Keftab: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When you're dealing with a stubborn infection, your doctor might reach for Keftab, a brand name for the antibiotic cephalexin, which belongs to the first-generation cephalosporin class. Also known as cephalexin, it's one of the most prescribed oral antibiotics for everyday bacterial infections—like skin boils, strep throat, and urinary tract infections. Unlike some broad-spectrum drugs, Keftab targets specific bacteria without wiping out everything in your gut, making it a go-to for many doctors and patients.

Keftab works by stopping bacteria from building their cell walls. Without a strong outer shell, the bacteria burst and die. It’s not for viruses—so it won’t help with colds or flu—but it’s highly effective against common culprits like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. People often take it for 7 to 14 days, depending on the infection. What makes Keftab stand out? It’s usually well-tolerated, taken just two to four times a day, and doesn’t require special storage. Many users report quick relief from symptoms like fever, swelling, or pain within a few days.

But it’s not risk-free. Some people get stomach upset, diarrhea, or nausea. Rarely, it can trigger allergic reactions, especially if you’re allergic to penicillin. That’s why it’s important to tell your doctor about any past drug reactions. Also, don’t stop taking Keftab just because you feel better. Stopping early can leave tough bacteria behind and lead to resistant infections—a growing problem worldwide. If you’ve ever been told to finish your antibiotics, this is why.

Keftab often comes up alongside other antibiotics like amoxicillin or doxycycline. While those might be better for certain infections, Keftab holds its own for skin and soft tissue issues. It’s also one of the few antibiotics safe enough for kids and older adults when dosed properly. If you’ve ever wondered why your doctor picked Keftab over a cheaper generic or a newer drug, it’s often because it’s reliable, predictable, and has decades of real-world use backing it up.

There’s also a quiet connection between Keftab and how your body handles other meds. Some people on blood thinners or diabetes drugs notice changes when they start Keftab—though it doesn’t interact with most common medications. Still, it’s smart to tell your pharmacist everything you’re taking. And if you’ve ever switched from brand to generic cephalexin and felt something was off, you’re not alone. While generics are required to be equivalent, small differences in fillers or absorption can sometimes make a noticeable difference for sensitive individuals.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of articles—it’s a practical guide to understanding how antibiotics like Keftab fit into real life. From how they affect your gut to what to do if side effects pop up, these posts give you the no-fluff facts you need to stay in control of your health. Whether you’re taking Keftab now, considering it, or just curious why your doctor chose it, you’ll find answers that actually matter.