Donate

Learn more!

Cephalexin

CPN
63000235

Date Published
3.11.2009

Date Revised
6.19.2020

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

An oral cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat many common bacterial infections in dogs and cats (e.g. urinary tract, skin and soft tissue, bone and respiratory tract infections). Cephalexin is available in capsules, tablets and as an oral suspension/paste. 

 

WHAT IS THIS DRUG?

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

 

REASONS FOR PRESCRIBING:

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

 

WHAT DOGS/CATS SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION?

  • 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
 

Directions

 

  • Read and follow the prescription label carefully. 

 

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

 

  • Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian. Missed doses reduce the effectiveness of therapy. 

 

  • For liquids, shake well before accurately measuring the dose. 

 

  • Baseline blood work may be recommended to assess your pet’s general health before starting this medication. Periodic blood work may be recommended to monitor this medication’s effects on the body. Dose adjustments may be made based upon these results and an assessment of how your dog or cat is responding clinically. 

 

  • Discuss with your veterinarian if this medication is to be given with food. If your pet experiences digestive upset following medication administration, try offering with a small amount of food or a treat. 

 

  • This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 days. You should see improvements in your pet’s clinical signs. 

 

  • Call ahead for refills. 

 

  • Ideally, give this medication at the same time(s) daily. 

 

What if a dose is missed?

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 to 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 may be used for several weeks
  • This medication can affect the gastrointestinal system causing inappetence, vomiting, diarrhea and possible lethargy
  • Prolonged and high doses can affect the central nervous system, circulating blood cells and the kidneys
  • 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 and itchiness (pruritis) in some pets
  • Allergic reactions are rare, but if your pet shows irregular breathing, rash, fever, hives, scratching, puffiness or facial swelling or anything else unusual, stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately
  • This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects may last longer in pets with liver or kidney disease

 

  • Cephalosporins are often used together with other antibiotics in order to cover a broad group of bacteria when the infectious agent is unknown
  • Yes, but possible interactions may occur when giving Cephalexin in conjunction with aminoglycosides (gentamicin, neomycin), amphotericin B, chloramphenicol, cholestyramine, estrogens, furosemide, metformin, metoclopramide, proton-pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole), probenecid, warfarin and zinc
  • Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Cephalexin
  • Do not give new food or medications without first talking to your veterinarian
  • If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian

 

Unlikely to cause significant problems, but stomach upset is likely. Contact your veterinarian if your 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 for which it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.

 

All trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners.

 

THIS SERVICE AND INCLUDED DATA ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY. Without limiting the foregoing, the service and data are based on third party data, and DVMetrics & Services is not responsible or liable for such third-party data. Each user assumes full risk, responsibility, and liability related to use of the service and data. The service and data are further subject to the Terms of Use. © 2023 DVMetrics & Services LLC

Back to Resource Library
Scroll to Top