Simplicef
Simplicef
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At a Glance
Attacks bacterial skin infections in dogs in 5 to 7 days
Active ingredient Cefpodoxime proxetil suppresses growth in bacterial, fungal, and protozoan micro-organisms
Oral pill or tablet is daily administered
Can be the beginning of antimicrobial therapy

Simplicef

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At a Glance
Attacks bacterial skin infections in dogs in 5 to 7 days
Active ingredient Cefpodoxime proxetil suppresses growth in bacterial, fungal, and protozoan micro-organisms
Oral pill or tablet is daily administered
Can be the beginning of antimicrobial therapy

Frequently Bought Together

Total Price

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Ultimate Guide to Simplicef

Meet the Skin Infection Defence: Simplicef!

Simplicef is a veterinarian-approved, FDA-approved that is an antibacterial product that protects your dog from various skin infections - wounds and abscesses - in dogs. These bacterial skin infections can derive from numerous factors such as insect and animal bites, ill human contact, allergens, and many other factors.

How does Simplicef work?

Simplicef has one active ingredient - Cefpodoxime proxetil. This ingredient is an oral antibiotic, that derives from cephalosporin antibiotics, that treat bacterial infections by suppressing the growth of micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoans. Simplicef can be used as a preliminary dog medication before antimicrobial therapy.

How is Simplicef administered?

Simplicef comes in a scored, film-coated, and odorless pill/tablet form that is easy to administer orally every 24 hours with or without food. Maximum effectiveness can be demonstrated when taken with food to increase absorption into the body.

Give the exact dosage your vet directed. Administer daily for 5 to 7 days; however, if no response is seen within the first 2 to 3 days, discontinue the medication.

Simplicef pills/tablets come in 100 mg (elliptical reddish-orange tablets) and 200 mg (round rectangle, light orange) in 100 tablets or 250 tablets in the bottle. The recommended dosage for dogs is 2.3 to 4.5 mg per pound, depending on weight. See the dosage charts below.

Number of Tablets by Body Weight (2.3 mg/lb)
Body Weight 11 lbs.22 lbs.44 lbs.66 lbs88 lbs.132 lbs.
100mg111
200mg11
Number of Tablets by Body Weight (4.5 mg/lb)
Body Weight 11 lbs.22 lbs.44 lbs.66 lbs88 lbs.132 lbs.
100mg11
200mg1123
What are the precautions of which you should be aware?
  • Simplicef is not for human use.
  • Simplicef is not for viral infections (e.g., influenza).
  • If no response is seen within the first 2 to 3 days, discontinue the medication.
  • Use in breeding, pregnant (found okay), and lactating (cautionary) dogs have not been demonstrated.
  • Don't give to dogs that are sensitive to penicillin or cephalosporin.
  • Don't give to dogs that are taking antacids (e.g., Maalox) or stomach acid-reducers (e.g., Tagamet).
  • Caution with dogs that have kidney disease or history of seizures.
  • If you exceed the recommended dosage (i.e., an overdose), call your veterinarian immediately or take your dog to an emergency veterinarian clinic. Signs are vomiting, diarrhea, and/or jaundice.
What are the potential side effects of which you should be aware?

Take your dog to your regular vet or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately if you observe any of the following reactions:

  • Vomiting
  • Severe nausea
  • Bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Mucus or blood in the stool
  • Diarrhea
  • Allergic reactions that result in shortness of breath, hives, rash, fainting, and/or swelling

Less serious Simplicef side effects should be told to your vet especially if they seem unusual or bothersome to your dog, such as mild nausea, diarrhea, or a yeast infection.

Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Simplicef for Dogs?

Simplicef is an antibacterial medicine that protects your dog from various skin infections. It is an FDA-approved and veterinarian-prescribed drug. Your dog may succumb to bacterial infection from numerous factors like allergens, insect and animal bites, ill human contact, .etc.

Simplicef or cefpodoxime proxetil is a third-generation antibiotic for the treatment of dog skin infections. Urinary tract infections causing bacterias, E. coli, Streptococcus canis, and certain other bacteria strains are vulnerable to cefpodoxime.

