Skip to content
AMR Drug RepurposingSmart Screeningresearch prototype

Cephalexin

FDA-approved product (capsule, oral), marketed as Cephalexin, Keflet, Keflex and 2 more.

Registered studies
50+
Lab records
9
Pathogens at ≥40%
3 of 4

Chemical structure

Chemical structure of Cephalexin
A drawing shows what the molecule is, not what it does.

Existing / approved use

Documented · FDA, WHO, ChEMBL

Approved for

  • Bacterial disease
  • Infection
  • Otitis media
  • Prostatitis
  • Respiratory tract infectious disorder
  • Sprain

Indications ChEMBL records as approved, from FDA and DailyMed labels. Label ↗

WHO therapeutic group
First-generation cephalosporins
Anti-infective classification
Classified as an existing antimicrobial.WHO ATC J01DB01

Repurposing investigation

Cephalexin is already an antimicrobial, so it is not counted among the repurposing candidates. Its AI-predicted activity is shown below for reference.

AI-predicted activity

AI prediction · nothing measured
  • MRSA97.7% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates. This medicine was in the model's training data, so this is recall, not a new prediction.
  • E. coli84.3% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates. This medicine was in the model's training data, so this is recall, not a new prediction.
  • K. pneumoniae84.6% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates. This medicine was in the model's training data, so this is recall, not a new prediction.
  • M. tuberculosis32.3% AI-predicted activityBelow the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.

A model’s estimate of laboratory activity against each pathogen species. It is not clinical effectiveness.

Evidence

Clinical and experimental

Documented evidence

Clinical

50+registered studies name this medicine, for any condition. The registry search keeps the first 50, so there may be more. See them below.

Experimental

  • MRSA: measured active in 4 of 7 lab records
  • E. coli: measured active in 1 of 1 lab record
  • K. pneumoniae: measured active in 1 of 1 lab record
Open Cephalexin in ChEMBL Registered studies below
Show the 9 laboratory records, with sources

Loading records…

“Active” means the measured value reached this project’s laboratory cutoff (10 µM or stronger). A laboratory result does not show an effect in patients.

Docking

Computational · nothing measured

Dihydrofolate reductase ↗ (E. coli)

-6.6 kcal/mol

0better fit →-12

KPC-2 carbapenemase ↗ (K. pneumoniae)

-8.6 kcal/mol

0better fit →-12

Enoyl-ACP reductase (InhA) ↗ (M. tuberculosis)

-8.6 kcal/mol

0better fit →-12

Dihydrofolate reductase ↗ (MRSA)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

AutoDock Vina, one experimentally solved protein per pathogen. This project’s screening target is -7.0 kcal/mol, its own mark rather than a universal cutoff. A docking score is a structural hypothesis, not proof of binding, and requires experimental validation.

Other medicines to investigate

AI prediction · nothing measured

Other repurposing candidates: approved medicines besides Cephalexin with AI-predicted activity ≥40% against the chosen pathogen, leaving out existing antimicrobials. They are computational candidates for further investigation, not alternatives and not recommendations.

Sorted by AI-predicted activity, high to low. The order is not a ranking of which medicine is better.

Registered studies

A registration describes a study; it does not establish a positive result.

  • Single Dose Aminoglycosides for Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis in the Emergency Department Setting

    NCT05702762 · start 2022-10-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05702762
    Conditions
    Urinary Tract Infections
    Interventions
    Gentamicin; Standard of Care
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2022-10-01
    Completion
    2024-06-30
    Enrolment
    160

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionUrinary Tract Infections
    InterventionGentamicin; Standard of Care
    PhasePhase 2
    Registry statusUnknown

  • Oral Antimicrobial Treatment vs. Outpatient Parenteral for Infective Endocarditis

