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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
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.

  • A Study of Cephalexin Liquid in Healthy Participants

    NCT02490670 · start 2015-07

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02490670
    Conditions
    Healthy
    Interventions
    Cephalexin
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2015-07
    Completion
    2015-07
    Enrolment
    28

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

    ConditionHealthy
    InterventionCephalexin
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted
  • A Study of Cephalexin Suspension in Healthy Participants

    NCT02123459 · start 2014-05

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02123459
    Conditions
    Healthy Volunteers
    Interventions
    Cephalexin
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2014-05
    Completion
    2014-05
    Enrolment
    28

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

    ConditionHealthy Volunteers
    InterventionCephalexin
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted
  • A Study of Cephalexin Capsules in Healthy Participants

    NCT02123446 · start 2014-04

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02123446
    Conditions
    Healthy Volunteers
    Interventions
    Cephalexin
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2014-04
    Completion
    2014-05
    Enrolment
    28

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

    ConditionHealthy Volunteers
    InterventionCephalexin
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Dose Escalation Study Investigating the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics of ASP2215 in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia

    NCT02014558 · start 2013-10-09

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02014558
    Conditions
    Acute Myeloid Leukemia
    Interventions
    Gilteritinib; Voriconazole; Midazolam; Cephalexin
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1 / Phase 2
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2013-10-09
    Completion
    2018-03-07
    Enrolment
    265

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

    ConditionAcute Myeloid Leukemia
    InterventionGilteritinib; Voriconazole; Midazolam; Cephalexin
    PhasePhase 1 / Phase 2
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Prophylactic Antibiotic Treatment for Hand Lacerations Involving Flexor and/or Extensor Tendon

    NCT01899781 · start 2013-08

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01899781
    Conditions
    Hand Laceration; Tendon Involved; Clean Laceration; No Bone Involved
    Interventions
    Antibiotic-Cefamezin
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2013-08
    Completion
    2015-11
    Enrolment
    24

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

    ConditionHand Laceration; Tendon Involved; Clean Laceration; No Bone Involved
    InterventionAntibiotic-Cefamezin
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Orthognathic Surgery and Postoperative Antibiotic Use

    NCT01823523 · start 2013-06

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01823523
    Conditions
    Dentofacial Deformity
    Interventions
    Cefazolin, Cephalexin, Clindamycin
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2013-06
    Completion
    2015-10
    Enrolment
    300

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

    ConditionDentofacial Deformity
    InterventionCefazolin, Cephalexin, Clindamycin
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusUnknown
  • Prevention of Arrhythmia Device Infection Trial (PADIT)

    NCT01628666 · start 2012-12

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01628666
    Conditions
    Arrhythmia
    Interventions
    Incremental; Conventional
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2012-12
    Completion
    2017-09-08
    Enrolment
    12,814

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

    ConditionArrhythmia
    InterventionIncremental; Conventional
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • The SCOUT Study: "Short Course Therapy for Urinary Tract Infections in Children"

    NCT01595529 · start 2012-05-18

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01595529
    Conditions
    Urinary Tract Infection
    Interventions
    Cefixime; Cephalexin; Placebo; Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2012-05-18
    Completion
    2019-08-12
    Enrolment
    717

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

    ConditionUrinary Tract Infection
    InterventionCefixime; Cephalexin; Placebo; Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole
    PhasePhase 2
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Comparing Healthcare Utilization Between Adenotonsillectomy Patients With and Without Postoperative Antibiotic Use

    NCT01561703 · start 2012-03

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01561703
    Conditions
    Snoring; Strep Throat
    Interventions
    Antibiotic
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2012-03
    Completion
    2015-06
    Enrolment
    58

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

    ConditionSnoring; Strep Throat
    InterventionAntibiotic
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Examination of the Efficacy of Preventive Antibiotic Treatment During the Puerperium Among Pregnant Women With Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

    NCT01507974 · start 2012-01-16

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01507974
    Conditions
    Pregnancy Complications
    Interventions
    Preventive antibiotic treatment- NITROFURANTOIN; Preventive antibiotic treatment- CEPHALEXIN; PREVENTIVE TREATMENT- AMOXICILLIN; PREVENTIVE TREATMENT- AMOXICILLIN AND CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM; PREVENTIVE TREATMENT- CEFUROXIME; PREVENTIVE TREATMENT SULFAMETHOXAZOLE AND TRIMETHOPRIM
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2012-01-16
    Completion
    2015-01-01
    Enrolment
    220

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

    ConditionPregnancy Complications
    InterventionPreventive antibiotic treatment- NITROFURANTOIN; Preventive antibiotic treatment- CEPHALEXIN; PREVENTIVE TREATMENT- AMOXICILLIN; PREVENTIVE TREATMENT- AMOXICILLIN AND CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM +2 more
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Prevention of Arrhythmia Device Infection Trial (PADIT)

    NCT01613092 · start 2011-05

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01613092
    Conditions
    Arrhythmia
    Interventions
    Incremental; Cefazolin
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2011-05
    Completion
    2013-12
    Enrolment
    241

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

    ConditionArrhythmia
    InterventionIncremental; Cefazolin
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Bioequivalence Study of Cephalexin Suspension 125

    NCT01767532 · start 2011-01-30

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01767532
    Conditions
    Infections, Respiratory Tract
    Interventions
    Cephalexin 125 mg/5ml; Cephalexin 125 mg/5ml
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2011-01-30
    Completion
    2011-02-08
    Enrolment
    28

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

    ConditionInfections, Respiratory Tract
    InterventionCephalexin 125 mg/5ml; Cephalexin 125 mg/5ml
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Postoperative Antibiotic Requirements Following Immediate Breast Reconstruction

    NCT01244698 · start 2010-11

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01244698
    Conditions
    Bacterial Infection; Anti-infective Agents; Breast Implantation
    Interventions
    Cefadroxil discontinued early; Cefadroxil until drain removal
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2010-11
    Completion
    2014-05
    Enrolment
    132

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

    ConditionBacterial Infection; Anti-infective Agents; Breast Implantation
    InterventionCefadroxil discontinued early; Cefadroxil until drain removal
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Comparison of Intravenous Cefazolin Plus Oral Probenecid With Oral Cephalexin for the Treatment of Cellulitis

    NCT01029782 · start 2010-05

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01029782
    Conditions
    Cellulitis
    Interventions
    IV cefazolin plus oral probenecid and placebo cephalexin; Oral cephalexin and saline IV plus probenecid placebo
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2010-05
    Completion
    2014-10
    Enrolment
    206

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

    ConditionCellulitis
    InterventionIV cefazolin plus oral probenecid and placebo cephalexin; Oral cephalexin and saline IV plus probenecid placebo
    PhasePhase 2
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Prevention of Arrhythmia Device Infection Trial (PADIT Pilot)

    NCT01002911 · start 2009-12

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01002911
    Conditions
    Arrythmias
    Interventions
    Cefazolin, Bacitracin, Cefalexin; Cefazolin
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 3
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2009-12
    Completion
    2012-01
    Enrolment
    500

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

    ConditionArrythmias
    InterventionCefazolin, Bacitracin, Cefalexin; Cefazolin
    PhasePhase 3
    Registry statusCompleted