What Are the Side Effects of Simplicef in Dogs?

The common side effects of Simplicef tablets in Dogs are

  • Vomiting or Diarrhea
  • Bruising
  • Severe nausea
  • Mucus or blood in the stool
  • Bleeding
  • Hives
  • Fainting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rash
  • Swelling

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the effects. Visit a veterinarian regularly to keep your dog under supervision.

Also, if your dog gets yeast infection or nausea, book an appointment.

How Is Simplicef Administered and What Is the Dosage?

Simplicef is an oral medication for your dog.

You can give the drug with or without food, but the maximum effect is seen with food as it increases absorption.

The dosage, as prescribed by your dog's veterinarian, should be strictly followed. Veterinarians recommend administering the medicine daily for 5 to 7 days; stop use if no response after 2 to 3 days.

The elliptical reddish-orange or rectangular round, light orange Simplicef tablets come in 100 or 250 tablet bottles of 100 mg and 200 mg. The veterinarians recommend the dosage as 2.3 to 4.5 mg per pound body weight of the dog.

How Long for Simplicef to Start Working in Dogs?

The medicine starts its action 1 to 2 hours post-administration. Your dog will start feeling better after 1 to 2 days of medication. The effects of the drug last for 24hours but have prolonged benefits if your dog has declining kidney or liver functions.

Does Simplicef Make Dogs Thirsty?

Cefpodoxime Proxetil or Simplicef, like any other antibiotic, can disturb the stomach of your pet. The drug may lead to heat generation in the stomach if administered on an empty stomach or without food. The best way is to give food to your dog with Simplicef.

You can try milk if there is no allergy to it. The milk helps hydrate the body and helps provide essential nutrients.

Does Simplicef Make Dogs Sleepy?

Your dog may feel a little lethargic post-taking the medications, which is normal.

What Does Simplicef Treat in Dogs?

A playful pet often reaches areas beyond bounds and attracts a lot of unwanted elements to its body. These may lead to skin infections. Also, while moving around in the bushes or outside, they get bruises and cuts. Cefpodoxime proxetil or Simplicef treat such skin infections and wounds.

The drug also treats other bacterial infections, such as

  • Bladder infection
  • UTI (urinary tract infection)
  • Ear infection
  • staph infection
  • Stomach Infection
  • Kennel Cough

Your veterinarian may suggest an apt dose for your pet as per the health conditions and body weight.

The Simplicef susceptible bacteria strains are Escherichia coli (or as commonly called E. Coli), Staphylococcus intermedius, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pasteurella multocida, and Streptococcus canis (Group G, -hemolytic).

Your dog's vet may prescribe the medicine if he suspects an infection in the dog resulting from any of the above bacteria strains.

Can a Dog Take Simplicef and Novox Together?

Cefpodoxime proxetil or Simplicef is an antibiotic, while Carprofen or Novox is a pain reliever. Carprofen belongs to a class of drugs known as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs).

Carprofen, when combined with cefpodoxime, can increase the risk of nephrotoxicity. Nephrotoxicity is a rapid kidney deterioration due to medicinal or chemical toxic effects. Some drugs may affect renal function in one form or the other.

Can I Crush Cefpodoxime Simplicef?

Crushing the medicines helps to administer them to the pets easily. Simplicef tablets for dogs often have flavors that dogs love, so chances are your dog will take them without a fuss.

However, if your dog does not like the taste of Simplicef, you can try giving the medicine with some food.

Can I Give My Dog Benadryl With Simplicef for Dogs?

Benadryl and Simplicef are both FDA - approved drugs. However, the consultation of a certified veterinarian before administering the two together is advisable. The need for a particular medicine should always be finalized post discussion with your dog's veterinarian.

If you are administering Simplicef and Benadryl together for your dog, then ensure an hour's gap between their doses. But it is recommended to avoid them during your dog's pregnancy period.

Concluding Thoughts

The most important thing that you should know about Simplicef is its power to protect your dog from bacterial skin infections that are caused by a number of external factors, from parasite to animal bites, allergens, etc. Simplicef can be a preliminary medication before intense antimicrobial therapy.

