Registered Zambia · ZAMRA

Rilexine 500 DC

Cephalexin Monohydrate 250mg mg/10ml,Neomycin sulphate 250 mg/10ml

359/732V Suspension for Injection 250 mg/10ml,250mg mg/10ml antiinfectives for systemic use INN generic

What it does

Cefalexin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.

Commonly used for: bacterial infections, skin infections, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections

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Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.

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Registration & product details

Registration no.
359/732V
Registration date
2025-05-26
Expiry date
2030-05-25
Status
Registered/Compliant
Active ingredient
Cephalexin Monohydrate 250mg mg/10ml,Neomycin sulphate 250 mg/10ml
Strength
250 mg/10ml,250mg mg/10ml
Pack size
-
Therapeutic class
-
ATC class (WHO)
J01DB - First-generation cephalosporins
RxNorm RxCUI
2231
Manufacturer / MAH
Virbac
Applicant / LTR
Virbac RSA (Pty) Ltd
Country of origin
South Africa
Manufacturer location
38 Landmarks Ave, Samrand Business Park, Centurion, 0157, South Africa

Source: Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-03-12 00:03:58 · updated 2026-10-19 03:35:57

Drug Interactions

11
Check interactions

Pharmacodynamic Warnings

Neomycin appears in TABLE 2: Drugs that cause nephrotoxicity

Cefalexin appears in TABLE 2: Drugs that cause nephrotoxicity

Neomycin appears in TABLE 19: Drugs that cause ototoxicity

Neomycin appears in TABLE 20: Drugs with neuromuscular blocking effects

Severe (2)

Agalsidasealfa - decreases effects

Aminoglycosidesarepredictedtodecreasetheeffectsof agalsidasealfa.Avoid.oTheoretical

Severe Theoretical

Agalsidasebeta - decreases effects

Aminoglycosidesarepredictedtodecreasetheeffectsof agalsidasebeta.Avoid.oTheoretical

Severe Theoretical

Unknown (9)

Aminoglycosides - decreases exposure

Miconazole potentially decreases the exposure to aminoglycosides (tobramycin).

Unknown Anecdotal

Cephalosporins - increases exposure

Leflunomideispredictedtoincreasetheexposureto cephalosporins(cefaclor).oTheoretical

Unknown Theoretical

Cephalosporins - increases exposure

Nitisinone is predicted to increase the exposure to cephalosporins (cefaclor).

Unknown Study

Cephalosporins - increases exposure

Teriflunomide is predicted to increase the exposure to cephalosporins (cefaclor).

Unknown Study

Digoxin - decreases absorption

Neomycin decreases the absorption of digoxin.

Unknown Study

Neostigmine - decreases effects

Aminoglycosidesarepredictedtodecreasetheeffectsof neostigmine.oTheoretical

Unknown Theoretical

Neratinib - decreases concentration

Aminoglycosides are predicted to decrease the effects of neostigmine. Theoretical Nepafenac → see NSAIDs Neratinib → see TABLE 1 p. 1517 (hepatotoxicity) FOOD AND LIFESTYLE Avoid pomegranate, and pome

Unknown Theoretical

Pyridostigmine - decreases effects

Aminoglycosidesarepredictedtodecreasetheeffectsof pyridostigmine.oTheoretical

Unknown Theoretical

Sorafenib - decreases exposure

Neomycin moderately decreases the exposure to sorafenib. Neostigmine → see TABLE 6 p. 1518 (bradycardia)

Unknown Study

Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: class

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (Zambia). Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication.

About cefalexin

Cefalexin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.

What it treats

  • bacterial infections
  • skin infections
  • respiratory tract infections
  • urinary tract infections

How it works

Cefalexin works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.

Who it's for

Cefalexin is for people who have bacterial infections.

Drug class

Cephalosporins

Cautions

  • • Be cautious if you are taking other drugs that can harm the kidneys.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

About neomycin

Neomycin is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria.

What it treats

  • bacterial infections
  • skin infections
  • ear infections

How it works

Neomycin works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Who it's for

Neomycin is for people who have bacterial infections that are sensitive to this antibiotic.

Drug class

Aminoglycosides

Cautions

  • • Be careful if you are taking other medications that can harm the kidneys.
  • • Avoid use with drugs that may cause hearing problems.
  • • Use caution with medications that can affect muscle function.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

Clinical monograph: Cefalexin

BNF-referenced

Cefalexin, also known as Cephalexin, is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used primarily for the treatment of bacterial infections. It is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria. Its mechanism of action involves the inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis, which leads to cell lysis and death. Cefalexin is commonly prescribed for skin infections, urinary tract infections, and other superficial infections.

