Cefalexin 500mg Capsules
PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER
Tenkorex Capsules 250mg or 500mg
(Cefalexin Anhydrous)
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.
• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
• If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist or dentist (if the medicine has been prescribed by your dentist).
• This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
• If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor, pharmacist or dentist (if the medicine has been prescribed by your dentist).
In this leaflet:
1. What Tenkorex Capsules are and what they are used for
2. Before you take Tenkorex Capsules
3. How to take Tenkorex Capsules
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Tenkorex Oral Capsules
6. Further information
1. What Tenkorex Capsules are and what they are used for
The name of your medicine is Tenkorex Capsules. This medicine belongs to a family of medicines called antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria or “germs” which cause infections.
Your doctor, or dentist, will have prescribed this medicine for treating an infection. Tenkorex Capsules are used for treating a variety of infections including chest (respiratory tract), urinary tract, skin and soft tissues, ear, and other infections due to sensitive organisms
2. Before you Take Tenkorex Capsules
Do not take this medicine before telling your doctor if:
• You are allergic to Tenkorex or other antibiotics and medicines.
• You are allergic to any of the other ingredients in this medicine.
Take special care with Tenkorex Capsules if:
• You are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your doctor will decide whether it is safe for you to take this medicine while you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• You have problems with your kidneys.
• You test your urine for glucose using a method which is not based on glucose Oxidation reactions as this medicine might give a false positive result.
• You are taking oral contraceptives. Tenkorex may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives and you may need additional contraceptive measures whilst taking this medicine.
If any of the above apply to you or you are unsure, please talk to your doctor before taking the capsules.
Taking other medicines
Please inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, even those not prescribed, particularly:
• Uricosuric drugs (medicines used to treat gout and other conditions which require lowering of blood uric acid levels, e.g. probenecid).
• Diuretics (medicines which reduce water retention by increasing the volume of urine, e.g. furosemide, ethacrynic acid).
• Anticoagulants (medicines that prevent the clotting of blood, e.g. warfarin).
• Any other antibiotics (eg. aminoglycosides, polymyxin, colistin).
• If you are taking metformin (a medicine used to treat diabetes).
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
Driving and using machines
Do not drive or operate machines if this medicine affects your ability to drive or to use machines.
3. How to take Tenkorex Capsules
Swallow each capsule whole with a drink of water. Try to space the doses as evenly as possible throughout the day. For example if you have been told to take your medicine three times a day in 8 hour intervals, then:
Take your first dose when you wake up, e.g. 7.00 am
Take your next dose mid-afternoon, e.g. 3.00 pm
Take your last dose just before you go to bed, e.g. 11.00 pm
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often. Do not take more than the dose your doctor has recommended.
Adults
The usual dose for adults is 1-4g daily in divided doses. For most infections the dose will be 500 mg (2 x 250 mg capsules or 1 x 500 mg capsule) every 8 hours. This may vary depending on the type of infection you have. For example a dose of 250 mg (1 x 250 mg capsule) taken every 6 hours or 500 mg (2 x 250 mg capsules or 1 x 500 mg capsule) every 12 hours is used to treat skin, soft tissue, throat or urinary tract infections. Larger doses may be used to treat more severe infections, or those caused by less susceptible organisms.
Elderly
The dosage for the elderly is the same as for adults, but may be reduced if you have poor kidney function.
Children
The dose for children is based on their weight and is usually 25-50 mg/kg in divided doses. The dose or frequency may vary.
Keep taking your medicine until the course is finished. Do not stop taking your medicine just because you feel better. If you stop too soon the infection may start up again.
If your symptoms persist, tell your doctor.
If you take more Tenkorex Capsules than you should
Always take your medicine as recommended by your doctor. If you take too much medicine, tell your doctor immediately or go to your local hospital emergency department.
If you forget to take Tenkorex Capsules.
If you miss a dose, take another as soon as you remember and then carry on as before. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
4. Possible side effects
All medicines sometimes cause unwanted effects in some people. Tell your doctor if you think your medicine is making you feel unwell or if you get any of the following side effects;
• An allergic reaction which may occur as
• a rash on your skin (which might be severe)
• sudden wheeziness or tightness of the chest
• swelling of your eyelids, lips or face
• skin lumps and hives
If you think you have an allergic reaction stop taking your medicine and tell your doctor immediately or go to your hospital emergency department as severe allergic reactions may require emergency treatment.
• A feeling of sickness or being sick
• Diarrhoea (which may be bloody) or stomach pains
• Reversible liver disorder or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Itching around the genitals or anus
• Thrush or discharge from the vagina
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Agitation, confusion and hallucinations
• Pain or swelling in the joints
• Kidney disorders or blood disorders, including an increase or decrease in the number of white blood cells, and a decrease in the number of platelets. Symptoms of blood disorders include tiredness, sore throat, bruising easily and susceptibility to infection.
If you experience these or any other unusual or unexpected symptoms, tell your doctor or pharmacist
5. How to store Tencorex Capsules
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in the original packaging, in order to protect the capsules from light and moisture. Do not store above 25°C.
Your medicine should not be used after the expiry date printed on the pack.
Unless your doctor advises otherwise, any unused medicine should be returned to your local pharmacist for safe disposal.
6. Further information What Tenkorex Capsules contains:
The active ingredient in Tenkorex Capsules is either 250mg or 500mg of Tenkorex. The capsules also contain magnesium stearate and cellulose microcrystalline (E460).
The capsule shells contain gelatine, erythrosine (E127), quinoline yellow
(E104), black iron oxide (E172), titanium dioxide (E171), shellac (E904) and propylene
glycol.
Different pack sizes of Tenkorex Capsules are available:
Tenkorex Capsules 250 mg come in blister packs of {14, 21, 28, 30 or 56 capsules} in plastic containers of {12, 20, 21, 24, 28, 50, 100, 250 or 500 capsules},
Tenkorex capsules 500 mg come in blister packs of {14, 15, 20, 21, 28, 30 or 56 capsules}in plastic containers of {12, 15, 20, 21, 24, 28, 50, 100, 250 or 500 capsules}
Product licence holder and manufacturer:
Sandoz GmbH, A 6250 Kundl, Tirol, Austria.