Drug interactions
Cefalexin + Furosemide
Severity: Minor
Cefalexin and Furosemide: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Loop diuretics such as furosemide have been associated with increased nephrotoxicity when combined with some cephalosporins, mainly the older, more nephrotoxic agents. Cephalexin carries little nephrotoxic potential, so the risk is low, though volume depletion from furosemide may add renal stress in vulnerable patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefalexin and Furosemide have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Cefalexin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Furosemide belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Possible additive renal stress from diuretic-induced volume depletion and cephalosporin tubular effects; not well established for cephalexin.
What to do
Monitor renal function and hydration status in patients with preexisting renal impairment or high diuretic doses. No routine dose change is needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Cefalexin
- Amikacin + Cefalexin Moderate
- Avelumab + Cefalexin Moderate
- Balstilimab + Cefalexin Moderate
- Bcg vaccine live + Cefalexin Moderate
- Cefalexin + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefalexin + Kanamycin Moderate
Other interactions of Furosemide
- Amifostine + Furosemide Major
- Amikacin + Furosemide Major
- Carbenoxolone + Furosemide Major
- Cephaloridine + Furosemide Major
- Cisplatin + Furosemide Major
- Digoxin + Furosemide Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefalexin with Furosemide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cefalexin and Furosemide have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Loop diuretics such as furosemide have been associated with increased nephrotoxicity when combined with some cephalosporins, mainly the older, more nephrotoxic agents. Cephalexin carries little nephrotoxic potential, so the risk is low, though volume depletion from furosemide may add renal stress in vulnerable patients.
How serious is the interaction between Cefalexin and Furosemide?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor renal function and hydration status in patients with preexisting renal impairment or high diuretic doses. No routine dose change is needed.
What other medicines interact with Cefalexin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefalexin with, for example, Amikacin, Avelumab, Balstilimab. The full list is on the Cefalexin page.
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