Cephalexin Dosage Chart – Your Quick Reference

When you look at cephalexin dosage chart, a concise table that shows how much cephalexin to take for different ages, conditions and infection types, also known as Cephalexin dosing guide, it instantly answers the question: "How much should I actually take?". The chart is built around Cephalexin, a first‑generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic used for skin, ear, bone and urinary infections. It also references renal impairment dosing, adjustments needed when the kidneys aren’t clearing the drug efficiently, and pediatric dosing, weight‑based amounts for children and teens. Understanding how these pieces fit together helps you avoid under‑dosing, which can lead to resistance, or over‑dosing, which can cause side effects.

Why the Type of Infection Matters

The dosage chart isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all sheet; it changes based on the infection you’re treating. For a simple skin infection, the chart might suggest 250‑500 mg every 6 hours, while a bone infection could require 1 g every 8 hours. This relationship—infection type influences cephalexin amount—is key because tissue penetration varies. In practice, clinicians look at the chart, match the infection category, and then fine‑tune the number of tablets.

Adult dosing usually follows a standard range: 250 mg to 1 g taken two to four times daily, depending on severity. The chart makes it easy to spot the right slot. If you have a urinary tract infection, you’ll probably see a 500 mg dose every 12 hours. For more aggressive infections like osteomyelitis, the chart pushes the dose higher and shortens the interval.

Now, imagine you have reduced kidney function. The chart flags this with a separate column that says “CrCl < 30 mL/min”. Here, the dosage drops—often by 50%—and the dosing interval stretches to every 12 hours instead of every 6. This adjustment follows the rule: renal impairment requires lower, less frequent doses to prevent drug buildup. The chart shows you exactly how to calculate the new amount using your creatinine clearance value.

Children are not just tiny adults, so the chart includes a weight‑based formula: 25‑50 mg/kg per day divided into 2‑4 doses. For a 20‑kg child with a skin infection, you’d calculate 500‑1000 mg total daily, then split it. The pediatric section also notes age cut‑offs—for kids under 2 months, the chart recommends a different dosage range because their metabolism is still developing.

If you’re dealing with a patient who is both a child and has mild kidney issues, the chart layers the two adjustments. First, you compute the weight‑based total, then you apply the renal reduction factor. This layered approach—pediatric dosing combined with renal adjustment—prevents accidental overdosing.

Beyond the numbers, the chart reminds you of practical tips: take cephalexin with a full glass of water, stay hydrated to help kidney clearance, and finish the full course even if symptoms improve. Skipping doses or stopping early can let surviving bacteria become resistant, which the chart indirectly combats by encouraging adherence.

All the articles in this collection use the same framework. You’ll see side‑by‑side comparisons of cephalexin versus other antibiotics, detailed looks at dosing for special populations, and guidance on how to adjust the schedule for real‑world scenarios like missed doses. Whether you’re a pharmacist, a nurse, or just a curious patient, the cephalexin dosage chart acts as a roadmap that ties dosage, infection type, age and kidney function together. Below, you’ll find articles that expand on each of these points, give real‑life examples, and answer common questions about safety and effectiveness.