Indications

  • Bacterial infections due to sensitive Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
  • Skin infections
  • Soft-tissue infections
  • Uncomplicated urinary-tract infections
  • Acute diverticulitis (in combination with metronidazole)
  • Prophylaxis of recurrent urinary-tract infections

Dosage

Children: Child 1 month–11 years: 25 mg/kg 2–4 times a day (max. per dose 500 mg). Child

Adults: 250 mg every 6 hours, alternatively 500 mg every 8–12 hours; increased to 1–1.5 g every 6–8 hours for severe infections.

Mechanism of action

Cefalexin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins located in the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. This action prevents the cross-linkage of peptidoglycan chains, which is essential for bacterial cell wall strength and rigidity. Consequently, this leads to cell lysis and death, particularly in rapidly dividing bacteria.

Pharmacodynamics

Cefalexin is bactericidal and exhibits activity primarily against Gram-positive bacteria. It is effective in treating superficial infections resulting from minor wounds or lacerations. By interfering with the cross-linking reaction between N-acetyl muramic acid and N-acetylglucosamine in the bacterial cell wall, cefalexin promotes cell lysis, making it a widely used antibiotic in clinical practice.

Pharmacokinetics

Cefalexin is well absorbed when taken orally, with peak plasma concentrations typically occurring within 1 hour of administration. It is widely distributed throughout body tissues and fluids, including bile, urine, and synovial fluid. The drug is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, and its half-life is approximately 1 hour. Renal impairment may necessitate dosage adjustments.

Contra-indications

  • Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins
  • History of immediate hypersensitivity to penicillin and other beta-lactams

Adverse effects

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhoea
  • Dizziness
  • Eosinophilia
  • Headache
  • Leucopenia
  • Nausea
  • Neutropenia
  • Pseudomembranous enterocolitis
  • Skin reactions
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Vomiting
  • Vulvovaginal candidiasis
  • Anaphylactic reaction
  • Angioedema
  • Agranulocytosis
  • Hemolytic anemia
  • Tubulointerstitial nephritis
  • Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs)

Interactions

  • Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of cephalexin
  • Antacids may decrease the absorption of cephalexin
  • Other nephrotoxic drugs may increase the risk of kidney damage

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
  • Monitor for signs of superinfection during prolonged therapy
  • Caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis

Pregnancy

Not known to be harmful.

Breast-feeding

Present in milk in low concentration, but generally considered appropriate to use.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

  • Capsules: 250 mg, 500 mg
  • Oral suspension: 125 mg/5 mL, 250 mg/5 mL
BNF 85 (British National Formulary) p.594 BNF for Children 2019-2020 p.349 PubChem / pathway

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Clinical monograph: Neomycinsulfate

BNF-referenced

Neomycin sulfate is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used primarily for its effectiveness against a wide range of gram-negative bacterial infections. It is often employed in topical formulations but can also be used systemically for bowel sterilization before surgical procedures and in the treatment of hepatic coma. The drug acts by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, thus halting bacterial growth and replication.

Indications

  • Bowel sterilization before surgery
  • Hepatic coma
  • Topical infections caused by susceptible organisms

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing information.

Adults: By mouth: 1 g every 1 hour for 4 hours, then 1 g every 4 hours for 2–3 days. For hepatic coma: Up to 4 g daily in divided doses usually for 5–7 days.

Mechanism of action

Neomycin sulfate binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, leading to the misreading of mRNA and the inhibition of protein synthesis. This disrupts the production of essential proteins needed for bacterial growth and function, ultimately resulting in cell death.

Pharmacodynamics

Neomycin demonstrates bactericidal activity against susceptible bacteria. Its efficacy is enhanced in alkaline environments, which is why it is often used in combination with other agents for surgical prophylaxis. The drug is primarily effective against a range of gram-negative organisms, including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species, but also has some activity against gram-positive organisms.

Pharmacokinetics

Neomycin is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and its systemic absorption is minimal when administered orally. In cases of systemic use, such as intramuscular or intravenous administration, neomycin is distributed widely in the body but is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. The elimination half-life varies but is generally around 2 to 3 hours in individuals with normal renal function. Monitoring of serum concentrations is essential to prevent toxicity, especially in patients with renal impairment.

