Most people cross paths with antibiotics at some point, but not everybody knows the ins and outs of which ones do what. Keftab is a name that pops up in doctor’s offices way more than you’d think—and for good reason. Keftab (you might see it as cephalexin on the label) is a go-to for a bunch of infections, but knowing when it works, what to watch out for, and how to use it right could make all the difference if it ever lands in your medicine cabinet.

What Is Keftab and How Does It Work?

Keftab’s story actually goes back to the late 1960s, when it first came to market under the generic name cephalexin. As an antibiotic in the cephalosporin family, it operates by busting up the ability of bacteria to build the cell walls they need to survive. Without a strong wall, the bacteria collapse and die out, leaving your body’s natural defenses to mop up.

Keftab specifically targets gram-positive bacteria—think Staphylococcus and Streptococcus types—but it’s got a bit of a reach into some gram-negative bugs too. What it doesn’t do? It won’t touch viruses. So if you’ve got a cold, flu, or COVID-19, Keftab just won’t work. You’d be surprised how many people expect antibiotics to zap every bug that hits them, even though only bacterial infections respond.

Here’s a quick peek at how Keftab stacks up compared to other common antibiotics:

There’s a reason Keftab remains a doctor favorite for strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs), certain skin infections like cellulitis, and even for dental abscesses. It’s generally well tolerated, widely studied, pretty affordable as generics go, and comes in tablets or suspension for those who struggle with pills.

If you’re curious about how quickly it gets to work, Keftab typically reaches peak levels in your bloodstream in about an hour, and most people start feeling relief from infection symptoms within 48 hours. This doesn’t mean it’s time to bail on your prescription after you feel better—finishing the course is crucial to avoid resistant bugs taking over.

Common Uses for Keftab

Keftab lands at the pharmacy for a surprisingly wide range of problems. Here’s why you might see it on your prescription printout:

• Keftab often solves bacterial respiratory infections—think strep throat, bronchitis where bacteria are in play, and sometimes pneumonia.
• It’s a first-line choice for skin problems like impetigo and simple abscesses, especially when MRSA isn’t a concern.
• For UTIs, Keftab’s got solid evidence backing its use, especially in people with mild to moderate cases and no complicated medical history.
• Some pediatricians pick it for middle ear infections (otitis media) if penicillin allergies are a problem or the infection doesn’t budge with a different antibiotic.
• Dentists may prescribe it when treating dental abscesses, especially when infection spreads beyond the gum.
• Bone infections (osteomyelitis) sometimes call for Keftab, depending on the bug involved and a person’s allergy profile.

The dose and duration really depend on what you’re treating. For most adult infections, you might get prescribed 250mg to 500mg every six hours—smaller folks and kids get doses adjusted by weight. For kids, flavored liquid versions save the day. Your healthcare provider might run a culture first, especially for tough infections, just to make sure it’s the right game plan. Keftab’s broad spectrum can be a plus, but targeted treatment using the culprit’s actual lab results is always best when possible.

Sticking to a dosing schedule is important. If you skip doses, bacteria can regroup and possibly return even harder to treat. Pro tip: set reminders on your phone or write it down on a sticky note where you’ll see it often. If you ever miss a dose, take it right away as long as it isn’t almost time for the next one. Double-dosing only leads to trouble.

Not all infections are created equal, though. Keftab isn’t helpful for viral infections like mono, colds, or the flu, even if your symptoms seem rough. Using antibiotics for the wrong reasons only helps train bacteria to become tougher (antibiotic resistance is a real headache for modern medicine). That’s why most doctors refuse to write an antibiotic script unless a bacterial culprit is likely.

Side Effects and Safety

Even though most people fly through a round of Keftab with little drama, every medicine has its quirks. The most common side effects people notice are pretty mild: stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, headache, or a mild rash. In one survey, about 10% of people taking cephalexin reported some gastrointestinal grumbles—plain yogurt or probiotics could help keep your gut in good shape while the medicine does its thing.

On the rare side, some folks can have allergic reactions. If you’re allergic to penicillin or cephalosporins, let your healthcare provider know. Watch for hives, intense itching, swelling of the lips or tongue, or trouble breathing—those are signals to get medical help fast. Anaphylaxis is no joke, but it’s rare.

Something else worth mentioning: antibiotics sometimes mess with the balance of friendly bacteria in your system, not just the troublemakers. That’s when issues like vaginal yeast infections or oral thrush can pop up, especially in those prone to these problems. If you notice white patches in your mouth, unusual discharge, or itching, don’t ignore it—let your doctor know. Sometimes a simple antifungal fixes the issue.

Here’s a little table outlining side effect likelihood, pulled from pooled study data:

You want to be careful with other meds, too. Keftab generally plays nice with most, but let your healthcare provider know if you use blood thinners, certain gout medicines (probenecid can raise cephalexin levels), or metformin (to avoid risks of low blood sugar). If you have kidney issues, your doctor might lower your dose or switch you out for something else. High doses can rack up in the body if your kidneys aren’t on top of their game.

Nobody should drink alcohol to excess while taking Keftab, but having a glass of wine or a beer isn’t known to be dangerous. Just remember—both antibiotics and alcohol can upset your stomach and sometimes make you feel crummier than necessary.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, most evidence suggests Keftab’s safe, but always check with your provider. There’s also good data that it’s fine for kids and older adults when dosed appropriately. The very young, very old, and people with multiple health conditions deserve a bit more monitoring just to be sure everything’s running smoothly.

Tips for Safe and Smart Use

Want your infection gone fast—and with as little hassle as possible? Following a few simple strategies goes a long way with Keftab:

• Always finish the full course, even if you feel like a million bucks after two days. Quitting early lets leftover bacteria regroup and can feed antibiotic resistance.
• Take your doses evenly spaced through the day (for example, every six hours) to keep the medicine at effective levels in your blood.
• Eat something light with your pill if your stomach’s sensitive—crackers or toast work well.
• Drink a full glass of water with each dose. Not only does this help the medicine absorb, but it also supports your kidneys in processing the drug out.
• Set a reminder so you don’t miss doses. Life gets busy, and small things slip fast.
• If you’re using a liquid formula, use a dosing spoon or syringe, never just a kitchen teaspoon. You want accurate, not approximate.
• Store Keftab tablets as directed—often at room temperature, out of sunlight. The suspension (liquid) usually goes in the fridge and should be tossed after 14 days.
• Tell your provider about all other meds and supplements. Antibiotic interactions are uncommon but not impossible.
• Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you break out in hives, struggle to breathe, or have severe diarrhea (especially if it’s bloody or lasts more than a couple of days).
• Probiotics or eating yogurt may help minimize gut disturbance. Space them a couple hours away from each antibiotic dose for best results.
• If you get a rash or other weird symptom, snap a picture to show your doc. Descriptions sometimes miss the mark, and a photo helps them decide if it’s mild or something serious.

Finally, remember that not all infections—and not all fevers—need antibiotics. Save Keftab or any antibiotic for doctor-recommended situations. The less we overuse these meds, the longer they’ll work for us when we really need them. There’s a reason resistant bacteria now land thousands of people in the hospital every year. Playing smart with antibiotics protects you, your family, and really, everyone else’s health in the long run.