What is the brand name for Cephalexin?
The brand name for Cephalexin is Keflex.
PTCB TOP 200 · #86
Cephalexin
Keflex
Cephalexin is the generic name for the brand-name drug Keflex. It is a cephalosporin antibiotic (1st gen) used to treat skin, UTI infections. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Cephalexin ranks #86 and is one of the most frequently tested infectious disease medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Cephalexin |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Keflex |
| Drug class | Cephalosporin antibiotic (1st gen) |
| Class group | Infectious Disease |
| Common use | skin, UTI infections |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Cephalexin used for?
Cephalosporin antibiotic used for susceptible bacterial infections (e.g., skin/soft tissue, respiratory tract, urinary tract, and some bone infections).
What drug class is Cephalexin?
Cephalexin is a Cephalosporin antibiotic (1st gen) in the Infectious Disease group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Cephalexin
- arrow_rightDiarrhea
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightVomiting
- arrow_rightAbdominal pain
- arrow_rightRash
- arrow_rightYeast infection (candidiasis)
Major interactions
- arrow_rightWarfarin/other anticoagulants: may ↑ bleeding risk (monitor INR if applicable)
- arrow_rightProbenecid can ↑ cephalexin levels
- arrow_rightMay interfere with some lab tests (e.g., glucose urine tests depending on method)
Is Cephalexin a controlled substance?
No. Cephalexin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Cephalexin (PTCE mnemonic)
KEF-lex KILLs skin bugs — CEPHa-LEXin is 1st-gen cephalosporin (gram+ heavy). Skin/UTI; ~5% penicillin cross-reactivity; diarrhea, C. diff.
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PTCE exam tip
Cephalexin (Keflex) is a 1st-generation cephalosporin (the 'ceph- / cef-' stem) — note the possible cross-sensitivity in penicillin-allergic patients.
Cephalexin FAQ
What is Cephalexin used for?
Cephalexin is used to treat skin, UTI infections. Cephalosporin antibiotic used for susceptible bacterial infections (e.g., skin/soft tissue, respiratory tract, urinary tract, and some bone infections).
What drug class is Cephalexin?
Cephalexin is a Cephalosporin antibiotic (1st gen) (Infectious Disease group).
Is Cephalexin a controlled substance?
No. Cephalexin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Study guides that cover Cephalexin
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
How to read a prescriptionevery field on a prescription, decoded
Pharmacy math cheat sheetthe five calculation types the PTCE asksSee all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Cephalexin the way the PTCE asks it
RxReflex turns the Top 200 drugs into fast flashcard rounds, a guided Learn path, pharmacy math, and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Related drugs in the Infectious Disease group
Written and reviewed by the RxReflex Content Team. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).