Cephalexin

Description

Cephalexin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic in the cephalosporin class. It works by stopping bacteria from maintaining their cell walls, which kills the bacteria. Veterinarians often give a brand of this medicine called Rilexine to dogs to treat skin infections and other bacterial infections. This medication comes as a chewable tablet made for dogs to take by mouth. It is meant for animals, not for people.

Directions

Cephalexin is given by mouth as directed by your veterinarian, with or without food. The recommended dose is 22 mg per kg (10 mg per lb) of body weight twice daily for 28 days. Your vet may start treatment before lab results are back, but may change the medication based on test results or if your dog doesn't improve. Always complete the full course as prescribed, and contact your vet if you notice any side effects or if symptoms don’t improve. Store tablets at room temperature and keep them out of reach of children and other pets.

Ingredients

This medication contains the active ingredient Cephalexin.

Contraindications

Avoid giving this medication in dogs that have a known allergy to Cephalexin or any cephalosporin antibiotics.

Cautions

• Before giving this medication, you may want to consult a veterinarian about the following:
• Any existing health conditions
• Any allergies
• A list of all medications currently being taken

• Some individuals are allergic to antibiotics like penicillins and cephalosporins, so anyone handling this medication should avoid skin or eye contact. If you accidentally swallow it, contact a doctor or poison control right away.
• These tablets are flavored to appeal to dogs, so they might try to eat more than they should. Always store them in a secure place, out of reach of pets and other animals. If your dog eats too many tablets, call your vet immediately, as this could lead to serious side effects.
• Cephalexin should only be given to dogs when there’s a known or suspected bacterial infection. Giving antibiotics unnecessarily can lead to drug-resistant bacteria that are harder to treat.
• This medication hasn’t been tested in dogs that are pregnant, nursing, or intended for breeding. If your dog falls into one of these categories, talk to your vet before use.
• Cephalexin can sometimes affect the results of certain lab tests, such as urine glucose or protein tests, or blood clotting times. Be sure to tell your vet if your dog is taking this medicine before doing any lab work.
• Although uncommon, cephalexin and other drugs in its class may affect the bone marrow or blood. This could lead to problems like low white blood cell counts, anemia, or abnormal clotting times.

Side Effects

Cephalexin may cause mild side effects in some dogs, most commonly diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy. These reactions were observed during field studies and are generally not serious. If symptoms persist or worsen, pet owners should contact their veterinarian.

In clinical trials, no major differences in lab values were found between dogs treated with cephalexin and those given a placebo. However, pet owners should store chewable tablets securely, as dogs may be tempted to eat more than the prescribed amount. Overdoses can lead to more severe side effects and should be reported to a veterinarian or poison control immediately.

References

1. Rilexine (cephalexin) Drug Label Information. Fort Worth, TX: Virbac AH, Inc.; 2024.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

An honors graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Sison started his pharmacy career in a community setting, extending his services to hospitals and clinics over time. He has also worked in medication therapy management, advising patients on proper medication use for their chronic health conditions. Read More....