Medicine Supply Notification: Cefalexin 125mg/5ml and 250mg/5ml oral suspension
Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Cefalexin 125mg/5ml and 250mg/5ml oral suspension
MSN/2024/041
Tier 2 – medium impact
Date of issue: 10th April 2024
- Cefalexin 125mg/5ml oral suspension is out of stock from mid-April until early-July 2024.
- Cefalexin 250mg/5ml oral suspension is out of stock from late-April until early-July 2024. Cefalexin 250mg tablets are out of stock until early-May 2024.
- Cefalexin 250mg tablets are out of stock until early-May 2024.
- Cefalexin 250mg and 500mg capsules remain available and can support an increase in demand.
- Cefalexin 500mg tablets remain available and can support an increase in demand.
- Cefaclor (Distaclor®) 125mg/5ml and 250mg/5ml oral suspensions remain available but can only support a partial uplift in demand.
- Cefuroxime (Zinnat®) 125mg/5ml oral suspension remains available and can support an increase in demand.
- Alternative liquid formulations of antibiotics remain available.
A copy of this medicine supply notification, including further information, has been sent to all pharmacy NHS email addresses.
DHSC and NHSE/I have now launched an online Medicines Supply Tool, which provides up to date information about medicine supply issues. The contents of these MSNs can now be viewed on the Tool.
The Tool also details any changes to resupply dates and updates to the entries.
To access the Tool you will need an NHS email address. Once set up and logged in, you will be able to access it online.
New shortages not listed on the SPS website, can be reported using our shortage reporting tool.