DISCLAIMER: FDA law restricts Simplicef only on order or prescription of a licensed veterinarian for the best pet health care advice. Ask your veterinarian or consult with one of our pet care specialists at 1-800-844-1427. This informative article is not meant to substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, and professional advice from your veterinarian or other qualified professionals regarding a medical condition. Ask your veterinarian if it's a good idea to treat all of the animals in your household to control a home flea infestation.

  • Zoetis Manufacturer
  • Zoetis Brand
  • Skin & Coat Pharmacy
  • Antibiotics Pharmacy
  • Senior Life Stage
  • Oral Application
  • Dog Pet Type

How Long Can a Dog Take Simplicef?
Answer

Simplicef is one of the most common veterinarians prescribed antibiotic tablets for dogs. This drug protects your pet from various infections and skin wounds. These infections can be caused by the bites of different animals and insects. The administrations of Antibiotic medicines are recommended for two to three days after the seizure of the ailment or its clinical symptoms. Generally, Simplicef is also administered to the dogs following the same trend as is common for all antibiotics. However, depending on the conditions of your pet, your veterinarian can recommend administering Simplicef Antibiotic tablets for a period of five to seven days too. Prolonged treatment for adverse situations can include the administration of the tablets for a maximum period of twenty-eight days in the cases where there is a delayed clinical symptom cessation.

Does Simplicef Need to Be Given With Food?
Answer

Simplice tablet is an antibacterial medicine whose main ingredient is cefpodoxime proxetil. The drug Simplicef can be administered to your dog once a day. This medicine can be given to your pet with or without food, as per the instructions of your veterinarian. Although it is normally recommended by the experts that you should administer the medicine with food. This is done to increase the absorption rate of the medicine in your petโ€™s body. After some time post-administration of the medicine, if you notice that there is no visible effect of the medicine in your pet. It is recommended that you contact your veterinarian immediately for further instructions.

Is Cefpodoxime a Strong Antibiotic?
Answer

Cefpodoxime is categorized under cephalosporin antibiotics. It is mainly used in oral continuation therapy when intravenous cephalosporins are no longer needed for your petโ€™s treatment. The medicine is commonly used in the treatment of acute sinusitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, otitis media, and various other ailments in your dog. Cefpodoxime is a bactericidal agent that stops the growth of the bacterial body or functions by obstruction of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cefpodoxime does not work on any ailments caused by viral infections such as flu and the common cold. It only heals infections caused by bacteria.

Is Cefpodoxime Safe for Dogs?
Answer

There are many pet medicines that are present in the pharmaceutical market internationally that can treat ailments of your dog, caused due to bacterial infection. One of the most commonly used antibiotics in veterinary medicine by experts is Cefpodoxime. Cefpodoxime has succeeded in producing cures against a wide variety of bacterial infections. As Cefpodoxime only requires a single dosage daily it becomes very convenient for various pet owners. It is very advantageous for dog owners who are mostly busy due to work-related issues. Few pets can show some allergic reactions after the administration of Cefpodoxime. If you notice that your pet is allergic to Cefpodoxime you should stop use immediately and consult your veterinarian for additional instructions.

Is Simplicef a Broad Spectrum Antibiotic?
Answer

Cefpodoxime is an antibacterial medicine that has a wide variety of usefulness clinically. The advantage of administration of Cefpodoxime includes protection from harmful organisms such as streptococci, gram-negative bacteria, and staphylococci. Under gram-negative bacteria, there are various organisms that can be harmful to your pets. These harmful entities can include Proteus, Pasteurella, and Escherichia. It has been noted that Cefpodoxime does not work against enterococci, obligate anaerobes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

What Are the Side Effects of Cefpodoxime for Dogs?
Answer

Cefpodoxime is a very pet-friendly compound that exhibits almost no side effects. But in some rare cases after the administration of Cefpodoxime few pets can show several adverse effects. These harmful effects of the compound can include shortness of breath, decreased appetite, facial swelling, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you find any of the above-mentioned ailments in your dog it is crucial that you contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.

