gone. Continued to drink water, cranberry juice, and kefir to restore good bacteria and prevent yeast infection and/or another uti. Apparently, it's common for it to recur due to wiping out positive bacteria. Will finish 7-day regimen and start taking 'Friendly Flora' in hopes of preventing future issues. I believe this antibiotic is working great and hope it knocks out infection completely."
"Commonly known as Keflex. I had burning when urinating, urgency, retention, bloating, and went to the ER. The ER MD diagnosed me with bladder cystitis (progression from a run-of-the-mill UTI from - regretfully - ignoring the symptoms). I was prescribed 500 MG Keflex 4 times a day, 2000 MG/2 G daily. Never took Keflex before, but I know it's been around a while and works wonderfully. This is actually my first day (second dose in). I already feel a difference. It's true - this drug does make you sleepy (for some odd reason). I have not felt nauseous yet. Must take this with food, as always with any antibiotic - plenty of water too. Smells like rotten eggs, so toss it back and swallow."
Keflex (cephalexin) "I have constant battles with UTIs, so I’ve taken a lot of different antibiotics. Keflex is definitely a good one, but for me, I have to take 500 mg three times a day, so I get some side effects, mostly tired, stomach cramps, and dizzy. It’s not bad, though, like some of the other ones I’ve taken. Before I had repeat infections, I had the 500 mg twice a day dose and had very minor cramping from that dose. It’s my go-to when I can take it. Drink lots of water with it too, it helps flush your system faster and get rid of the infection and its side effects quicker."
"Have been taking this medicine for reoccurring UTIs, I take 500mg four times a day for 10 days. I have noticed that people have put mouth pain as a side effect. To be specific, with me, my tongue hurt, which I found out was 'thrush'. Easily taken care of with rinsing mouth out with colloidal silver or you can call your dentist and do what he or she recommends. I have had abdominal pain and diarrhea, however, to relieve me of the UTI, this was well worth it."
"I am 15 weeks pregnant and got my first bladder infection of the pregnancy, and hopefully the last, as I'm sure I know what caused it. My OB prescribed cephalexin 500 mg twice a day for 7 days. I took my first dose last night. I took it on a somewhat empty stomach, but because I was going to sleep, I didn't think too much of it. I woke up feeling a little dizzy and nauseated, but already NO pain with urination! I'll just make sure to take it with food from now on. Overall, this is a great antibiotic for me, someone who is pretty sensitive to medications."
"I was prescribed Keflex 500 mg dose 4 times a day for a bladder infection. I’m sensitive to medicine, but this seems to be the one that I’m not as bad with compared to others. I’m on my 4th day, and I feel like it’s helping the symptoms of my UTI. I also have E. coli in my urine, so it treats both. At first, I felt so nasty, sluggish, depressed, like I felt like I had the flu or just was really sick. Now, in my 4th day, I’m still tired. I also had the feeling of nausea that is starting to go away. I feel like even if it gives you tiredness and some side effects, just ride it out. It’s hard to do, I feel like 7 days is just too long to take 4 times a day for an antibiotic, but try to stick it out and see if the side effects start to fade as you take it more. I would rather take this instead of something that makes me have heart palpitations. Everything has a side effect, so if you can bear it, just try to push through it. Good luck to everyone, hope I can finish mine."
More about cephalexin
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (505)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- Drug class: first generation cephalosporins
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
- Cephalexin drug information
- Cephalexin Capsules and Tablets
- Cephalexin Suspension
Other brands
Keflex, Biocef
Professional resources
- Cephalexin monograph
- Cephalexin (FDA)
- Cephalexin Suspension (FDA)
- Cephalexin Tablets (FDA)
Other brands
Keflex
Related treatment guides
- Bacterial Infection
- Bladder Infection
- Bacterial Endocarditis Prevention
- Acne
