Cephalexin Oral Suspension
Cephalexin Oral Suspension
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At a Glance
Used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, urinary tract, respiratory tract, bones and joints
Easy to use oral suspension
Side effects are rare

Cephalexin Oral Suspension

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At a Glance
Used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, urinary tract, respiratory tract, bones and joints
Easy to use oral suspension
Side effects are rare

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Cephalexin oral suspension is a widely used oral antibiotic in veterinary medicine. Specifically formulated for pets, it is a potent treatment for various bacterial skin infections, particularly pyoderma. While its primary indication is for dogs, it is also used off-label or extra-label in other animals such as cats, horses, ferrets, reptiles, and birds, particularly for pyoderma and other skin infections. It's also used off-label in treating some urinary tract infections in cats and dogs.

  • Administration and Dosage:Cephalexin is available as a liquid oral suspension and is convenient for pet owners to administer. Depending on the veterinarian's recommendation, it can be given with or without food. In cases where the pet vomits or appears unwell after medication, administering it with a small amount of food can mitigate gastrointestinal discomfort. It's necessary to shake the suspension well before use and measure doses carefully to ensure accurate dosing.

  • Onset of Action and Duration:Cephalexin typically starts working within one to two hours after administration, although visible effects may take a few days to become apparent. It is crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as directed by the veterinarian, even if the symptoms improve before the medication is finished. If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as remembered. However, if it is close to the time for the next scheduled dose, it's best to skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. It's imperative never to double up on doses or administer extra doses.

  • Side Effects and Precautions:Side effects of cephalexin in pets are usually mild and rare. Gastrointestinal upset, including lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, may occur but typically resolve on their own. However, if side effects become severe or persist, it's essential to contact the veterinarian promptly. Signs of a potential allergic reaction to the drug include fever, rashes, difficulty breathing, and pale gums. In such cases, immediate veterinary attention is warranted. Cephalexin should not be used in pets with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to cephalosporins. Caution is advised when administering to pets sensitive to other antibiotics, including penicillins, rapamycin, and carbapenems. Additionally, it should be used cautiously in pets with kidney dysfunction, as well as in pregnant and nursing mothers.

  • Storage and Disposal:To maintain efficacy, Cephalexin oral suspension should be stored in the refrigerator. It is crucial to adhere to the expiration date and dispose of any unused medication after 14 days of opening the sealed container. Proper storage and disposal help ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication for your pet's treatment.

Cephalexin oral suspension has proved valuable in treating bacterial skin infections in pets. However, following your veterinarian's directions and cautions carefully is essential to ensure the best outcome for your furry friend.

  • Urinary Health Pharmacy
  • Antibiotics Pharmacy
  • Oral Application
  • Cat Pet Type
  • Dog Pet Type

What Is Cephalexin Oral Suspension Used For?
Answer

The Cephalexin Oral Suspension is used for treating bacterial infections. These infections can be anywhere on your petโ€™s body, including its skin, respiratory tract, urinary tract, joints, and bones. Cephalexin for pets is a generic alternative to Keflex. Like Keflex, Cephalexin uses an active ingredient called Cephalosporins to tackle all these bacterial infections. Cephalexin doses fall under the broad range antibiotic category. A Cephalexin dose can be as low as 10 mg of your cat or dogโ€™s body weight. You can administer a Cephalexin pill once every 24 hours, or as per the instruction of the vet.

Does Cephalexin Oral Suspension Need to Be Refrigerated?
Answer

Yes, the Cephalexin Oral Suspension needs to be refrigerated. For usage, the medication can be mixed with water. After that, it needs to be kept in the fridge. Any unused portion of the medication needs to be discarded after 14 days. Remember to shake the bottle properly before you open it for use.

Why Is Cephalexin Formulated as a Suspension?
Answer

Cephalexin is formulated as a suspension to improve chemical stability, and improve bioavailability. Such suspensions are formulated for various other animals as well as human medications for these very reasons. Cephalexin oral suspensions are also needed for patients who are extremely sensitive to penicillin but still need to consume it to fight various bacterial infections.

