Cefa-Drops
Generic Name
Cephalosporin
Indications/Uses
Cefa-drops is an antibiotic belonging to the class of drugs known as cephalosporin. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly used in the treatment of a wide range of infections of skin, urinary tract, respiratory tracts and bones in animals. Though similar to penicillin in many aspects, it is found to be more effective than penicillin in dealing with bacteria. Cefa-drops work by forming a defensive cell wall and acts against the bacteria thus resulting in the instability and ultimate death of bacteria. Cefa-drops is used commonly in dogs and cats for treating pneumonia and a wide variety of infections like wound infections, bone infections, bacterial infections and skin and bladder infections. However it is not found to be effective in the treatment of infections due to virus and fungi actions. In dogs, it is found to be efficient in the treatment of genitourinary tract infections [more commonly known as cystitis] and also for skin and soft tissue infections. Cefa-drops, when administered to cats, cure conditions of dermatitis and cellulitis.
Precautions
Animals with known hypersensitivity should not be treated with cefa-drops. Animals allergic to penicillin and cephalosporin drugs can also be sensitive to cefa-drops. Sensitivity to the drug is usually detected by symptoms of vomiting and allergies. If the pet is on another medication, consult a veterinarian before administering cefa-drops as there are chances of the drug to interact with other drugs.
Side Effects
The administration of this medication does not show any severe side effects. However, an occasional side effect noted is the onset of diarrhea. Nausea, vomiting and lethargy are the other reported symptoms.
Dosage Information
The veterinary formulation of cefa-drops is available as tablets and as oral suspension. Administration of this medicine should be strictly as per the prescriptions by a veterinary specialist. The ideal dose suggested is 10 to 15 mg per pound in every 12 hours orally for cats and dogs. Dosage differs with variation and severity of the condition. Treatment of three days is normally prescribed for skin and soft tissue infections whereas genitor urinary tract infections call for a seven day treatment. Do not stop the medication abruptly without instructions from the veterinarian as there are chances of relapse if the full course of treatment is left incomplete. However, the maximum duration of treatment prescribed for cats is 21 days and that of dogs is 30 days.
Brand Names
Cefadroxil, Cefa-drops (cefadroxil) veterinary powder for oral suspension.