cefalexin
 

Hi all - thanks for the add. Apologies as this question may have been asked before - but - does anyone know anything about the antibiotic Cefalexin, Cephalexin, Keflex - and it's potential side effect of peripheral neuropathy sensations in both feet?
I have an embedded uti and need to take long term antibiotics to treat this - at least 9 months treatment worth upwards to 3 or 4 years.
After 3 months of taking them I started with pins/needles and funny twitches in both my feet.
I stopped the Cef about 3 weeks ago but the symptoms - although initially felt like they were getting better - are still here?
I'm worried this is going to be permanent. Cef isn't supposed to create these symptoms according to the medic - however the uti forum I follow seems to say otherwise?
Can anyone help?
TIA

Hi Ajay

Welcome to NeuroTalk :).

This thread discusses a link between Cephalexin and PN https://www.neurotalk.org/peripheral...ephalexin.html .

Maybe the bacteria responsible for your UTI are resistant to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics.

Discussing trying an antibiotic from another class with your doctor might help.

All the best.

Hi Ajay,

You've probably looked up cephalexin here but in case you haven't:

Cephalexin Uses, Side Effects & Dosage Guide - Drugs.com

I don't know about the use of Keflex over the long term. It sounds to me as if your symptoms need to be run past your doctor.

It's more commonly prescribed for just 7-14 days, and that is my only experience with it.

I was treated for a UTI some years ago with Keflex but had to stop taking it due to very severe diarrhea and a severe skin rash. Ever since then, "allergic to Keflex" appears on all my medical records.

I'm not a fan of this drug of course but for many people it seems to work well.

OP: I"m not clear on "embedded" uti, and thank goodness at almost 82, I do good with none. Maybe it's the years of grape seed extract I've been taking and Vit C, I wonder. I had a couple in my young life when sexually active but that is history.

An older friend who is 93 is plagued with UTI's and docs say due to pessiary she wears to hold bladder in place, sounds logical for bacteria growth.

That long a term of abx drugs sounds out of sight to me. But what do I know.

Have you considered getting with integrative MD's or naturopath for their opinions on this too.

Did you work with otc supplements at all? My neighbor had good results with UTAnswer for the UTI's but did last forever for her. I'm not sue what she is doing now. I know the uti issue is constant for her, and removing the pessiary would be a problem. I'm presuming you are female.

Hi Kiwi33 - Thanks for the welcome. I may have to try another antibiotic but first I have to try Cef again and slowly introduce. I am a bit worried I am going to be stuck with awful sensations in my feet. Will have to take each step of the treatment at a time.

Hi Agate - couldn't find anything in side effects but sure I've seen a post on here saying that Cef is in a group of antibiotics that can cause neuropathy, Lots of people on the UTI forums I belong to seem to have similar problems on Cef too. I'm just worried it won't go away.
It is a controversial treatment I am under but I feel I have been left no choice after suffering with UTIs for the last 17 years.

I am supposed to be re introducing the Cef slowly and seeing how it goes but not sure what to do.
Don't want to add to an already frustrating and debilitating condition with another.

Hi Caroline - Yes I'm femaile. I've just typed and lost my reply lol!
Your poor neighbour! Maybe she has an embedded infection too!
I'd not heard of an embedded infection until a couple of years ago either.
It's basically an infection of bacteria/bugs that live within the bladder walls. When the bladder sheds and renews skin - the bacteria are released into the bladder. Antibiotics can't permeate the bladder wall so this is when they can do their job and kill all the bugs that have been released into the bladder. It takes a long time for each layer of skin in the bladder to shed - hence long term protocol.
I've found an intergrative GP practice that's a bit of a way away - has a huge waiting list :(
I've tried various OTC/natural products but none have been effective.
Maybe need to try some Vit B or something for the feet.
Thanks so much for you input :)

I looked around on the Internet but couldn't find anything about neuropathy as a side effect of cephalexin though it is mentioned as a side effect of ciprofloxacin (another antibiotic I've had a few times for UTIs).

Hi Agate - thanks for checking and digging around on the net for me!

I eventually found the original post I saw containing some info on Cef. Excerpt below........

"Sorry to report that the antibiotic you're on; Cephalexin, is included among those known to cause neuropathy. It's in a class of antibiotics called Cephalosporins. Here's a link to an article which specifically mentions them. (scroll down to you find the section on Cephalosporins)
Neurotoxic effects associated with antibiotic use: management considerations"

I used the link and found it listed on there - albeit under "low risk"

Checked in with the pharmacist/naturopath today - she wasn't surprised to hear of my problems and symptoms from taking it - has sent me home with Vit B combination. I'm praying it will help!

Thanks for helping!!