Cephalexin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic available as capsules or suspension used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, urinary tract, respiratory tract, bones, and joints. Cephalexin requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
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.
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.
Brand Name Keflex (Advancis)
Generic Name Cephalexin
What is the most important information I should know about Cephalexin: Cephalexin is a prescription medication available as 250mg and 500mg capsules. Cephalexin is also available as a suspension. When mixed with 66 ml of water, each teaspoonful (5 ml) contains 250mg of cephalexin. Cephalexin is not FDA-approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs and cats. The usual dose of cephalexin in dogs and cats is 10-15mg/pound every 8-12 hours. Cephalexin may 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.
What is Cephalexin: 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.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Cephalexin to my pet: 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.
How should this medication be given: 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.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: 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.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, seizures, numbness and tingling in the legs, and muscle spasms.
What should I avoid while giving Cephalexin to my pet: There are no restrictions on food or activity during treatment with cephalexin unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
What are the possible side effects of Cephalexin: 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.
What other drugs will affect Cephalexin: 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.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about cephalexin written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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 comes in either liquid or capsule form, and 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 66 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.
Give 5-15mg per pound 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.
Works great for Buddy!
Buddy takes this med for a skin condition. Works great. Must take for a full 7 days. No noticeable side effects observed.
I'm hard pressed to find others who's dogs suffered constipation from this antibiotic like my Sheltie/Pom. Even though she naturally drinks a lot of water and I was supplementing with probiotics and pure pumpkin, she was backed up for two days. She was finally able to relieve herself fourteen hours after the last pill which I cut in half. She only had three and a half pills in total, I refuse to finish the bottle which was prescribed for a first-time flea allergy. I'm replacing it with colloidal silver which is what I use for myself. (Argyria is a big pharma hoax). I'd be interested to see who else has dealt with the constipation issue.
Fixed my goldendoodle
My soon to be 10 year old goldendoodle was put on this medication for her bursting lump cyst. She got really sick from. The stuff from the cyst leaked inside of her and she got really sick and painful joints. Im so happy this medication helped her alot. I see bad reviews about this medication. I guess alot of dogs have a different reacting from cephalexin. My dog has kidney issues and she does super on these. My dog has been on these twice before due to UTI and when she got a lump removed last year. So I knew she would be fine on these again.
Beware of side effects
I was very thankful for the reviews on this site. For dogs that do not have a sensitivity to this medication it appears as though it works well. For dogs that are sensitive it can mean ending their life early needlessly. My 13 year old Jack Russell was put on this antibiotic for a possible inner ear infection as she had lost her hearing and developed an ear hematoma from scratching at her ear. On day seven of this antibiotic she developed severe difficulty breathing and was shaking uncontrollably. I gave her benedryl thinking she could be having an allergic reaction to the drug and 5mg of prednisone(a wonder drug for short term). I didn't want to take her back to the vet because she shakes uncontrollably at the vet anyway and they would think I am over reacting. Thanks to the reviews!!! The drug may have been bringing her hearing back but I am discontinuing use of this med and will see if there is something else we can try. If you are going to administer this med don't just assume that your vet knows best. Watch your animal and beware-you know them best! This med can have some serious side effects!
Excellent product! For cats!
I gave it to my cats 500mg excellent product!
i have seen this anti biotic used for infections involving tear ducts. Did your vet mention this medication as a possibilty ? We also have a product called Angel Eyes. It doesnt have an antibiotic in it.....but once the infection is addressed, perhaps it could be a maintenance solution to clear tear stain. Ask your vet what they think Thank you and good luck !
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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