Cephalosporins (Generic)

What is Cephalosporins?
Cephalosporins are prescription antibiotics. They are most often used to treat certain bacterial urinary tract infections and skin infections, including abscesses and other wounds. Cephalosporins are often used to treat an infection while waiting for culture results.

Who is it for?
Cephalosporins are for multiple species including cats and dogs.

What are the benefits?

Cephalosporins are prescription antibiotics. They belong to a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics called beta-lactam antibiotics. Cephalosporins are used to treat certain bacterial urinary tract infections and skin infections, including abscesses and other wounds. They may also be used to treat infections of the bones or respiratory tract. Cephalosporins are often used to treat an infection while waiting for culture results. Cephalosporins are considered very safe, with few side effects.

How does Cephalosporins work?
Cephalosporins block the bacteria from making a cell wall (the outer protective covering of the bacteria). As a result, the bacteria die.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
Cefadroxil and cephalexin are two generic forms of cephalosporins. Cefa-Drops® are a brand name.

How is it given?
Cephalosporins are given by mouth. May be given with a small amount of 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.

What results can I expect?
Cephalosporins are absorbed well from the digestive system and distributed to many body tissues, making them effective against infections in multiple organs. They are active against many different types of bacteria. They are usually given two to three times a day for a number of days. 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 Cephalosporins.

What form(s) does it come in?
Multiple forms including capsules and liquids.

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

Brand Name
Cefa-Drops (veterinary form), Keflex (human form)

Pronunciation
Se-FA-lo-spore-ins

Common Drug Name
Cephalosporins including cefadroxil and cephalexin

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

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has an allergy to penicillin, has kidney disease, or 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 Cephalosporin as prescribed. Consult your veterinarian if the animal's condition does not improve or worsens after beginning treatment with Cephalosporins.

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, since Cephalosporins cross to the fetuses and pass in the milk.

Use with caution in animals with kidney disease.

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

What side effects may be seen when taking Cephalosporins?
Side effects are rare. May see lack of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea. Dogs: May also see drooling, rapid breathing, rashes, and excitability. Cats: May also see rashes or fever (temperature greater than 103°F).

How is it stored?
Once the oral suspension is reconstituted (the powder is mixed with water), store in the refrigerator and use within 14 days. Shake well before use. Store other forms at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant, childproof container. Some Cephalosporins have a strong sulfur odor. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Cephalosporins?
Consult your veterinarian before using Cephalosporins with vitamins, supplements, aminoglycosides (gentamicin, neomycin) or amphotericin B, and probenicid, since interactions may occur.

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.