Cephalexin is an antibiotic belonging to a class of drugs called cephalosporins that fight bacteria in the body. Cephalexin can be used to treat infections such as bronchitis as well as ear, skin, and urinary tract infections. Cephalexin may also be used for purposes other than those listed.
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Cephalexin for Dogs & Cats - 500mg (per capsule) (Manufacturer may vary) - [Antibiotic]
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- Description
- Ingredients
- Directions
- FAQ
- Reviews
Description
Cephalexin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic available as capsules or suspension used to treat bacterial infections. Cephalexin is an antibiotic belonging to a class of drugs called cephalosporins that fight bacteria in the body. It can be used to treat infections such as bronchitis, as well as ear, skin, and urinary tract infections. Cephalexin may also be used for purposes other than those listed. Cephalexin requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
Key Benefits
- Effectively treats bacterial skin infections
- Also treats infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, bones, and joints
- Can prevent secondary infections
- Sold affordably by individual capsules
How it works
Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic. Cephalosporin antibiotics suppress the growth of micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or protozoa.
Indications:
Cephalexin is a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. It is acid stable and may be given without regard to meals and it is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. It is used to treat infections of the skin, urinary tract, respiratory tract and infections in bones and joints caused by susceptible bacteria.
Generic Cephalexin are approved for treatment of susceptible organisms causing the following infections:
- Otitis media due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
- Skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and/or Streptococcus pyogenes
- Bone infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and/or Proteus mirabilis
- Genitourinary tract infections, including acute prostatitis, caused by E.coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumonia
Note: Methicillin-resistant staphylococci and most strains of enterococci (Enterococcus faecalis [formerly Streptococcus faecalis]) are resistant to cephalosporins, including cephalexin. It is not active against most strains of Enterobacter spp., Morganella morganii, and Proteus vulgaris. It has no activity against Pseudomonas spp.or Acinetobacter calcoaceticus. Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumonia is usually cross-resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics.
Ingredients
| Cephalexin 250 mg | |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Amount |
| Cephalexin Monohydrate | 250 mg |
| Cephalexin 500 mg | |
| Active Ingredient | Amount |
| Cephalexin Monohydrate | 500 mg |
| Cephalexin Liquid | |
| Active Ingredient | Amount |
| Cephalexin USP | 250 mg/ 5 ml |
| Other Ingredients: Colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C Red No. 40, Sodium benzoate, Strawberry flavor, Sucrose, Xanthan Gum. | |
Directions
- Cephalexin is a broad spectrum prescription antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the respiratory tract (such as bronchitis), skin, urinary tract, bones and joints.
- Cephalexin is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for dogs and cats.
- Cephalexin may be given on an empty stomach or with food to prevent stomach upset.
- Give all of the Cephalexin that was prescribed for your pet. Symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- When mixed with 71 ml of water, each teaspoonful (5 ml) contains 250 mg of cephalexin. After mixing, store in the refrigerator and shake well before using. Discard any unused medication after 14 days.
Tip: Cephalexin Suspension contains sucrose, which may affect the treatment of diabetic pets.
| Cephalexin Dosage for Cats | |
|---|---|
| Weight | Dosage |
| All weights | Give 5-15 mg/lb of pet's body weight every 8-12 hours |
| Cephalexin Dosage for Dogs | |
| Weight | Dosage |
| All weights | Give 5-15 mg/lb of pet's body weight every 8-12 hours |
Storage:
Store capsules at room temperature away from moisture or heat. Store the suspension (liquid) in the refrigerator.
Cautions:
In the event of an allergic reaction - such as shortness of breath, rash, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, mucous or blood in the stool, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, and unusual bleeding or bruising - contact your veterinarian immediately.
Warnings:
Toxicology: Safe to use in dogs and cats with few side effects.
Side Effects:
Some animals may experience upset stomach, diarrhea and vomiting. Dogs may also experience excessive salivation, panting or excitability. Cats may also experience a fever greater than 103°F.
Precautions:
Safety for use in pregnant female dogs and cats or in breeding males has not been determined. Also use with caution in animals with kidney disease. Always give the full dosage as prescribed by your veterinarian.
Not for use in animals that are raised for food production.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
FAQ
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has ever had an allergic reaction to another penicillin or to a cephalosporin. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney disease, or a stomach or intestinal disease. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating. Cephalexin liquid suspension contains sucrose which may affect the treatment of diabetic pets.
Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Cephalexin can be given with or without food. Give all of the cephalexin even if your pet appears to be better. Symptoms may improve before the infection is completely treated. Store capsules at room temperature away from moisture or heat. Store the liquid suspension in the refrigerator. Discard any unused liquid suspension after 14 days.
Stop giving cephalexin and seek emergency veterinary medical care in the event of an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; rash; or fainting), severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, mucus or blood in the stool, or unusual bleeding or bruising. Other less serious side effects such as mild nausea, diarrhea, or yeast infection may be more likely to occur. Continue to give cephalexin and notify your veterinarian if these symptoms occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember, then try to evenly space the rest of the doses for that day until you can return to a normal schedule. Do not give a double dose unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
An overdose of Cephalexin may result in vomiting and/or diarrhea. If you suspect your pet has experienced an overdose, consult your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic.
There are no restrictions on food or activity during treatment with cephalexin unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
Before giving cephalexin, tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given another antibiotic (for the same or a different infection), probenecid, or a loop diuretic such as furosemide or warfarin. You may not be able to give cephalexin or you may need to have the dosage adjusted. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with cephalexin. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
