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Cephalexin in Vet Medicine - Facts and Information

Cephalexin

Updated on September 10, 2024

First generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a variety of susceptible bacterial infections.

Cephalexin

Summary

Used For:

Susceptible infections of the skin and urinary tract

Brands:

Keflex®

Species:

Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits (use with caution), small mammals (use with caution), ferrets, birds and reptiles

Other names:

Keflex®, Rilexine®

Drug type:

Antibiotic

Prescription required:

Yes

Pregnancy and lactation:

Safety in pregnancy and lactation has not been evaluated

Side effects:

Gastrointestinal upset
 

General description

Cephalexin is a first generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat susceptible infections. It provides excellent coverage against most gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria. [Buy Cephalexin now on Petco.](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/brand/cephalexin) A prescription from your veterinarian may be needed to purchase.

Uses

Labeled for use in dogs to treat superficial bacterial skin infections, but used extra-label to treat susceptible urinary tract infections and other infections.

How it works

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic that damages the protein production in the cell wall of bacteria, causing ultimate death of the infectious bacteria. Cephalexin is effective against most gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria, but is generally ineffective against most gram-negative bacteria.

Dosage

Dosing is only labeled with Rilexine® for treatment of skin infections in dogs. All other prescribed uses are considered extra-label (non FDA-approved). **Dogs:** Labeled dose: 22 milligrams per kilogram by mouth every 12 hours for 28 days. Extra-label dose: 22-40 milligrams per kilogram by mouth every 12-24 hours **Cats:** 22-30 milligrams per kilogram by mouth every 12 hours **Rabbits:** 15 milligrams per kilogram subcutaneously every 12 hours. Oral administration is not recommended **Guinea pigs:** 50 milligrams per kilogram intramuscularly every 24 hours **Ferrets:** 15-25 milligrams per kilogram by mouth every 8-12 hours **Reptiles:** 20-40 milligrams per kilogram by mouth every 12 to 24 hours **Birds:** 35-100 milligrams per kilogram by mouth every 6-8hours (using liquid suspension) **Foals:** 30 milligrams per kilogram by mouth every 12 hours.

Forms

Rilexine® chewable tablets for oral use available in 75 milligrams, 150 milligrams, 300 milligrams & 600 milligrams; generic oral capsules available in 250 milligrams, 333 milligrams, 500 milligrams & 750 milligrams; generic oral tablets available in 250 milligrams & 500 milligrams; powder for oral suspension available in 125 milligrams per 5 milliliters & 250 milligrams per 5 milliliters

Storage information & handling

Tablets and capsules: Keep dry and store at room temperature in a tightly sealed container; Liquid suspensions: Shelf stable for up to 2 weeks after reconstitution. Store in a tightly sealed container at room temperature.

What results can I expect?

With proper administration, resolution of clinical infection should result. Give entire the prescribed dose and do not stop the medication early, even if clinical signs seem to have resolved.

Missed Dosage

If a dose is missed, continue with the next dosage at the scheduled time.

Overdose / acute toxicity

Overdoses can lead to gastrointestinal effects (anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea) and typically do not require treatment.

Side effects

* Gastrointestinal upset (decreased or absent appetite, vomiting, diarrhea) * Hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis, lymph node enlargement, fever, rashes)-rare * Serious skin reactions (toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, cutaneous vasculitis) - rare * Nephrotoxicity - rare * Severe enterocolitis is possible in rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and other small rodents

Contraindications

* Use with caution in patients with renal disease * Contraindicated in patients allergic to cephalosporins * Use with caution in patients hypersensitive to other beta-lactam antibiotics (such as penicillins)

Drug interactions

The uric acid-reducing drug, Probenecid, increases the serum level and serum half-lives of cephalexin.

Precaution

May cause severe enterocolitis in small mammals. Safety has not been evaluated in pregnant and lactating animals.

Sources

Related Questions

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My dog I heated uses tampon is it an emergency

Unfortunately I'm having a little trouble understand your question as I'm not sure what you mean by "My dog I heated uses tampons..." I'm wondering if Bella ate a tampon or if you wanted to use one on her while she is in heat. I will answer both to be safe. If she ate a tampon, then yes this is a medical emergency and she has to see a vet now. Tampons can easily cause obstructions in the GI tract, especially since they are absorbent and can get large in the stomach from liquid in there. if Bella ate a tampon, you need to take her into a vet immediately to get it removed. If she is on heat, no you cannot use a tampon to control her bleeding. It's not safe to use at all, and are not meant for dogs. You can put a diaper on her to catch any bloody discharge. There are dog specific diapers online and at pets stores, or you can use one made of a human child. Just cut a hole in it for her tail. Hopefully this answers your question. If it doesn't, I'm sorry and ask you post again in the forum for free to it can get answered!

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I'm glad to see that Pippin has been neutered because this eliminates that possibility of hormone-fueled behavioral changes and aggression. Behavioral changes in cats can occur at any point in time, and could be related to anxiety or stressful situations (even rearranging furniture or introducing new people to the home can be stressful to cats). Without a lot more information and observing Pippin's behaviors, I can't precisely tell you why these changes are occurring. It may be best to consult a veterinary behaviorist in your home so that they can observe everything firsthand. You can also try using calming pheromone collars or diffusers (Feliway is one example), and discussing the use of anxiety medication with Pippin's vet. I hope that all goes well!

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Cats can develop what's called diabetic neuropathy, where their hindlegs become progressively weak. The best thing to do is try to get his diabetes under control as quickly as possible. Here is a link describing the conditon: http://www.diabeticcatcare.com/DCCCOK/Neuropathy.htm

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.