Drug interactions
Cefalexin + Zinc
Severity: Moderate
Cefalexin and Zinc: moderate 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
Oral zinc may reduce the absorption of cefalexin, with potentially lower antibiotic levels and reduced efficacy. The effect is modest and avoidable by separating the doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefalexin and Zinc can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Cefalexin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Zinc belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Chelation or binding of cefalexin by zinc cations in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption.
What to do
Give oral zinc at least 3 hours after cefalexin. Monitor clinical response to the antibiotic.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 + Gentamicin Moderate
Other interactions of Zinc
- Alendronate + Zinc Moderate
- Baloxavir marboxil + Zinc Moderate
- Ciprofloxacin + Zinc Moderate
- Delafloxacin + Zinc Moderate
- Dolutegravir + Zinc Moderate
- Doxycycline + Zinc Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefalexin with Zinc?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cefalexin and Zinc can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Oral zinc may reduce the absorption of cefalexin, with potentially lower antibiotic levels and reduced efficacy. The effect is modest and avoidable by separating the doses.
How serious is the interaction between Cefalexin and Zinc?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give oral zinc at least 3 hours after cefalexin. Monitor clinical response to the antibiotic.
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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