Drug interactions
Cefalexin + Piroxicam
Severity: Minor
Cefalexin and Piroxicam: 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
Both drugs are acidic and share renal tubular secretion pathways, so cefalexin could slightly slow piroxicam elimination. Piroxicam is cleared mainly by hepatic metabolism, so any rise in exposure is expected to be small and rarely of clinical importance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefalexin and Piroxicam 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; Piroxicam belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Possible competition for renal tubular anionic secretion, with limited relevance because piroxicam is mainly metabolized in the liver.
What to do
No routine action is needed. Watch for NSAID adverse effects such as GI upset if the patient has risk factors.
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 Piroxicam
- Ketorolac intranasal + Piroxicam Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Piroxicam Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Piroxicam Major
- Acemetacin + Piroxicam Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Piroxicam Major
- Alteplase + Piroxicam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefalexin with Piroxicam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cefalexin and Piroxicam have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Both drugs are acidic and share renal tubular secretion pathways, so cefalexin could slightly slow piroxicam elimination. Piroxicam is cleared mainly by hepatic metabolism, so any rise in exposure is expected to be small and rarely of clinical importance.
How serious is the interaction between Cefalexin and Piroxicam?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine action is needed. Watch for NSAID adverse effects such as GI upset if the patient has risk factors.
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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