Clinical and In Vitro Evaluation of Cephalexin

Abstract

Cephalexin was evaluated in vitro and in the treatment of urinary tract infection. The drug was absorbed well and excreted in the urine in high concentrations. Urine levels of cephalexin were adequate to inhibit more than 90% of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis , and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. Twenty-three patients with urinary tract infection were treated with cephalexin for two to three weeks. Most of the patients had evidence of structural abnormalities or chronic infection of the urinary tract. Ten patients (43%) were abacteriuric two or more months after discontinuation of therapy. Diarrhea and eosinophilia were the only side effects noted and occurred in only two patients.