Cephalexin's Primary Mechanism of Action

Cephalexin's Primary Mechanism of Action 
Understanding medications' pharmacological and non-pharmacological effects are essential for every healthcare professional. It allows him to understand better how to use these medications in daily practice. Accordingly, this discussion will focus on the drug Cephalexin (Keflex), which is commonly used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). The following sections would include the (1) presence of any ethnic, cultural, or genetic differences in using the drug, (2) its mechanism of action, and other (3) possible side effects and drug interactions. 
Mechanism of Action
           Cephalexin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is a commonly used medication for various bacterial infections. It is usually administered orally and helps prevent the further spread of an existing bacterial infection. It belongs to the antibiotic class, more commonly known as cephalosporins, which is mainly used for treating infections brought about by gram-positive bacteria (Shalaan et al., 2022). 
            Cephalexin's primary mechanism of action by inhibiting the bacteria's wall synthesis. This is achieved with the drug preventing the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer within the bacteria's cell wall, making it capable of being broken down by the body's own immune response (Ashoor, Mohaisen, & Al-Shemary, 2020). Additionally, the drug is primarily absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract. It then binds to serum proteins for about 10 % to 15%, which helps in the inhibition of wall synthesis (Goyal et al., 2017). 
Differences in Effects
           While no studies have proven any differences in ethnic usage, previous studies have shown variations in use between different ethnicities for antibiotics in general. According to Goyal et al. (2017), racial and ethnic differences in antibiotics (including cephalosporins) are present between races, with non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics having less tendency to receive it. However, as the authors have suggested, these differences may be due to external factors like provider expectations, implicit provider bias, and parental expectations, to n...