Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Cephalosporins are a group of antibiotics used to treat infections caused by gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Cephalosporins are most commonly used to treat respiratory, skeletal, urinary, skin and soft tissue infections.

 

How do I give this medication?

"Give this medication for as long as prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears the pet is feeling better."

• Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• If using the liquid form of this medication, shake well before measuring the dose and measure the dose with reasonable care.
• Give this medication for as long as prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears the pet is feeling better. This will help to ensure the infection is all cleared up.
• DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed.
• DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
• Try not to miss giving any doses.

 

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

 

How do I store this medicine?

• Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
• Store capsules and tablets in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
• The liquid medication should preferably be stored in the refrigerator. Keep the liquid medicine from freezing. Discard any unused liquid once outdated.
• Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

 

What are the potential side effects?

• Cephalosporins may cause stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea. If stomach upset occurs, try giving the medication with food. These symptoms may go away during treatment. If these symptoms continue, contact your veterinarian.
• Adverse effects from cephalosporins occur infrequently are usually not serious.
• Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

 

Are there any possible drug interactions?

• Make sure to tell your veterinarian if you are giving your pet any other medication or supplements.
• Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and sometimes a drug interaction may be anticipated. If this occurs, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• The following drugs can potentially interact with cephalosporins: aminoglycosides, penicillin, chloramphenicol, probenecid, and oral anticoagulants.
• Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

Cephalexin (Rx) Antibiotic Capsules for Pets

Trade Names:

An oral cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat many common bacterial infections in dogs and cats (ex. urinary tract, skin and soft tissue, bone and respiratory tract infections). Cephalexin may be given with meals. Cephalexin is available in capsules, tablets or as an oral suspension.

• 1st generation cephalosporin; an antibiotic
• Given by mouth

• Useful broad spectrum antibiotic most often prescribed for common and uncomplicated infections
• Especially useful against Staphylococcal infections (ex. deep skin infections)

• Use with caution in pets with kidney failure or a history of seizures
• Use with caution in pregnant animals
• Pets whom have had previous allergic reactions to penicillin, other cephalosporins or antibiotics

Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. It is usually given two to three times a day.

Missed doses reduce the effectiveness of therapy.

Read and follow the label carefully.

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.

Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs. Call ahead for refills.

For liquids, shake well before accurately measuring the dose.

May be given with food.

Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

Talk to your veterinarian about:

• When will your pet need to be rechecked
• What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
• Risks and benefits of using this drug

Tell your veterinarian about:

• If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
• If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
• If your pet has experienced kidney disease now or ever
• If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
• All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medicines can be given together.
• If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet

Store capsules and powder in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.

Once reconstituted, the oral suspension is stable for two weeks (refrigeration is recommended). Shake well before using.

Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.

Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

Pet owners who are allergic to penicillin and/or other antibiotics should avoid handling this drug.

• This medication is usually well tolerated by dogs and cats and is commonly used for several months
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may be experienced but is alleviated by giving medication with food
• Possible fever in cats. Fever in a cat is a temperature higher than 103°F/39.5°C. Inform your veterinarian and another antibiotic will need to be selected.
• Hyperexcitability, panting and drooling has been reported in the occasional dog
• Potential for skin rashes in some pets
• May increase blood levels if used with probenicid
• If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian

• Cephalosporins are often used together with other antibiotics in order to cover a broad group of bacteria when the infectious agent is unknown.
• These drugs may interact with cephalexin: aminoglycosides (gentamicin, neomycin), amphotericin B, chloramphenicol, oral anticoagulants (blood thinners), penicillin and probenecid.

Unlikely to cause significant problems, but stomach upset is likely.

Contact your veterinarian if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.

Cephalexin normally has a strong sulfurous odor which may smell like cat urine.

As with all prescribed medicines, cephalexin should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.

Notify your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.

This is just a summary of information about cephalexin. If you have any questions or concerns about cephalexin or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian.