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Urinary tract infection - children - Management
What advice should I give to parents about cefalexin?
- Advise parents:
- That severe adverse effects with cefalexin are rare. Gastrointestinal symptoms are most common, particularly diarrhoea.
- To stop the drug and seek medical attention immediately if the child develops severe diarrhoea with bloody stools and is systemically unwell. This may be indicative of pseudomembranous colitis (a rare but serious reaction to cefalexin).
- Some children are allergic to cephalosporin antibiotics (including cefalexin), although this is very rare. Parents should seek urgent medical advice if their child develops a rash; swelling of the face, hands, or feet; or shortness of breath.
[ABPI Medicines Compendium, 2005]
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