Cephalexin
(sef-a-lex-in)

Description: Cephalosporin Antibiotic
Other Names forthis Medication: Keflex®, Rilexene®
Common Dosage Forms: Veterinary: 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg, & 600 mg chewable tablets. Human: 250 mg & 500 mg tablets; 250 mg, 333
mg, 500 mg, & 750 mg capsules; 125 mg/5 mL (25 mg/mL) & 250 mg/5 mL (50 mg/mL) oral suspension.
Antimicrobial Classification: Highly Important

Key Information
Can be given with or withoutfood, but gastrointestinal side effects (eg, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea) might be prevented if given with food. If your pet vomits or acts sick after receiving the drug on an empty stomach, try giving the next dose with food or a small treat. If vomiting continues, contact your veterinarian.
Most common side effects are diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Be sure to give as long as your veterinarian has prescribed, even if your animal seems better. Cephalosporin antibiotics have an odor thatresembles cat urine, butthis is normal.

How is this medication useful?
In dogs and cats, cephalexin can be useful to help treatinfections of the skin, respiratory tract, and urinary tract. The FDA has approved this drug for use in humans and dogs, but it is not officially approved for use in other species. The FDA does allow veterinarians to prescribe and use human products containing this drug in animals in certain situations. You and your veterinarian can discuss why this drug is the most appropriate choice.

How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects ofthis medication last?
This medication should start having effects within 1 to 2 hours; however, you may not see the effects of this medication outwardly. Your animal should begin feeling better within 1 to 2 days. The effects of this medication are short-lived, meaning they will stop working within 24 hours, although the benefits may be prolonged if your animal has decreased kidney and/or liver function.

What are the side effects ofthis medication? Side effects that usually are not serious include:
Diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. You don’t have to be overly concerned if you see any of these signs unless they are severe, worsen, or continue to be a problem. Contact your veterinarian if this happens. Side effects that may be serious orindicate a serious problem: Complete loss of appetite in cats can sometimes cause severe liver problems. Fever, rashes, trouble breathing, and anemia, which may be allergic reactions to the drug. Severe skin irritation may occur in certain cats. If you see any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

 If you have any other questions about this medication, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.