Adverse effects

  • neurotoxicity
  • ototoxicity
  • nephrotoxicity
  • allergic reactions
  • skin rashes
  • hearing loss

Interactions

  • other nephrotoxic drugs
  • loop diuretics
  • neuromuscular blocking agents

Precautions

  • monitor renal function
  • use cautiously in patients with hearing impairment
  • avoid concurrent use with other ototoxic medications
  • ensure adequate hydration

Pregnancy

Safety in pregnancy has not been established. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Breast-feeding

Use caution; neomycin can be absorbed systemically and may affect the nursing infant.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

  • oral tablets
  • topical ointments
  • injectable solutions
BNF 85 (British National Formulary) p.588 BNF 85 (British National Formulary) p.1368 BNF for Children 2019-2020 p.736 BNF for Children 2019-2020 p.768 PubChem / pathway

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Clinical monograph: neomycin

BNF-referenced

Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that is primarily used to treat infections caused by aerobic bacteria. It acts by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, leading to the misreading of mRNA and disrupting protein synthesis. Neomycin is effective against a range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species. It is also utilized in specific clinical situations such as hepatic coma to reduce ammonia-producing bacteria in the colon, thereby improving neurologic symptoms.

Indications

  • Bacterial infections caused by aerobic organisms
  • Topical treatment of skin infections

Mechanism of action

Neomycin binds to specific proteins and 16S rRNA within the 30S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria. This binding interferes with the decoding site, causing misreading of mRNA and leading to the incorporation of incorrect amino acids into polypeptides. As a result, nonfunctional or toxic peptides are produced, and polysomes are disrupted into nonfunctional monosomes. Neomycin's bactericidal action is characterized by its ability to irreversibly bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit, thereby inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.

Pharmacodynamics

Neomycin is primarily active against aerobic bacteria and is not effective against fungi, viruses, or most anaerobic bacteria. It mediates its bactericidal effects by inhibiting protein synthesis, which suppresses bacterial growth and survival. Following oral administration, neomycin exhibits a duration of bactericidal activity lasting between 48 to 72 hours. It is particularly useful in treating infections caused by strains of E. coli and Klebsiella, and it also acts to reduce colonic bacterial populations in patients with hepatic coma.

Pharmacokinetics

Neomycin is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract when taken orally, which limits its systemic availability and enhances its utility in targeting colonic bacteria. It is generally not used parenterally due to its potential for nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. The duration of action following oral administration can last from 48 to 72 hours, and it is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. Caution should be exercised when using neomycin in patients with renal impairment, as the risk of toxicity increases.

Adverse effects

  • Nephrotoxicity
  • Ototoxicity
  • Allergic reactions
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Interactions

  • neomycin+digoxin: Unknown (decreases absorption)
  • neomycin+sorafenib: Unknown (decreases exposure)

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
  • Monitor renal function during therapy
  • Evaluate hearing function in long-term use

Pregnancy

Neomycin is classified as category D; it should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Breast-feeding

Neomycin is excreted in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to nursing mothers.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

  • Topical ointment
  • Cream
  • Eye drops
  • Oral tablets

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Molecular reference: Cefalexin

PubChem CID 27447

Molecular formula: C16H17N3O4S

Mechanism of action

Cephalexin is a first generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Cephalosporins contain a beta lactam and dihydrothiazide. Unlike penicillins, cephalosprins are more resistant to the action of beta lactamase. Cephalexin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading breakdown and eventualy cell death. CEPHALOTHIN & ITS CONGENERS INHIBIT BACTERIAL CELL-WALL SYNTHESIS IN MANNER SIMILAR TO THAT OF PENICILLIN. /CEPHALOSPORINS/ The penicillins and their metabolites are potent immunogens because of their ability to combine with proteins and act as haptens for acute antibody-mediated reactions. The most frequent (about 95 percent) or "major" determinant of penicillin allergy is the penicilloyl determinant produced by opening the beta-lactam ring of the penicillin. This allows linkage of the penicillin to protein at the amide group. "Minor" determinants (less frequent) are the other metabolites formed, including native penicillin and penicilloic acids. /Penicillins/ Bactericidal; action depends on ability to reach and bind penicillin-binding proteins located in bacterial cytoplasmic membranes; cephalosporins inhibit bacterial septum and cell wall synthesis, probably by acylation of membrane-bound transpeptidase enzymes. This prevents cross-linkage of peptidoglycan chains, which is necessary for bacterial cell wall strength and rigidity. Also, cell division and growth are inhibited, and lysis and elongation of susceptible bacteria frequently occur. Rapidly dividing bacteria are those most susceptible to the action of cephalosporins. /Cephalosporins/ CEPHALOSPORIN C IS VERY RESISTANT TO ACTION OF PENICILLINASE, FOR WHICH IT IS BOTH COMPETITIVE & NONCOMPETITIVE INHIBITOR, DEPENDING ON SUBSTRATE TESTED... /CEPHALOSPORINS/

Pharmacodynamics

Cephalexin (also called Cefalexin) is a first generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics, often used for the treatment of superficial infections that result as complications of minor wounds or lacerations. It is effective against most gram-positive bacteria through its inihibition of the cross linking reaction between N-acetyl muramicacid and N-acetylglucosamine in the cell wall, leading to cell lysis.