What Is Cefpodoxime 200 MG Used for in Dogs?
Answer

The drug Cefpodoxime proxetil is a cephalosporin antibiotic that is administered orally to your dogs. There are various benefits of Cefpodoxime Proxetil Tablets for your pets. These benefits can constitute the treatment of several bacterial infections that are affecting your pet. Some of the harmful afflictions that can affect your pets are stomach infections, ear infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, bladder infections, skin infections, and various other ailments.

Do I Need a Prescription for Simplicef?
Answer

There are several medicines for pets that are found in the pharmaceutical market. Some of these medicines can only be bought with the help of a prescription that is provided by veterinarians. But for the others, they can be bought freely as over-the-counter drugs. As for Simplicef, it is a prescription medicine.

How Quickly Does Simplicef Work?
Answer

In general, many pet owners report seeing improvement in their pet's symptoms within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment. However, it is important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by a veterinarian to ensure that the infection is fully treated and to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.

Can Antibiotics Be Harmful to Dogs?
Answer

Yes, antibiotics can harm dogs if used improperly or if the dog has an adverse reaction to the medication. While antibiotics can successfully treat bacterial infections in dogs, they also risk unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss. Additionally, overuse or misuse of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making it harder to treat future infections.

Is It Better to Give Dogs Antibiotics in the Morning or at Night?
Answer

There is no particular time of the day that is recommended for antibiotics. However, Some veterinarians may recommend giving antibiotics with food to help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. If the medication needs to be given twice a day, it's often recommended to give the doses approximately 12 hours apart, such as once in the morning and once in the evening.

How Do Antibiotics Make Dogs Feel?
Answer

Depending on the individual dog and the particular antibiotic being administered, different dogs may react differently to antibiotics. While taking antibiotics, some dogs might not notice any changes, while others can endure unpleasant side effects like gastrointestinal distress, appetite loss, and lethargic behavior.

How Many Times a Day Should I Give My Dog Simplicef?
Answer

In general, Simplicef is usually given once a day, but the exact dosage and frequency may differ based on the specific case.

Do Dogs Drink a Lot of Water on Simplicef?
Answer

Increased thirst and urination are potential side effects of Simplicef (cefpodoxime proxetil) in dogs, but not all dogs will experience these side effects. Some dogs may drink more water than usual while on Simplicef due to the medication's effect on the kidneys and urinary system, which can cause increased urine output and dehydration.

How Long Does It Take for a Bacterial Infection to Go Away in Dogs?
Answer

In some cases, a minimum of three weeks of antibiotic therapy may be necessary to fully treat the infection and prevent a recurrence. However, this can vary based on the infection's severity and the veterinarian's prescribed treatment.

How Long Does It Take for Antibiotics to Work for Bacterial Infection in Dogs?
Answer

In some cases, signs of improvement may be seen within a few days of antibiotic therapy, such as a reduced fever or improved appetite. In general, antibiotics can take up to 7-10 days to effectively eliminate the bacteria causing the infection in dogs.

What Happens if I Stop My Dogโ€™s Antibiotics Before Time?
Answer

Stopping antibiotics before the full course is completed can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can be more challenging to treat and can cause more severe infections in the future.

How Can I Tell if My Dog Has a Bacterial Infection?
Answer

Fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst and urination, skin irritability, respiratory problems, and increased thirst and urination are a few symptoms that your dog may have a bacterial infection. Your dog can appear more exhausted than normal, have a high body temperature, or show signs of inflammation, including redness, swelling, or discharge. Further, urinary tract infections can cause frequent urination, whereas respiratory infections might cause coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing.

Can a Dog Fight Infection Without Antibiotics?
Answer

In some cases, dogs may be able to fight off bacterial infections without antibiotics, especially if the infection is mild and the dog's immune system is functioning well. However, in most cases, antibiotics are necessary to effectively treat bacterial infections in dogs.

What Is the Most Common Bacterial Infection in Dogs?
Answer

The most common bacterial infections in dogs are urinary tract infections, skin infections, ear infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal infections. There can be many causes of these infections, but proper hygiene can reduce the chances of your dog getting an infection.