Is Cephalexin Safe for Animals?
Answer

Cephalexin side effects are somewhat similar to the side effects of Keflex medication. After all, Keflex uses the same formula and active ingredient as Cephalexin. These side effects include a loss of appetite, formation of rash and itching, breathing problems with or without rapid breathing, fever, drooling, and overexcitement. While using Cephalexin, warnings should also be noted for vomiting and diarrhea, which are mostly seen due to an overdose of the Cephalexin medication.

Is Human Cephalexin Safe for Cats?
Answer

Cats are usually given Cephalexin 250 mg/5 ml for treatment of bacterial infections. You can use Cephalexin for UTI treatment too. Human Cephalexin works in a similar manner. They belong to a class of antibiotics referred to as cephalosporin. Human Cephalexin is also used for treating bacterial infections in bone, skin, respiratory tract, urinary tract, etc. That being said, you can use the human version of Cephalexin for cats. It is safe to do so. However, it is better to opt for the one specifically made for cats. Otherwise, you will have to bring variation to the Cephalexin or Keflex dosage meant for humans. Instead of doing so, it is better and more efficient to simply use a cat or pet-friendly version of the drug. That way, you do not have to tinker with the dosage.

Is Cephalexin a Strong Antibiotic?
Answer

Yes, Cephalexin is a strong and effective antibiotic. It is called a broad-spectrum antibiotic which belongs to the cephalosporins class of antibiotics. Cephalexin is known for treating bacterial infections on the skin, respiratory and urinary tracts, bone, etc. The drug starts taking effect just one hour after administering it. Cephalexin dosage is usually in the 10-30 mg/kg range. You have to administer it orally every 6 to 12 hours.

How Long Should a Dog Take Cephalexin?
Answer

A dog should take Cephalexin for seven to ten days. Within this time, the bacterial infections should be fully treated. The time might vary in some special cases. For that, it is always a good option to talk to a vet beforehand. Ideally, the drug will start taking effect within the first 24 hours. Overdosing is not usually a problem, but you should still be on the lookout for its symptoms. Cephalexin warnings associated with an overdose include diarrhea and vomiting.

What should I do if my cat misses a dose of Cephalexin Oral Suspension?
Answer

It's normally advised to give your cat the missing dosage of Cephalexin Oral Suspension as soon as you remember. It is preferable to omit the missed dosage and go on with the usual dosing plan if the time for the next dose is approaching.

What should I do if my cat accidentally ingests too much Cephalexin Oral Suspension?
Answer

If your cat accidentally consumes too much Cephalexin Oral Suspension, you should take them to the clinic right away. For advice, get in touch with your vet or an animal emergency facility. Giving your cat 1 to 2 tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide per 10 pounds of body weight can help you try to make them vomit in the interim. Repeat the dosage once if vomiting does not occur within 10 to 15 minutes. Induce vomiting only when your cat is not weak, lethargic, or having trouble breathing. Don't give your cat anything to eat or drink if it is unconscious, and seek emergency medical attention.

Can I crush Cephalexin Oral Suspension tablets and mix them with food for my cat?
Answer

No, Crushing Cephalexin Oral Suspension tablets and mixing them with food for your cat is generally not recommended. The tablets are designed to release the medication slowly over time, and crushing them can affect their effectiveness.

How should I store Cephalexin Oral Suspension for my cat?
Answer

Store cat Cephalexin Oral Suspension at room temperature, between 20ยฐC and 25ยฐC (68ยฐF to 77ยฐF). It should be stored in a cool, dry location away from heat, light, and moisture. Also, to avoid unintentional intake, it's crucial to store the medication out of the reach of youngsters and animals.

How long does Cephalexin Oral Suspension last once it's been mixed?
Answer

Cephalexin Oral Suspension should be stored in the refrigerator after it has been mixed, and it is generally recommended to use it within 2 weeks. After 14 days, the medication may lose its potency and effectiveness. It's important to label the medication with the date it was mixed and to discard any unused medication after the recommended time period. Do not use expired or leftover medication for future treatment, even if it appears to be unchanged.

Can Cephalexin Oral Suspension be used to treat upper respiratory infections in cats?
Answer

Yes. Only cats with bacterial infections, such as upper respiratory infections brought on by susceptible bacteria, can be treated with cephalexin oral suspension. It's crucial to keep in mind that viruses frequently cause upper respiratory infections in cats, and medications like Cephalexin are ineffective against viruses. It's crucial to have your cat evaluated by a veterinarian if they have an upper respiratory infection in order to identify the root of the problem and the best course of action.

