Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CEPHALOTHIN versus KEFLEX.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CEPHALOTHIN versus KEFLEX.
CEPHALOTHIN vs KEFLEX
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Cephalothin is a first-generation cephalosporin that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), thereby blocking peptidoglycan cross-linking. It has activity against gram-positive cocci (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes) and some gram-negative bacilli (e.g., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae).
Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), leading to cell lysis and death.
1-2 g IV every 4-6 hours; maximum 12 g/day.
250-500 mg orally every 6 hours; maximum 4 g/day.
None Documented
None Documented
0.5-1 hour in patients with normal renal function; prolonged to 2-8 hours in moderate renal impairment (CrCl 30-50 mL/min); up to 20-30 hours in end-stage renal disease; due to rapid elimination, frequent dosing (q4-6h) is required for continuous bactericidal levels.
0.5–1.2 hours in patients with normal renal function (CrCl >50 mL/min); prolonged to >20 hours in ESRD.
Primarily renal (60-90% unchanged) via tubular secretion and glomerular filtration; minor biliary excretion (less than 5%); hepatic metabolism to desacetylcephalothin (active but less potent) accounts for about 20-30% of dose; fecal elimination negligible.
Primarily renal (90% or more unchanged via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion); small amounts biliary/fecal (<5%).
Category C
Category C
Cephalosporin Antibiotic
Cephalosporin Antibiotic