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.

Molecular reference: neomycin

PubChem CID 8378

Molecular formula: C23H46N6O13

Mechanism of action

Framycetin binds to specific 30S-subunit proteins and 16S rRNA, four nucleotides of 16S rRNA and a single amino acid of protein S12. This interferes with decoding site in the vicinity of nucleotide 1400 in 16S rRNA of 30S subunit. This region interacts with the wobble base in the anticodon of tRNA. This leads to interference with the initiation complex, misreading of mRNA so incorrect amino acids are inserted into the polypeptide leading to nonfunctional or toxic peptides and the breakup of polysomes into nonfunctional monosomes. Like other aminoglycoside antibiotic drugs, neomycin inhibits bacterial ribosomes by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria and disrupting the translational machinery of bacterial protein synthesis. Bacterial translation is normally initiated by the mRNA binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit and subsequent binding with 50S subunit for elongation. Aminoglycosides are usually bactericidal in action. Although the exact mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated, the drugs appear to inhibit protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria by irreversibly binding to 30S ribosomal subunits. /Aminoglycosides/ A class of angiogenesis inhibitor has emerged from our mechanistic study of the action of angiogenin, a potent angiogenic factor. Neomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, inhibits nuclear translocation of human angiogenin in human endothelial cells, an essential step for angiogenin-induced angiogenesis. The phospholipase C-inhibiting activity of neomycin appears to be involved, because U-73122, another phospholipase C inhibitor, has a similar effect. In contrast, genistein, oxophenylarsine, and staurosporine, inhibitors of tyrosine kinase, phosphotyrosine phosphatase, and protein kinase C, respectively, do not inhibit nuclear translocation of angiogenin. Neomycin inhibits angiogenin-induced proliferation of human endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. At 50 microM, neomycin abolishes angiogenin-induced proliferation but does not affect the basal level of proliferation and cell viability. Other aminoglycoside antibiotics, including gentamicin, streptomycin, kanamycin, amikacin, and paromomycin, have no effect on angiogenin-induced cell proliferation. Most importantly, neomycin completely inhibits angiogenin-induced angiogenesis in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane at a dose as low as 20 ng per egg. These results suggest that neomycin and its analogs are a class of agents that may be developed for anti-angiogenin therapy. ... Aminoglycosides are aminocyclitols that kill bacteria by inhibiting protein synthesis as they bind to the 16S rRNA and by disrupting the integrity of bacterial cell membrane. Aminoglycoside resistance mechanisms include: (a) the deactivation of aminoglycosides by N-acetylation, adenylylation or O-phosphorylation, (b) the reduction of the intracellular concentration of aminoglycosides by changes in outer membrane permeability, decreased inner membrane transport, active efflux, and drug trapping, (c) the alteration of the 30S ribosomal subunit target by mutation, and (d) methylation of the aminoglycoside binding site. ... /Aminoglycosides/

Pharmacodynamics

Framycetin is used for the treatment of bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis. Framycetin is an antibiotic. It is not active against fungi, viruses and most kinds of anaerobic bacteria. Framycetin works by binding to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of t-RNA, leaving the bacterium unable to synthesize proteins vital to its growth. Framycetin is useful primarily in infections involving aerobic bacteria bacteria. Neomycin mediates its bactericidal action by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, thereby suppressing the growth and survival of susceptible bacteria. Following oral administration, the duration of bactericidal activity of neomycin ranged from 48 to 72 hours. By decreasing colonic bacteria that produce ammonia, neomycin was shown to be effective as an adjunctive therapy in hepatic coma to improve neurologic symptoms. Neomycin is active against both gram positive and gram negative organisms, including the major _E. coli_ species resident in the colon as well as the enteropathogenic forms of _E. coli_. It is also active against _Klebsiella_-_Enterobacter_ group. Resistant strains of _E. coli_, _Klebsiella_ and _Proteus spp_. may emerge from neomycin therapy. Neomycin has no antifungal activity and has some activity against some protozoa.

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.

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