CEPOREX CAPSULES 500MG

PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER
Ceporex Capsules 250mg and 500mg
(cefalexin)

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it
contains important information for you.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist or nurse.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It
may harm them, even if their side effects are the same as yours.
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, or pharmacist or nurse. This
includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

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1.

What is in this leaflet:
What Ceporex is and what it is used for
What you need to know before you take Ceporex Capsules
How to take Ceporex Capsules
Possible side effects
How to store Ceporex Capsules
Contents of the pack and other information

WHAT CEPOREX IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR

This medicine is called Ceporex Capsules. Ceporex Capsules contain the active
substance cefalexin, which belongs to a group of medicines called cephalosporin
antibiotics.
Cefalexin is used to kill bacteria that cause infections in your body. These include
ear, nose, throat and chest infections, urinary tract infections, infections of the bone,
skin and soft tissue and genital infections, for example gonorrhoea or infections
resulting from childbirth. Ceporex may also be prescribed to treat dental infections.

2.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TAKE CEPOREX
CAPSULES
Do not take Ceporex Capsules
 if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to any cephalosporin antibiotic, such as
cefalexin, cefuroxime, cefradine or cefaclor
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking this medicine:
 if you are allergic to any penicillin antibiotic, such as penicillin, ampicillin,
amoxicillin or flucloxicillin
 if you suffer from any kidney problems
 if you are on kidney dialysis
 if you are diabetic (cefalexin can interfere with some urine sugar tests).

 If you develop diarrhoea
If any of the above apply to you, it is important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist
before taking Ceporex Capsules and they will decide what to do. It may still be safe
for you to take Ceporex Capsules.
If you are having a blood test, it is important to tell your doctor that you are taking
this medicine as it may affect the result.
Other medicines and Ceporex Capsules
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any
medicines, including those medicines obtained without a prescription.
This is especially important if you are taking:
 gentamicin (an antibiotic used to treat severe infections)
 a medicine called probenecid (used to treat gout)
 metformin (used in the treatment of diabetes)
 diuretic “water” tablets (medicines which reduce water retention by increasing the
volume of urine, e.g. furosemide, ethacrynic acid)
 Anticoagulants (medicines that prevent the clotting of blood (e.e warfarin)
 Any other antibiotics (e.g. aminoglycosides, polymyxin, colistin)
 combined oral contraceptives. Ceporex Capsules may reduce the effectiveness of
combined oral contraceptives. Therefore, a second non-hormonal form of
contraception, such as a condom, should be used while taking Ceporex Capsules
and for seven days after the course of Ceporex has stopped. You should discuss
this with your doctor or pharmacist. The advice differs when the course
of Ceporex lasts for three weeks or more; discuss with your doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are breast-feeding, you should
ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking Ceporex or any other
medicine.
Driving and using machines
Ceporex may make cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue and confusion and
may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. If affected, do drive or operate
machines

3.

HOW TO TAKE CEPOREX CAPSULES

Always take Ceporex Capsules exactly as your doctor has told you. You should
check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Ceporex Capsules should be taken by mouth (orally).
The usual dose for adults and children over 12 years old is 1g twice a day. In more
severe infections the dosage may be increased to 1g three times a day or 3g twice a
day, depending on the severity of the infection. The usual dose for children will
depend on the child’s weight.

For patients suffering from kidney disease and/or undergoing dialysis, your doctor
will tailor your dosing schedule and dose amount to suit your condition.
It is important to read the label on your medicine, as it will tell you precisely what
dose to take.

If you take more Ceporex Capsules than you should
If you take too many capsules contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell
your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Take this leaflet and any remaining capsules
with you.
If you forget to take Ceporex Capsules
If you forget to take your medicine, just take your normal dose as soon as you
remember and then continue as before. Do not take a double dose to make up for a
forgotten dose.
If you stop taking Ceporex Capsules
Keep taking the medicine until you have finished the full course of treatment that your
doctor has prescribed for you. Do not stop taking the medicine, even if you feel
better. This will make sure that the infection has completely cleared.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.

4.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets
them.
If you get any of the following side effects you should stop taking Ceporex and tell
your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department of your nearest hospital, as
these may be signs of a serious allergic reaction:
 a skin rash resembling hives or nettle rash
 itchy and/or scaly skin
 red or purple patches on the skin
 joint pain
 difficulty breathing or wheezing
 fever
 swelling of the tongue, face, lips or throat
 feeling faint accompanied by one or some of the other reactions above.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice the following as you may require urgent
medical attention:
 diarrhoea which becomes severe or contains blood or mucus
Other side effects of Ceporex Capsules include:
 diarrhoea (which may be bloody)
 dizziness

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feeling sick or being sick
stomach discomfort
headache
kidney problems
jaundice (yellowing of the skin and
the whites of the eyes)
liver problems
seeing and hearing things which are
not there (hallucinations)
Itching
Red wheals on the skin (Urticaria)
(alone)

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nervousness
confusion, agitation, tiredness
difficulty sleeping
muscle tightness
hyperactivity
irritation or inflammation of the
vagina, including thrush or discharge
dyspepsia
Itching around the genitals or anus
Pain or swelling in the joints

Very rarely this medicine may lower the levels of certain blood cells, these will return
to normal when you stop taking Ceporex Capsules (symptoms may include sore
throat, mouth ulcers or feeling weak).

Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist or nurse. This includes
any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects
directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting
side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5.

HOW TO STORE CEPOREX CAPSULES

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use Ceporex Capsules after the expiry date, which is stated on the label and
carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Store your capsules below 30oC. Store in the original packaging in order to protect
the capsules from light.
Do not use Ceporex Capsules if you notice that the pack or any of the capsules are
damaged.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your
pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help
to protect the environment.

6.

CONTENTS OF THE PACK AND OTHER INFORMATION

What Ceporex Capsules contain
The active substance in Ceporex Capsules is called cefalexin. The capsules contain
either 250mg or 500mg of cefalexin. The capsules also contain magnesium stearate.
The capsule shells are made of gelatin and contain red iron oxide (E172), yellow iron
oxide (E172), black iron oxide (E172) and titanium dioxide (E171) as colouring

agents. The printing ink on the capsule shells contains shellac glaze 45%, titanium
dioxide (E171), purified water, 2-ethoxyethanol, lecithin (soya) and simethicone.
What Ceporex Capsules look like and the contents of the pack
Ceporex Capsules 250mg are caramel and grey coloured hard gelatin capsules with
‘Ceporex 250 Galen’ printed in white.
Ceporex Capsules 500mg are caramel and grey coloured hard gelatin capsules with
‘Ceporex 500 Galen’ printed in white.
Ceporex Capsules 250mg and 500mg are available in packs containing 20, 28, 100
and 500 capsules. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. (Delete this section as
appropriate.)

Marketing Authorisation Holder
Co-pharma Ltd
Unit 4, Metro Centre
Tolpits Lane
Watford
Herts
UK, WD18 9SS
Manufacturer
Almac Pharma Services Limited
Almac House
20 Seagoe Industrial Estate
Craigavon
BT63 5QD
UK
This leaflet was last revised in April 2016.