What is the brand name for Cephalexin?
The brand name for Cephalexin is Keflex.
PTCE 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).
Related drugs in the Infectious Disease group
Drill Cephalexin the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. 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).