Description

Cephalexin is a first-generation antibiotic of the cephalosporin class which demonstrates antimicrobial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, albeit with generally greater efficacy against Gram-positive organisms. Cephalexin binds to penicillin binding proteins on bacterial cells walls, thus inhibiting peptidoglycan linking and weakening the cell wall.

Applications

Cephalexin is used in clinical medicine as a treatment for skin, ear, respiratory, urinary tract and bone infections. Recent research into cephalexin has focused on the potential uses of this and other cephalosporin antibiotics as radiosensitizers in cancer treatment. When administered in conjunction with radiation treatment, cephalosporins have been shown to slow tumor growth and increase the level of DNA damage achieved by ionizing radiation. Researchers believe that reactive oxygen species associated with cephalosporins may be responsible for this effect.