Definition of "cephalexin" []

• A semisynthetic analogue of cephalosporin, C16H17N3O4S, used especially in the treatment of respiratory and urinary tract infections. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "He diagnosed mastitis and possibly shingles, and he prescribed painkillers, an antiviral, and cephalexin, a beta-lactam cephalosporin."
• "Drugs in the earlier generations of cephalosporins include cephalexin Keflex, cephalothin, cefazolin, cefaclor, cefotaxime, and ceftriaxone."
• "Before using cephalexin, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs: diet pills, or medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies."