Can you mix amoxicillin with cephalexin?

Answer 1

Both Amoxicillin and Cephalexin are prescribed medications that would be issued under the treatment of a physician. Therefore, a physician would have to give the directive to use both antibiotics simultaneously. It is unlikely that any physician would prescribe both at the same time. More importantly, both Amoxicillin and Cephalexin are antibiotics, often used to treat the same diagnosis such as urinary tract infection or a sinus infection. What differentiates them is their spectrum classification that relates to their inherent effectiveness to the level of infection.

Amoxicillin is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic, treating a smaller range of bacteria than the broad-spectrum antibiotic, Cephalexin. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics tend to be lower in cost, and are often considered the first line of defense especially in milder case infections. When Amoxicillin is ineffective in combating the infection, Cephalexin may be prescribed for a more aggressive course of action due to its broader range of bacteria effectiveness.

It would be superfluous to use both Amoxicillin and Cephalexin as their mechanism of action is similar, the disruption of bacterial cell wall synthesis. And given the additive side-effects of using both and the risks of antibiotic resistance developing, it may also be considered irresponsible.

Answer 2

One antibiotic is not better than another. It all depends on the type of bacterial organism you are facing, and which organ is infected. For example amoxicillin

can not be used for prostatitis even though it kills most of the micro organisms that cause it, it can not penetrate into the selective tissues of the prostate gland.

SO it depends on the type of bacterial organism present in the body, the penetration of the antibiotic into that selective tissue, and if the particular strain of the micro organism is sensitive to that particular antibiotic

Answer 3

Amoxicillin is penicillin based,

cephalexin is not

Both treat the same thing, sinus infection, ear infection, upper resp., and urinary tract, plus some skin infections.

Answer 4

My aunt is a RN and I just asked her this, I am extremely allergic to cephalexin.

She explained to me that yes they are both a bacteria fighter, but they are cousins and not siblings.

She is allergic to penicillin and she can take cephalexin.

Needless to say I am having no problems taking the amoxi, even though I would be in the hospital if it were cephalexin.

Hope all this helps.

Answer 5

I wouldn't without consulting with your doctor. They are not the same drug, but have some similarities. Of course, be sure you are actually allergic and not just having normal side effects like stomach upset and diarrhea - real Allergies result in hives and/or breathing problems.

Answer 6

They are both used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. I would say they are interchangeable. If someone is allergic to penicillin based antibiotics then cephalexin is prescribed.

Answer 7

cephalexin is stronger...therefore better