Cephalexin
“ This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Cephalexin for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
Cephalexin for pets in Perth is a medicine used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Other common names
- Keflex
- Rilexine *
Uses
Uses approved for animals
- In dogs, it is used for bacterial infections of the skin.
Other uses your veterinarian may choose (extra-label use)
- It may also be used for other bacterial infections in dogs and cats, including infections of the urinary tract.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any medicines or supplements your animal is currently receiving.
- Any health problems your animal has now or has had before.
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past.
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use this medicine
- In animals that have an allergy to this medicine or to other medicines in the same cephalosporin group.
- In rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, or other small “pocket pets.” In these animals, cephalexin may cause serious harm or death.
Use carefully in animals that
- Have allergies to penicillin-type antibiotics.
- Have kidney disease.
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking any medication.
Warnings for humans
- Clean your hands after you handle any medication.
- If you are allergic to penicillin-type antibiotics or cephalosporin antibiotics, wear gloves or do not handle this medicine.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Follow the directions on the prescription label.
- You may give it with food or without food. If your animal’s stomach becomes upset, giving it with food may help.
- Putting tablets or capsules inside food can help mask this medicine’s unpleasant smell.
- If you are using a liquid form, shake it well each time before giving a dose.
- For liquids, use an oral syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon to measure. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Side effects
More common effects — contact your veterinarian if these are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time
- Vomiting, loose stool/diarrhea, or eating less than usual.
- Sleepiness or acting unusually excited.
- In cats, not eating at all.
Serious effects — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice
- Fever, skin rash, itching, trouble breathing, or gums that look pale.
How will I know it’s working?
Your animal should begin to seem better within 1 to 2 days.
Call your veterinary clinic if your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the final dose, this medicine should no longer work within 24 hours.
If your animal’s kidneys do not work as well, the effects may continue longer.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be prescribed for different time periods. Keep giving it for the full length of time your veterinarian instructed, even if your animal seems improved.
You may need another fill of the prescription.
Overdose
If you see or think there may have been an overdose, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away (a consultation fee may apply).
If possible, have the medicine container or label available.
Missed dose
In many situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the normal scheduled time.
- Continue with the regular schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep tablets, chewable tablets, and capsules at room temperature.
- Keep dry, unmixed powder at room temperature. After mixing with water, store it in the refrigerator.
- Store where children and animals cannot reach it.
Chewable versions are designed to taste appealing to animals. Store them securely and well out of reach to help prevent accidental overdose.
Disposal
Liquid forms must be discarded 14 days after they are mixed with water.
Do not flush this medicine down a toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Medication take-back locations: This is the preferred option when available. To locate a site, contact local law enforcement or your local waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Combine the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, place the mixture into a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions about Cephalexin for pets in Perth?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”