Keflex is the brand name for which antibiotic?

• A. Cephalexin
• B. Cefazolin
• C. Cefixime
• D. Cefdinir

Answer: (A)

Brand names in antibiotics map to specific drugs. Keflex is the brand name for cephalexin, which is a first-generation cephalosporin taken orally. Cephalexin is particularly effective against common Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (including MSSA) and Streptococcus species, with more limited activity against Gram-negative organisms. It’s commonly used for skin and soft tissue infections and certain uncomplicated infections.

The other options are different cephalosporins with distinct uses: cefazolin is an intravenously given first-generation cephalosporin used often for surgical prophylaxis, while cefixime and cefdinir are later-generation cephalosporins (taken by mouth) with broader Gram-negative coverage and different indications. So Keflex specifically refers to cephalexin.