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ATC codes: J01DB01
EMLc
Indication
Acute pharyngitis ICD11 code: CA02
INN
Cefalexin
Medicine type
Chemical agent
Antibiotic groups
List type
Core (EML)
(EMLc)
Formulations
Oral > Liquid: 125 mg per 5 mL (anhydrous) powder for oral liquid ; 250 mg per 5 mL (anhydrous) powder for oral liquid
Oral > Solid: 250 mg (as monohydrate) ; 500 mg (as monohydrate) (EML)
Oral > Solid > dispersible tablet: 125 mg (EMLc) ; 250 mg (EMLc)
EML status history
First added in 2017 (TRS 1006)
Changed in 2021 (TRS 1035)
Changed in 2023 (TRS 1049)
Sex
All
Age
Also recommended for children
Therapeutic alternatives
The recommendation is for this specific medicine
Patent information
Patents have expired in most jurisdictions
Expert Committee recommendation
In consideration of the review of the age appropriateness of formulations of medicines on the EMLc, and the comparison report of the EML versus EMLc, the Expert Committee recommended changes to the EMLc for addition of new, age-appropriate formulations and strengths of existing essential medicines, deletion of unavailable or age-inappropriate formulations and strengths, and other listing modifications as proposed in the application. The Committee also endorsed the proposals for further review of the public health relevance and evidence for specific medicines for use in children for potential future consideration for inclusion on the EMLc. The Committee noted and welcomed the ongoing review being coordinated by the Secretariat for the remaining sections of the EMLc for consideration by the 2025 Expert Committee. As a result of the review of the age-appropriateness of formulations on the EMLc, the Expert Committee recommended: - the addition of new formulations of amoxicillin (dispersible, scored tablet, 250 mg and 500 mg) to the EMLc. - the addition of new formulations of cefalexin (dispersible tablet 125 mg and 250 mg) to the EMLc. - the addition of a new strength formulation of clarithromycin (solid oral dosage form 250 mg) to the EMLc. - the deletion of clarithromycin 500 mg solid oral dosage form from the EMLc.
EML recommendations: Acute pharyngitis
First choice
Second choice
Watchful waiting, symptom relief and no antibiotic treatment should be considered as the first-line treatment option.
First choice
Second choice