Simplicef™ Tablets (Brand)

What is Simplicef?
Simplicef is a prescription medication antibiotic used for a wide range of infections, most commonly of the skin, urinary tract, bones, and respiratory tract.

Who is it for?
Simplicef is for dogs.

What are the benefits?

How does Simplicef work?
Simplicef kills bacteria by interfering with the bacteria's ability to build a cell wall. It is effective against most gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
No, not in a once-a day dosing form.

How is it given?
Simplicef tablets are given orally and can be given with food.

Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Use all of the medication prescribed, even if your pet appears well. If the entire course of treatment is not given, the infection may recur or worsen.

This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

What results can I expect?
Simplicef is well absorbed from the intestinal tract and is carried by the blood stream to many tissues of the body. To be effective, Simplicef must be given for multiple days in a row. If doses are missed or the entire treatment regimen is not completed, the infection could recur or worsen. Consult your veterinarian if the animal's condition does not improve or worsens after beginning treatment with Simplicef.

What form(s) does it come in?
Simplicef comes in tablet form.

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Simplicef

Pronunciation
SIMP-li-seff

Common Drug Name
Cefpodoxime proxetil (a cephalosporin)

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Simplicef?
Talk to your veterinarian about what tests and exams may be necessary while your pet is taking Simplicef. Also discuss how long the treatment period will be and what type of outcome is expected.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet may be pregnant or is nursing, or if you intend to breed your pet.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, and also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

What is the most important information I should know?
Follow your veterinarian's directions and give the full course of Simplicef as prescribed. Consult your veterinarian if your pet's condition does not improve or worsens after beginning treatment with Simplicef.

Who should not take it?
Do not use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to them. Do not use in animals hypersensitive to penicillins, as they may react to both. Although no fetal abnormalities from cephalosporin use have been documented, do not use in pregnant or lactating animals (female animals nursing their young) if possible, as cephalosporins cross to the fetuses and pass in the milk.

Use with caution in animals with seizures, epilepsy, or kidney disease.

What side effects may be seen when taking Simplicef?
Side effects are rare. You may see lack of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you observe any of the above signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian.

If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How is it stored?
Store at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant, childproof container. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
May see vomiting or diarrhea. With high doses or long-term use, may see liver disease, which may cause jaundice (yellowing of the gums, skin, or eyes); kidney damage, usually with increased drinking and urination; blood disorders, which may cause decreased white blood cells and platelets, causing an increased tendency to bruise or bleed; and damage to the nervous system.

If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Simplicef?
Consult your veterinarian before using cephalosporins with vitamins, supplements, aminoglycosides (gentamicin, neomycin) or amphotericin B, anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as heparin or warfarin), and probenicid, since interactions may occur.

Some cephalosporins may affect some tests for urine glucose. May cause a false-positive test result with some brands of urine test strips dipsticks used to check urine glucose.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.