Is keflex the same as cephalexin?

Are Keflex and cephalexin the same medicine?

Yes. Keflex is a brand name for the generic drug cephalexin, so they are the same antibiotic medication. [1]

Why do the names look different?

“Keflex” is the trademarked brand name. “Cephalexin” is the generic (active ingredient) name. When a prescription says either one, you’re generally getting the same drug. [1]

Are the doses and side effects the same?

Because they’re the same medication, the dose strength (for example, 250 mg or 500 mg) and the side effect profile are the same for Keflex and cephalexin. Differences can come from inactive ingredients (like dyes or fillers), but the active antibiotic is the same. [1]

What should you check on the label?

Check the medication strength and the active ingredient listed on the bottle or prescription:
- If it says cephalexin, it’s the generic.
- If it says Keflex, it still contains cephalexin as the active ingredient.
Either way, match the mg strength to what your clinician prescribed. [1]

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugs.com/brand-name/keflex.html