Is Keflex suspension safe to use if not refrigerated?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Is Keflex suspension safe to use if not refrigerated?
Keflex suspension can be used if left out of the refrigerator for 24 hours. However, longer than 24 hours at room temperature can affect the stability of the suspension and may accelerate the degradation process (1,2).
Keflex suspension is supposed to be refrigerated because the medication requires low temperatures, as higher temperatures will damage the ingredients present in it (1,2).
If you accidentally left the bottle out at room temperature, put it back into the fridge as soon as possible. As I just stated, it’s okay to use it if it has been out for less than 24 hours.
Why refrigeration of Keflex suspension is important?
Refrigeration of Keflex suspension is essential because it helps to keep the medication safe and effective. Keflex suspension is a liquid form of the antibiotic Cephalexin, and like many liquid medications, it can be sensitive to temperature changes (1,2).
When you refrigerate the medication, it helps to maintain its stability and potency, ensuring that it works properly to treat bacterial infections.
To make sure that Keflex suspension stays effective, it’s important to store it properly in the refrigerator according to the instructions provided by your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Risks of using unrefrigerated Keflex suspension
Using unrefrigerated Keflex suspension can pose certain risks to your health. When not stored properly, the medication may lose its potency, which means it may not work as effectively in treating bacterial infections (3).
Taking an ineffective or less potent medication could lead to the infection not being fully treated, potentially causing the bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotic (3). This can make it more challenging to treat the infection in the future.
Moreover, using an unrefrigerated Keflex suspension may also lead to unexpected side effects or adverse reactions, as the composition of the medication may change when exposed to higher temperatures.
How to properly store Keflex suspension?
To properly store Keflex suspension, follow these simple steps (1,2):
- Refrigerate: Keflex suspension should be stored in the refrigerator. Find a safe spot away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture. Keep it at a constant temperature to maintain its effectiveness.
- Keep it sealed: Make sure the bottle is tightly closed when not in use. This helps prevent air and contaminants from getting in, which could affect the medication’s quality.
- Follow expiration date: Check the expiration date on the label. Don’t use the medication past that date, as it may lose its potency and may not work effectively.
- Shake before use: Before giving or taking the dose, give the bottle a gentle shake. This helps ensure the proper distribution of the medication in the suspension.
- Store out of reach: Keep the medication out of the reach of children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion.
By following these storage guidelines, you can help ensure that your Keflex suspension remains safe, potent, and ready to effectively treat your bacterial infection. If you have any questions about storage or usage, don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
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References
1.-
CEPHALEXIN FOR ORAL SUSPENSION USP, 125 mg/5 mL and 250 mg/5 mL Rx only. Product information. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=4e334e50-19c4-449b-b77f-549a461c7f84&type=display
2.-
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Keflex. Cephalexin USP [Internet]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2004/50405slr094_keflex_lbl.pdf
3.-
Herman TF, Hashmi MF. Cephalexin. 2022 Aug 18. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31747187. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549780
