Cefalexin for kidney infection - how long does it take to kick in

[CreatingHavoc]

Just that really. Went to urgent care last night with fever, back and stomach pain, nausea. Felt absolutely awful. Been given Cefalexin for kidney infection, only blood showing in urine. I did have a uti 2 weeks ago though. Only had 1 dose thus far before bed last night and about to take the second. I've never had a kidney infection before so any advice on recovery and how long to give antibiotics to work would be great. I've got 7 days worth.

36 hours for me. Cephlaxin is the antibiotic I generally take for UTIs as I’m allergic to trimethoprim and another common antibiotic used.

You need to rest. Keep an eye on everything, temperature and heart rate as well as symptoms. I’ve had sepsis from UTIs three times as an adult.

Are they growing a culture to make sure you’re on the right medication?

I find it useful to make a note of everything I take on my phone, times, pills, painkillers etc., but that’s probably just because of my experiences. I’ve suffered with recurring UTIs that progress to kidney infections for 40 years.

I’ve currently got a UTI! First one of 2024!

I would give it 48 hours - if no better go back to doctor.

@MsXmasGGMasterTwat oh gosh that's rough! Yeah I'm worried about sepsis as I really felt unbelievably bad last night. I still feel awful tbh but maybe marginally less bad. Still feverish and in pain. Body aches etc. Taking second dose shortly.

Oh not sure on culture as it was just urgent care. I'll get gp to do one.

Not sure about a culture now you’re actually on antibiotics @CreatingHavoc , but I’m no expert, just a very seasoned sufferer!

I took a low dose of Cephlaxin for almost two years under the care of a urologist in my 20s, I remember him telling me how expensive it was compared to the two antibiotics I couldn’t take.

Also, good to hear -marginally less bad- sounds like a smidge of an improvement 👍🏻.

@MsXmasGGMasterTwat how do you deal with the side effects of cefalexin? Diarrhoea and what not. I'm also terrified of cdiff :/ my anxiety is going to be high for a while!

I don’t get any side effects, have you got side effects or do you mean what’s written on the info leaflet?

I make a point of not googling/reading too much tbh and would generally only read the info if something felt odd/not right.

Sorry to hear you’re anxious.

@MsXmasGGMasterTwat i often get diarrhoea with antibiotics. Just loose atm. I'll contact gp if it gets bad.

I'd give it 48 hours (if symptoms/temp etc stay the same/only marginal improvement - obvs 111/GP for advice if deteriorating, 999/A&E if severe deterioration).

When I was on it last year GP recommended live yoghurt/probiotics/Yakult sort of thing, plus I had nausea/vomiting so she gave me cyclazine (?sp). Plenty of fluids. If you don't have rehydration salts/electrolytes then teaspoon of sugar, pinch of salt and squeeze of lemon juice in a pint of water will do.

It's the pits. Hope you feel better soon