Cephalosporins
(Cefadroxil, Cephalexin, Cefazolin, Cefpodoxime proxetil)

Common Drug Name: Cephalosporin

Common Brand Names: Cefadroxil: Cefa-Drops, Cefa-Tabs Cephalexin: Keflex Cefazolin: Ancef and Kefzol Cefaclor: Ceclor Ceftiofur: Naxcel Cefpodoxime proxetil: Simplicef Generic products are available.

Storage: Refrigerate gummie chews. Once the oral suspension is reconstituted (the powder is mixed with water), store in the refrigerator and use within 14 days. Shake well before use. Store other forms at room temperature in a tight, light resistant, childproof container. Some cephalosporins have a strong sulfur odor.

Uses: Cephalosporins are a group of related antibiotics used in a wide variety of species for a wide range of infections, most commonly of the skin, urinary tract, bones, and respiratory tract. Often used to treat an infection while waiting for culture results.

Dose and Administration: Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Use all of the medication prescribed. If your pet does not receive the entire course of treatment, the infection may recur or worsen. May decrease some side effects if given with a small amount of food. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once. This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

Possible Side Effects: Side effects are rare. May see lack of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea. Dogs: May also see drooling, rapid breathing, rashes, and excitability. Cats: May see vomiting, rashes, or fever (temperature greater than 103°F). If you observe any of the above signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian. If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Precautions: Do not use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to them. Do not use in animals hypersensitive to penicillins, as they may react to both. Although no fetal abnormalities from cephalosporin use have been documented, do not use in pregnant or lactating animals (female animals nursing their young) if possible, as cephalosporins cross to the fetuses and pass in the milk. Use with caution in animals with seizures, epilepsy, or kidney disease. Consult with your veterinarian regarding the physical examinations and laboratory testing necessary prior to and during treatment with cephalosporins.

Human Precautions: People with hypersensitivities (allergies) to cephalosporins or penicillins should not handle any of the cephalosporins, since allergic reactions could occur just from contact.

 Drug, Food, and Test Interactions: Consult your veterinarian before using cephalosporins with vitamins, supplements, aminoglycosides (gentamicin, neomycin) or amphotericin B, anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as heparin or warfarin), and probenicid, since interactions may occur. May increase blood levels if used with probenicid. Some cephalosporins may affect some tests for urine glucose. May cause a false-positive test result with some brands of urine test strips dipsticks used to check urine glucose.

Signs of Toxicity/Overdose: May see vomiting or diarrhea. With high doses or long-term use, may see liver disease, which may cause jaundice (yellowing of the gums, skin, or eyes); kidney damage, usually with increased drinking and urination; blood disorders, which may cause decreased white blood cells and platelets, causing an increased tendency to bruise or bleed; and damage to the nervous system. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets. 

** This information may not cover all possible uses, directions, side effects, precautions, allergic reactions, drug interactions, or withdrawal times.  Always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet.

If you have questions about this medication, please call our Pharmacy at (877) 815-6337 for a consultation