Cefpodoxime Proxetil
How to Use this Antibiotic to Treat Skin Infection in Dogs?


Overviewย 

Cefpodoxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic that is one of the most popular choices to treat skin infections in dogs. The action of cephalosporin antibiotic helps eradicate the bacterial infestation caused by the strains of Pasteurella, E. coli, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus canis, which cause urinary tract infections.ย 

While the drug is for use among dogs, its off-label usage is prevalent among cats for urinary tract infections treatment. It often happens that a few of the medications are off-label that are in use. Under such circumstances, it is advisable to refer to the guidelines prescribed by your veterinarian about the caution and direction of usage.


Special Precautions

Overdose of cefpodoxime can lead to lack of appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, and vomiting. A few cases of cefpodoxime overdosing can be fatal, and your pet can undergo adverse reactions. It is advisable to contact your veterinarian immediately if such a situation occurs. In the absence of a veterinarian nearby, it is advisable to contact any emergency clinic in your vicinity.


Pets that have an allergy to cephalosporins should not have cefpodoxime. You must not give it to pets with a history of seizures or kidney diseases. Extra caution is essential for giving the drug to nursing animals or pregnant ones.


Mechanism of Action

The drug's actions are highly efficacious against a wide spectrum of bacteria. It specifically helps to tackle gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. In the presence of beta-lactamase enzymes, cefpodoxime is stable. Due to the higher production of beta-lactamase enzymes in many organisms, they are resistant to cephalosporins and penicillins. However, they may get affected by cefpodoxime.


Studies suggest that cefpodoxime becomes inactive in the presence of an extended spectrum of beta-lactamases. The inhibition of cell wall synthesis brought by cefpodoxime leads to bactericidal activities. The primary constituent of bacterial cell walls or peptidoglycan ceases to produce due to cefpodoximeโ€™s active metabolite binding.


Known Drug Interactions

Cefpodoxime can interact with a few of the drugs and please its absorption. Therefore you need to inform your veterinarian about any ongoing medication for your pet.


Brand/Generic Equivalents
Simplicef

Stop giving Simplicef 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, and 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 Simplicef and notify your veterinarian if these symptoms occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.

Contact your veterinarian in the event of an allergic reaction (such as shortness of breath, hives, swelling, rash, fainting, vomiting, diarrhea, muous or blood in the stool, unusual bleeding, or bruising). Do not give Simplicef at the same time as antacids such as Maalox or other stomach acid-reducers, like Tagamet.

Available in 100 and 200 mg doses.

Should be given with food to increase absorption by the body.

Dogs (All weights): Give exactly as directed by your veterinarian. The usual dose of Simplicef in dogs is 2.3-4.5 mg/pound, given by mouth, once a day for 5 to 7 days or 2 to 3 days beyond the cessation of clinical signs, up to a maximum of 28 days.

Store in a cool, dry place.

Simplicef is manufactured by Zoetis

How to Order Prescriptions Online

1. Find the Right Product

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2. Add to Cart

Just like any other online store. Make sure the quantity matches whatโ€™s been prescribed by your vetinarian.

3. Tell Us About Your Pet and Vet

Answer some questions during checkout and weโ€™ll contact your vet and verify the prescription for you. You can also mail us the written prescription.

4. Thatโ€™s It!

If the prescription has any refills, processing your future orders for that medication can be expedited.

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E
Recommend by vet
VERIFIED PURCHASER

Worked great. Best to order online for lower pricing but you still need approval as a prescription through your vet for the medication.

Emv recommends this item.
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M
Simplicef works
VERIFIED PURCHASER

We needed Simplicef for our senior dog who had bladder stones. Happy to say that the meds worked (along with diet change). PetCare Rx shipped the Rx on time each time, without issues. Thanks!

Melanie recommends this item.
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K
Very effective
VERIFIED PURCHASER

My dogs skin got better within a couple days of starting this product. He took 1 tab 2 times per day

Kristi recommends this item.
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