Target species
Cats
Indications for use
Infections caused by bacteria susceptible to cefalexin. Lower urinary tract infections due to E.coli and Proteus mirabilis.
Treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous infections: pyoderma due to Staphylococcus spp. and wounds and abscesses due to Pasteurella spp.
Contraindications
Do not use in case of severe kidney failure
Do not use in animals which are known to be hypersensitive to cephalosporins or any other substance from the β-lactam group.
Do not use in rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and gerbils and other small rodents.
Special warnings for each target species
None
Special precautions for use
Special precautions for use in animals
As with other antibiotics which are excreted mainly by the kidneys, systemic accumulation may occur in the body when renal function is impaired. In cases of known renal insufficiency, the dose should be reduced and/or the interval of administration increased and nephrotoxic drugs should not be administered concurrently.
Wherever possible, the use of the product should be based on susceptibility testing.
Official and local antimicrobial policies on antibiotherapy should be taken into account when the product is used.
Use of the product deviating from the instructions given in the SPC may increase the prevalence of bacteria resistant to the cefalexin and may decrease the effectiveness of treatment with penicillins due to the potential for cross resistance.
This product should not be used to treat kittens less than 9 weeks of age.
Use of the product in cats weighing less than 2.5 kg should be in accordance with the benefit/risk assessment performed by the responsible veterinarian. The chewable tablets are flavoured. In order to avoid any accidental ingestion, store tablets out of reach of the animals.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
Penicillins and cephalosporins may cause hypersensitivity (allergy) following injection, inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. Hypersensitivity to penicillins may lead to cross-reactions to cephalosporins and vice versa. Allergic reactions to these substances may occasionally be serious.
•Do not handle this product if you know you are sensitised, or if you have been advised not to be in contact with such substances.
•Handle this product with great care to avoid exposure taking all recommended precautions. Wash hands after use.
•If you develop symptoms following exposure, such as skin rash, you should seek medical advice and show the doctor this warning. Swelling of the face, lips or eyes or difficulty in breathing are more serious symptoms and require urgent medical attention.
•In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical attention and show the package leaflet or the label to the doctor.
Adverse reactions
Vomiting and/or diarrhoea have been observed.
Allergic reactions are possible with cefalexin and allergic cross-reactivity with other β-lactams may occur.
Use during pregnancy or lactation
Laboratory studies in mouse, rat and rabbit have not produced any evidence of teratogenic effects. The safety of the product has not been investigated in pregnant or lactating cats and should only be used according to the benefit/risk assessment by the responsible veterinarian.
Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
The bactericidal activity of cephalosporins is reduced by concomitant administration of bacteriostatic acting compounds (macrolides, sulfonamides and tetracyclines).
Nephrotoxicity can be increased when 1st generation cephalosporins are combined with polypeptide antibiotics, aminoglycosides or some diuretics (furosemide).
Concomitant use with such active substances should be avoided.
Amounts to be administered and administration route
Oral use.
15 mg cefalexin per kg bodyweight twice daily, equivalent to 1 tablet for 5 kg bodyweight for:
- 5 days for wounds and abscesses
- 10 to 14 days in case of urinary tract infections
- 14 days at least in case of pyoderma. The treatment must be continued for 10 days once the lesions have disappeared.
To ensure a correct dosage bodyweight should be determined as accurately as possible to avoid underdosing
In case of use of half tablets, put the remaining quantity of the tablet back into the blister pocket and use it for the next administration.
The tablets are flavoured. They can be administered with food or directly into the mouth of the animal.
Overdose (symptoms, emergency procedures, antidotes), if necessary
Not applicable
Withdrawal period(s)
Not applicable