cephalexin

noun

ceph·​a·​lex·​in ˌse-fə-ˈlek-sən How to pronounce cephalexin (audio)
: a semisynthetic cephalosporin C16H17N3O4S with a spectrum of antibiotic activity similar to the penicillins

Examples of cephalexin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web According to Bourgeois, amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, and cephalexin are all especially susceptible.4 Nitroglycerin tablets and sprays: Heat can break down nitroglycerin, lowering its potency. Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 15 July 2024 Other choices, like nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, or cephalexin, have more effectiveness with less risk of toxicity. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 13 Mar. 2023 The most common organism responsible for perichondritis is a bug called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a virulent pathogen with the ability to resist many antibiotics, including the cephalexin prescribed by Jessica’s pediatrician. Rick Pescatore, Philly.com, 20 Oct. 2017 Jessica’s pediatrician diagnosed a mild case of a bacterial skin infection known as cellulitis, and gave her a prescription for an antibiotic, cephalexin, along with the standard precautions. Rick Pescatore, Philly.com, 20 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cephalexin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

cephalosporin + -ex- (of unknown origin) + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cephalexin was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near cephalexin

Cite this Entry

“Cephalexin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cephalexin. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

cephalexin

noun
ceph·​a·​lex·​in ˌsef-ə-ˈlek-sən How to pronounce cephalexin (audio)
: a semisynthetic cephalosporin C16H17N3O4S with a spectrum of antibiotic activity similar to the penicillins that is often administered in the form of its hydrochloride C16H17N3O4S·HCl or monohydrate C16H17N3O4S·H2O

Note: Cephalexin is marketed under the trademark Keflex.

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