Ibilex (Cefalexin Monohydrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ibilex Used For?
Ibilex is an antibiotic that belongs to a group of medicines called cephalosporins. It works by killing bacteria that cause infections in different parts of your body.
Primary Uses
Ibilex treats bacterial infections in the respiratory tract (throat, tonsils, chest and lungs), nose (sinusitis), ears (otitis media), skin and soft tissue, and kidneys and bladder (urinary tract).
How It Works
Ibilex works by killing the bacteria that are causing your infection. It will not work against infections caused by viruses, such as colds or flu.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Ibilex is addictive.
How to Take Ibilex
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor will tell you how much and how often you should take Ibilex based on your type of infection.
Dosage Instructions
Adults: Your doctor will determine your daily dose and timing. Children: The dose depends on the child’s age, weight and type of infection. Ibilex can be taken with or without food. Take at about the same time each day, spaced evenly apart. Capsules should be swallowed whole with water. For suspension, shake well and measure accurately using a metric measure.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue your normal schedule.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. Keep taking Ibilex until you finish the pack or bottle, even if you feel better.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- sore or white mouth or tongue
- sore and itchy vagina and/or discharge
- diarrhoea
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- unusual tiredness/weakness
- abdominal pain
- headache
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- rash, itching or hives on the skin
- swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
- fever
- swelling of the joints
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- joint pain
- confusion and hallucinations
- seizure
- bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
- severe stomach cramps or pain
- severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea
- red rash commonly seen on both sides of buttocks, upper inner thighs, armpits, neck
- encephalopathy (reduced ability to think clearly, memory loss, drowsiness, seizures, muscle twitches, personality change)
- myoclonus (sudden, brief involuntary muscle twitching or jerking)
Important Warnings
Before taking Ibilex, it’s important to tell your doctor about your medical history and any allergies you may have.
Who Should Not Take Ibilex
Do not take Ibilex if you are allergic to cefalexin monohydrate, penicillin, other cephalosporins, or any ingredients in the medicine. You may have an increased chance of being allergic to Ibilex if you are allergic to penicillins. Do not take if the expiry date has passed or if the package shows signs of tampering.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, kidney problems, or bowel problems. Your doctor may want to take special care if you have any of these conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Ibilex.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Ibilex and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Birth Control: Talk to your doctor about the need for additional contraception while taking Ibilex. Some antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of some birth control pills.
- probenecid (medicine used to treat gout)
- metformin (medicine used to treat diabetes)
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or operating machinery as Ibilex may affect your ability to do these activities safely.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Ibilex may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people. Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Ibilex affects you. Children should be careful when riding bicycles or climbing trees.
Storage
Store Ibilex capsules below 30°C in a cool, dry place. Keep capsules in the pack until it’s time to take them. Store Ibilex suspension in the refrigerator between 2-8°C but do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed, shake well before use, and discard after 14 days. Keep all medicines where children cannot reach them – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Ibilex, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort. Overdose symptoms may include feeling sick in the stomach, diarrhoea, blood in the urine, unusually increased reflexes, convulsions or hallucinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, tell your doctor. The exact time varies depending on the type and severity of infection.
Yes, Ibilex can be taken with or without food. Take it at about the same time each day, spaced evenly apart for best effect.
No, there is no evidence that Ibilex is addictive.
Do not stop taking Ibilex or lower the dose because you are feeling better, unless advised by your doctor. If you do not complete the full course, your infection may not clear completely or your symptoms may return.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Yes, you may get a sore, white mouth or tongue, or vaginal itching or discharge while taking Ibilex. This may mean you have a fungal infection called thrush. Tell your doctor if this occurs, as Ibilex does not work against fungi.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you get severe diarrhoea, even if it occurs several weeks after stopping Ibilex. Do not take any diarrhoea medicine without checking with your doctor first, as you may have a serious condition affecting your bowel.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.