    NCT05398679 · start 2022-08-17

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05398679
    Conditions
    Endocarditis Infective
    Interventions
    Cefaclor; Ciprofloxacin Tablets; Ciprofloxacin Injection; Clindamycin Oral Capsule; Clindamycin Injection; Dicloxacillin Oral Capsule; Dicloxacillin; Fusidic Acid Only Product in Oral Dose Form; Fusidic Acid Only Product in Parenteral Dose Form; Levofloxacin Oral Tablet; Levofloxacin Injection; Linezolid Oral Tablet; Linezolid Injectable Product; Moxifloxacin tablet; Moxifloxacin Injectable Product; Rifampicin Only Product in Oral Dose Form; Rifampicin Only Product in Parenteral Dose Form; Sulfamethoxazole / Trimethoprim Oral Tablet [Bactrim]; Sulfamethoxazole / Trimethoprim Injectable Product; Tedizolid Oral Tablet; Tedizolid Injection; Amoxicillin Capsules; Amoxicillin; Cefaclor Capsules
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Recruiting
    Start
    2022-08-17
    Completion
    2027-12-30
    Enrolment
    360

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionEndocarditis Infective
    InterventionCefaclor; Ciprofloxacin Tablets; Ciprofloxacin Injection; Clindamycin Oral Capsule +20 more
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusRecruiting

  • Use of Prophylactic Antibiotics Prior to OnabotulinumtoxinA

    NCT05519072 · start 2022-08-16

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05519072
    Conditions
    Antibiotic Prophylaxis
    Interventions
    Nitrofurantoin
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Recruiting
    Start
    2022-08-16
    Completion
    2024-08-16
    Enrolment
    140

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAntibiotic Prophylaxis
    InterventionNitrofurantoin
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusRecruiting

  • Microbiome and Association With Implant Infections

    NCT05020574 · start 2021-09-28

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05020574
    Conditions
    Breast Cancer; Breast Cancer Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease
    Interventions
    Cephalexin
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2
    Registry status
    Recruiting
    Start
    2021-09-28
    Completion
    2026-12-31
    Enrolment
    200

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionBreast Cancer; Breast Cancer Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease
    InterventionCephalexin
    PhasePhase 2
    Registry statusRecruiting

  • Oral Amoxicillin and Cephalexin PK/PD in Neonates

    NCT04916951 · start 2021-07-14

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04916951
    Conditions
    Neonatal Infection
    Interventions
    Amoxicillin; Cephalexin
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2021-07-14
    Completion
    2025-11-30
    Enrolment
    72

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionNeonatal Infection
    InterventionAmoxicillin; Cephalexin
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted

  • The Effect of Prophylactic Antibiotics on Surgical Site Infection Lower Limb Skin Excisions

    NCT03357419 · start 2021-03

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT03357419
    Conditions
    Skin Lesion
    Interventions
    Cephalexin; Placebo oral capsule
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Withdrawn
    Start
    2021-03
    Completion
    2022-03-27
    Enrolment
    0

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionSkin Lesion
    InterventionCephalexin; Placebo oral capsule
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusWithdrawn

  • Or v IV Antibiotics for Infection

    NCT04723940 · start 2021-01-25

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04723940
    Conditions
    Joint Infection
    Interventions
    Bactrim; Cefadroxil; Doxycycline Hcl; Clindamycin
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 3
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2021-01-25
    Completion
    2023-01-25
    Enrolment
    308

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionJoint Infection
    InterventionBactrim; Cefadroxil; Doxycycline Hcl; Clindamycin
    PhasePhase 3
    Registry statusUnknown

  • Utility of Single-dose Oral Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Dermatologic Surgery

    NCT04580472 · start 2020-10-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04580472
    Conditions
    Surgical Site Infection
    Interventions
    Cephalexin; Placebo capsules
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Active not recruiting
    Start
    2020-10-01
    Completion
    2026-09
    Enrolment
    574

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionSurgical Site Infection
    InterventionCephalexin; Placebo capsules
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusActive not recruiting

  • Antibiotic Treatment Of Staphylococcus Aureus In Stable People With CF

    NCT04553419 · start 2020-07-27

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04553419
    Conditions
    Cystic Fibrosis
    Interventions
    Cephalexin; Placebo
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 3
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2020-07-27
    Completion
    2025-06-30
    Enrolment
    86

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionCystic Fibrosis
    InterventionCephalexin; Placebo
    PhasePhase 3
    Registry statusUnknown