Can Cephalexin Oral Suspension be used to treat skin infections in cats?
Answer

Yes, Cephalexin Oral Suspension can be used to treat skin infections in cats, including infections caused by susceptible bacteria such as Staphylococcus intermedius. Skin infections in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, fleas, or other parasites, and trauma.

Can Cephalexin Oral Suspension be used to treat ear infections in cats?
Answer

Yes, Cephalexin Oral Suspension can be used to treat bacterial ear infections in cats. Bacterial ear infections in cats can be caused by a variety of bacteria, including Staphylococcus intermedius and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Can Cephalexin Oral Suspension be used to treat dental infections in cats?
Answer

Yes, Cephalexin Oral Suspension can be used to treat dental infections in cats caused by susceptible bacteria. Dental infections in cats can be caused by factors such as periodontal disease, tooth abscesses, or other dental abnormalities. Your veterinarian may recommend Cephalexin Oral Suspension to treat your cat's dental infection, but it's important to follow their instructions carefully regarding the dosage and duration of treatment.

Can Cephalexin Oral Suspension be used to treat bone infections in cats?
Answer

Yes, as a secondary or combination of treatments. However, the first-line therapy for feline bone infections may not be cephalexin oral suspension. Osteomyelitis, another name for bone infections, can be difficult to treat and may need a mix of therapies, such as antibiotics, surgery, and supportive care. While Cephalexin Oral Suspension may work well to treat some bacterial infections, osteomyelitis may not be properly treated if there is insufficient bone tissue penetration.

Can Cephalexin Oral Suspension be given to cats with a compromised immune system?
Answer

Yes, Cats with weakened immune systems may be administered Cephalexin Oral Suspension, but care must be used and the medication's impact must be closely observed. Cats with weakened immune systems, such as those with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) or Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), could be more prone to infections and less able to fight them off.

Cephalexin, a broad-spectrum bactericidal antibiotic, is related to the penicillin class of antibiotics. Read on for Cephalexin dosage for dogs and cats. Akin to penicillin, Cephalexin is considered a broad range antibiotic. The medication is indicated for the treatment of skin, bone, respiratory, and bladder infections in cats and dogs. The drug is efficient against staphylococcal infections and is widely used against deep skin infections (pyodermas). The active ingredient in the medication is Cephalosporins.

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The recommended Cephalexin dosage for dogs is 10mg/lbs every 12 hours and for cats 10mg/lbs every 24 hours orally. The drug can be used for the treatment of serious infections even when a culture to find out the exact antibiotic is in progress.


The side effects when using Cephalexin Oral Suspension include loss of appetite, itching, rash, difficulty in breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, drooling, fever, and excitability. Vomiting and diarrhea can be the signs of overdose. The commonly observed side effects in dogs include rapid breathing, drooling, and excitability. Cats are observed with side effects like fever and vomiting.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: difficulty breathing, wheezing, fever or hills, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine, redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth, seizures (convulsions), severe or watery diarrhea, skin rash, itching, stomach pain or cramps, swollen or tender joints, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual weakness or tiredness.

The medication is not recommended for animals allergic to cephalosporins or penicillin. Extreme caution is required when used with probenecid or aminoglycosides including neomycin and gentamicin, or with kidney related medicines. It is advised to inform the pharmacist or veterinarian regarding the medicines the pet is taking. Precaution is required when used in pregnant and nursing pets. The oral suspension should be placed in the refrigerator after mixing with water, also make sure to discard unused portion of medication after 14 days. The dosage should be chosen with great care with your veterinarian, failing to choose the right dosage could result in adverse side effects. It is recommended to continue the treatment even if the pet appears fully recovered. This could prevent the animal from developing a resistance to antibiotics.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Use as directed by your veterinarian.

The usual dose of cephalexin in dogs and cats is 10-30 mg/kg, every 6 to 12 hours orally.

After mixing with water, the oral suspension should be kept in the refrigerator and any unused portion should be discarded after 14 days. Shake well before use.

Option UPC/SKU
250mg/5mL - 100mL 363304959017
250mg/5mL - 200mL 363304959024
125mg/5mL - 100mL 363304958010

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