Cephalexin: here's the fair price
This is what US pharmacies pay, on average, for cephalexin. Use it to spot a fair cash price, and feel good about asking for one.
Cephalexin 250 Mg Capsule
A fair cash price is usually this cost plus a dispensing fee. If your quote is many times higher, ask about a generic, another pharmacy, or a cash discount.
Ask for generic Cephalexin 250 Mg Capsule. Pharmacies pay about $2.70 for 30. Ask your pharmacy for its cash price and compare it with your copay. A fair cash price is close to this cost plus a dispensing fee.
Source: CMS NADAC as of 2026-11-04. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic is right for you.
Source: CMS NADAC weekly file as of 2026-11-04. Median across NDCs with the same description. Public domain.
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Every strength and form
| Product | Pharmacy cost | 30 count | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEPHALEXIN 250 MG/5 ML SUSPGeneric | $0.06 per mL | n/a | 10/21/2026 |
| CEPHALEXIN 125 MG/5 ML SUSPGeneric | $0.06 per mL | n/a | 10/21/2026 |
| CEPHALEXIN 250 MG CAPSULEGeneric | $0.09 per tablet or capsule | $2.70 | 10/21/2026 |
| CEPHALEXIN 500 MG CAPSULEGeneric | $0.12 per tablet or capsule | $3.50 | 10/21/2026 |
| CEPHALEXIN 250 MG TABLETGeneric | $0.72 per tablet or capsule | $21.50 | 10/21/2026 |
| CEPHALEXIN 500 MG TABLETGeneric | $1.31 per tablet or capsule | $39.30 | 10/21/2026 |
| CEPHALEXIN 750 MG CAPSULEGeneric | $5.27 per tablet or capsule | $158.20 | 10/21/2026 |
Source: CMS NADAC, as of 2026-11-04. National average acquisition cost, not a retail quote.
Label basics
What it is used for (FDA label)
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cephalexin capsules are a cephalosporin antibacterial drug indicated for the treatment of the following infections caused by susceptible isolates of designated bacteria: Respiratory tract infection ( 1.1 ) Otitis media ( 1.2 ) Skin and skin structure infections ( 1.3 ) Bone infections ( 1.4 ) Genitourinary tract infections ( 1.5 ) To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of cephalexin capsules and other antibacterial drugs, cephalexin capsules should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. ( 1.6 ) 1.1 Respiratory Tract Infections Cephalexin capsules are indicated for...
Common side effects (FDA label)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious events are described in greater detail in the Warning and Precautions section: Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warning and Precautions (5.1) ] Clostridium difficile -associated diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Direct Coombs’ Test Seroconversion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Seizure Potential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Effect on Prothrombin Activity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] The most common adverse reactions associated with...
Drug interactions (from the label)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Metformin: increased metformin concentrations. Monitor for hypoglycemia. ( 7.1 ) Probenecid-The renal excretion of cephalexin is inhibited by probenecid. Co-administration of probenecid with cephalexin is not recommended. ( 7.2 ) Administration of cephalexin may result in a false-positive reaction glucose in the urine. ( 7.3 ) 7.1 Metformin Administration of cephalexin with metformin results in increased plasma metformin concentrations and decreased renal clearance of metformin. Careful patient monitoring and dose adjustment of metformin is recommended in patients concomitantly taking cephalexin and metformin [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.2 Probenecid The renal...
Warnings (from the label)
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Serious hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions : Prior to use, inquire regarding history of hypersensitivity to beta-lactam antibacterial drugs. Discontinue the drug if signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction occur and institute supportive measures. ( 5.1 ) Clostridium difficile -associated diarrhea (CDAD ): Evaluate if diarrhea occurs. ( 5.2 ) Direct Coombs’ Test Seroconversion : If anemia develops during or after cephalexin therapy, evaluate for drug-induced hemolytic anemia. ( 5.3 ) Seizure Potential : Use lower dose in patients with renal impairment. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Allergic reactions in the form of rash, urticaria, angioedema,...
Source: FDA drug label via openFDA, label effective 2025-02-11. Full label on DailyMed. Excerpts are verbatim and truncated. Read the full label and ask your pharmacist.