  • Antibiotic Prophylaxis in High-Risk Arthroplasty Patients

    NCT04297592 · start 2020-06-11

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04297592
    Conditions
    Infections Joint Prosthetic; Overweight or Obesity; MSSA Colonization; MRSA; Chronic Kidney Diseases; Diabetes; Autoimmune Diseases; Inflammatory Disease; Tobacco Use
    Interventions
    Cephalexin; Doxycycline; Cefadroxil
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Enrolling by invitation
    Start
    2020-06-11
    Completion
    2028-01
    Enrolment
    4,618

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionInfections Joint Prosthetic; Overweight or Obesity; MSSA Colonization; MRSA +5 more
    InterventionCephalexin; Doxycycline; Cefadroxil
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusEnrolling by invitation

  • Eponychial Stent Study

    NCT04409093 · start 2020-06-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04409093
    Conditions
    Eponychial Stent; Nail Bed Injury
    Interventions
    Nail bed repair with eponychial sent; Nail bed repair without eponychial stent
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2020-06-01
    Completion
    2023-08-24
    Enrolment
    54

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionEponychial Stent; Nail Bed Injury
    InterventionNail bed repair with eponychial sent; Nail bed repair without eponychial stent
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted

  • Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety Profile of Understudied Drugs Administered to Children Per Standard of Care (POPS)

    NCT04278404 · start 2020-03-05

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04278404
    Conditions
    Coronavirus Infection (COVID-19); Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension; Urinary Tract Infections in Children; Hypertension; Pain; Hyperphosphatemia; Primary Hyperaldosteronism; Edema; Hypokalemia; Heart Failure; Hemophilia; Menorrhagia; Insomnia; Pneumonia; Skin Infection; Arrythmia; Asthma in Children; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia; Adrenal Insufficiency; Fibrinolysis; Hemorrhage; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C); Kawasaki Disease; Coagulation Disorder; Down Syndrome
    Interventions
    The POP02 study is collecting bodily fluid samples (i.e., whole blood, effluent samples) of children prescribed the following drugs of interest per standard of care:
    Study type
    OBSERVATIONAL
    Phase
    Not recorded
    Registry status
    Recruiting
    Start
    2020-03-05
    Completion
    2026-12
    Enrolment
    5,000

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionCoronavirus Infection (COVID-19); Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension; Urinary Tract Infections in Children; Hypertension +22 more
    InterventionThe POP02 study is collecting bodily fluid samples (i.e., whole blood, effluent samples) of children prescribed the following drugs of interest per standard of care:
    PhaseNot recorded
    Registry statusRecruiting

  • Domiciliary Versus Hospital Management of PPROM

    NCT04413019 · start 2019-04-15

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04413019
    Conditions
    Preterm Premature Rupture of Membrane
    Interventions
    Clinical follow up
    Study type
    OBSERVATIONAL
    Phase
    Not recorded
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2019-04-15
    Completion
    2020-10-20
    Enrolment
    3,662

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionPreterm Premature Rupture of Membrane
    InterventionClinical follow up
    PhaseNot recorded
    Registry statusCompleted

  • Prophylactic Antibiotics After Cesarean

    NCT03187106 · start 2017-08-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT03187106
    Conditions
    Surgical Site Infection
    Interventions
    Cephalexin; Placebo; Metronidazole
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2017-08-01
    Completion
    2023-07-21
    Enrolment
    321

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionSurgical Site Infection
    InterventionCephalexin; Placebo; Metronidazole
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted

  • Impact of Antibiotic Treatment Following Implantation of Cardiac Electronic Device on Patient's Outcome

    NCT03148444 · start 2017-06-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT03148444
    Conditions
    Infection, Bacterial; Pacemaker Complication
    Interventions
    cefalexin 500 mg qid or roxithromycin 150 mg bid
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2017-06-01
    Completion
    2020-06-01
    Enrolment
    400

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionInfection, Bacterial; Pacemaker Complication
    Interventioncefalexin 500 mg qid or roxithromycin 150 mg bid
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusUnknown