cephalexin

[sef-uh-lek-sin]

noun

Pharmacology.

1. an oral, antimicrobial drug, C 16 H 7 N 3 O 4 S, used in treating minor respiratory and urinary tract infections and as a backup or alternative to penicillin treatment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cephalexin¹

1965–70; cephal(osporin) + -ex- of unclear derivation + -in ²

Example Sentences

Orthopedist No. 3 put me on sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and cephalexin, which seemed to work, or so I convinced myself.

Read more on Scientific American

Cyrus’ rep says the singer suffered from a sinus infection last week during her “Bangerz” tour and had “an extreme allergic reaction” to the antibiotic cephalexin on Tuesday.

Read more on Time

The "Wrecking Ball" singer, who has canceled shows in Kansas City, Missouri, and St. Louis earlier this week, posted a statement on Twitter saying she suffered an allergic reaction to the antibiotic cephalexin.

Read more on Reuters

This family of antibiotics, which includes brands such as Keflex and the generic cephalexin, are used to treat illnesses, including pneumonia and salmonella infections in children.

Read more on Washington Post

After two to three days, 97 percent of those on clindamycin had improved, and so had 94 percent of those on cephalexin.

Read more on New York Times