CEPHALEXIN
(For veterinary information only)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please tell the veterinarian if your pet has ever had a reaction to penicillin or any other penicillin analogue.
Inform the veterinarian if your pet has currently or has had kidney disease.
As with all medications, it is extremely important that this medication be used ONLY for the pet for which it is prescribed.
BRAND NAME: NOVO-LEXIN®
OW THIS MEDICATION IS USED
Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It is a good broad spectrum antibiotic, commonly used in the treatment of both gram positive and gram negative bacterial infections of the skin, urinary tract, respiratory tract, bones and joints.
This medicine may also be used during and after surgery to decrease the risk of infection. This medication will not cure viral infections.
SIDE EFFECTS
Serious although rare (report these to your pet’s veterinarian right away): Rashes, itching, difficulty breathing. If your pet develops any of the above on cephalexin, please discontinue the medication and notify your veterinarian.
Nausea and vomiting may be seen in some
individuals receiving cephalexin. In general, this problem is solved by giving
the medication with food.
Occasionally cats will develop a fever in response to cephalexin. If this
occurs, the veterinarian should be informed and a different antibiotic will be
selected.
Occasionally dogs will develop hyperexcitability and drooling in response to taking cephalexin. If this occurs, the veterinarian should be informed and another antibiotic will be selected.
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS
Tell the veterinarian if your pet is on:
Cephalexin is not to be used with bacteriostatic antibiotics, as they decrease the growth of bacteria and cephalosporins need the bacteria to be growing in order to kill them.
CONCERNS AND CAUTIONS
Cephalexin does not cross into milk well and thus is probably not a concern in lactating females, however, it should be avoided if possible. Cephalexin does readily cross the placenta, and although no fetal abnormalities from cephalosporin use have been documented, it is best not used in pregnancy if it can be avoided.
The tablets may be given with or without food. Giving it with food may lessen the chance the drug will upset your pet’s stomach, as mentioned previously.
If you have the liquid form, shake the bottle well before pouring a dose. Store the liquid in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Do not let it freeze. Dispose of any liquid left over after 14 days.
Contact your pet’s veterinarian if your pet’s condition does not improve in a few days or if it gets worse.
Inadvertent high doses may result in liver or kidney damage, blood disorders, or damage to the nervous system. Do not give more than the prescribed dose of this medication.
Cephalexin must be used cautiously in pets with kidney or liver disease. Please notify your veterinarian if your pet has currently, or has had these in the past. Cephalexin is not to be used with other drugs that affect the kidneys, as concurrent use raises the risk of kidney damage. This medication may cause seizures (convulsions) in pets with kidney disease. If your pet has seizures, contact your veterinarian right away. A blood test may be recommended in order to check for any organ problems.
Give this medicine exactly as your pet’s veterinarian prescribes. Do not give more or less or give it longer than prescribed. Do not stop giving this medication without your pet’s veterinarian’s approval, even if your pet feels better. If you stop giving it too soon, the infection may return.
Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and give the next one as directed. Do not give double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your pet’s veterinarian.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 672-7800.