What is TEVA 3147 used for? A Comprehensive Guide to Cephalexin

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that Cephalexin, the active ingredient in TEVA 3147, is a widely prescribed first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat numerous bacterial infections? This guide details what is TEVA 3147 used for, its mechanism of action, typical dosage, and important safety considerations for patients.

Quick Summary

An orange capsule imprinted with TEVA 3147 is Cephalexin 500 mg, a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections affecting the skin, respiratory tract, urinary tract, and bones.

Key Points

TEVA 3147 is Cephalexin 500mg: An orange capsule imprinted with TEVA 3147 contains 500mg of Cephalexin Monohydrate.
Treats various bacterial infections: It is used for bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, skin, ears, bones, and genitourinary tract.
Antibiotic class: Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Not for viruses: This antibiotic does not treat viral infections like the common cold or flu.
Finish the prescription: Complete the full course to treat the infection effectively and prevent resistance.
Common side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain are common.
Penicillin allergy: Patients with a history of penicillin allergy should inform their doctor.

What is TEVA 3147? Identifying the Medication

The orange, capsule-shaped pill imprinted with TEVA 3147 contains 500 milligrams of Cephalexin Monohydrate and is a generic, non-controlled substance produced by Teva Pharmaceuticals. This imprint helps in identifying the drug and its dosage.

The Mechanism of Cephalexin

Cephalexin is a bactericidal beta-lactam antibiotic belonging to the cephalosporin class. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a crucial component of bacterial cell walls. This interference leads to cell rupture and death, making it effective against susceptible bacteria but not viruses.

What is TEVA 3147 Used for? Common Medical Applications

TEVA 3147 (Cephalexin) is an antibiotic prescribed for various bacterial infections. It is used for respiratory tract infections like tonsillitis, skin and soft tissue infections, genitourinary tract infections, otitis media, and bone infections. It may also be used to prevent bacterial endocarditis in certain patients undergoing medical procedures. For detailed information on specific uses, consult resources like the National Library of Medicine {Link: DailyMed https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=6ce11859-aa21-4b3f-bd59-3cd26deca82b}.

Dosage and Important Instructions

Cephalexin is typically taken orally every 6 or 12 hours for 7 to 14 days, depending on the infection. To ensure effectiveness and prevent antibiotic resistance, it is crucial to complete the entire prescription, take doses consistently, and store the capsules properly at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Taking the medication with food can help if it causes stomach upset.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Cephalexin can cause side effects, most commonly diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, and headache. More serious side effects, such as severe diarrhea indicative of Clostridium difficile infection, allergic reactions (rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing), severe skin reactions, or signs of kidney or liver problems, require immediate medical attention.

Comparing Cephalexin with Other Common Antibiotics

Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. Compared to Amoxicillin (a penicillin derivative with a similar mechanism) and Doxycycline (a tetracycline that inhibits protein synthesis), Cephalexin has a dosing frequency of 2-4 times daily and is used for a range of infections including skin, UTI, and respiratory issues. While cross-sensitivity with penicillins is possible with Cephalexin, Doxycycline is generally safe for those with penicillin allergies. Special considerations include potential seizures with Cephalexin in patients with renal impairment, possible liver problems with Amoxicillin, and avoiding dairy, antacids, and iron with Doxycycline.


Feature	TEVA 3147 (Cephalexin)	Amoxicillin	Doxycycline
Drug Class	First-Generation Cephalosporin	Penicillin Derivative	Tetracycline Antibiotic
Common Uses	Skin, UTI, Respiratory, Bone, Ear infections	Respiratory, Ear, Sinus, Skin, UTI, Dental infections	Broad range, including acne, pneumonia, Lyme disease
Dosing Frequency	2-4 times daily	2-3 times daily	1-2 times daily
Mechanism	Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis	Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis	Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis
Allergy Risk	Cross-sensitivity with penicillins possible	Contraindicated if penicillin-allergic	Generally safe with penicillin allergies
Special Considerations	Potential for seizures with renal impairment	May cause liver problems in some patients	Avoids dairy, antacids, and iron supplements

Conclusion

In conclusion, TEVA 3147 is Cephalexin 500 mg, a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections by disrupting bacterial cell wall formation. It is prescribed for conditions affecting the skin, urinary tract, respiratory system, and more. Always complete the full course as directed by your doctor to ensure effective treatment and prevent antibiotic resistance. Consult a healthcare professional for any questions or side effects. For detailed prescribing information, refer to resources like the National Library of Medicine {Link: DailyMed https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=6ce11859-aa21-4b3f-bd59-3cd26deca82b}.

Frequently Asked Questions

TEVA 3147, which is Cephalexin, is considered a broad-spectrum antibiotic and is effective for treating a wide variety of bacterial infections. The strength depends on the specific bacteria it's targeting, but it is a potent and commonly prescribed medication for many infections.

You should inform your doctor if you have a penicillin allergy before taking Cephalexin. Some people who are allergic to penicillin can also have a cross-allergic reaction to cephalosporin antibiotics, including Cephalexin.

You may start to feel better within the first few days of treatment with Cephalexin. However, it is essential to complete the full prescribed course of medication to ensure the infection is fully treated and to prevent antibiotic resistance.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

There is no significant difference, as Keflex is simply the brand name for the generic drug Cephalexin. The TEVA 3147 capsule is a generic version of Cephalexin, containing the same active ingredient and dosage.

Yes, diarrhea is a common side effect of Cephalexin, as it can alter the natural flora of the gut. In some cases, it can cause a more severe condition called Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

Cephalexin is an antibiotic and is not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, or COVID-19. It should only be used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria.