Target Species
Cattle, cats and dogs.
Indications for use
The veterinary medicinal product is indicated for antibiotic therapy in cattle, cats and dogs. Cefalexin is a broad spectrum cefalosporin antibiotic with bactericidal activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
The following micro-organisms have been shown to be sensitive to cefalexin in vitro:
Staphylococcus spp. (including penicillin-resistant strains)
Streptococcus spp. | Actinomyces bovis |
Corynebacterium spp. | Haemophilus spp. |
Pasteurella spp. | Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae |
Escherichia coli | Clostridium spp. |
Proteus spp. | Salmonella spp. |
Micrococcus spp. | Fusobacterium spp. |
Moraxella spp. | Peptostreptococcus spp. |
Actinobacillus lignieresi | Peptococcus spp. |
When susceptible organisms are present, the veterinary medicinal product is indicated in the treatment of infections of the respiratory tract, urogenital tract, the skin and localised infections in soft tissues in dogs and cats. In dogs it may also be effective in the treatment of infections of the gastrointestinal tract.
Trials have shown the product to be of particular value in treating metritis, foot infections, wounds and abscesses and in the treatment of septicaemic mastitis to supplement intramammary therapy in cattle.
Contraindications
Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to cefalexin.
Special warnings for each target species
As with other antibiotics which are excreted mainly by the kidneys, unnecessary
accumulation may occur in the body when renal function is impaired. In cases of
known renal insufficiency the dose should be reduced.
Special precautions for use
Not suitable for intravenous or intrathecal administration.
Operator warnings
Cephalosporins may cause sensitisation (allergy) following injection, inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. Sensitivity to penicillin may lead to cross sensitivity to cephalosporin and vice versa. Allergic reactions to these substances may occasionally be serious.
Do not handle this veterinary medicinal product if you know you are sensitised, or if you have been advised not to work with such preparations.
Handle this veterinary medicinal product with great care to avoid exposure, taking all recommended precautions.
Wash hands after use.
If you develop symptoms following exposure such as a skin rash you should seek medical advice and show the doctor this warning. Swelling of the face, lips or eyes or difficulty breathing are more serious symptoms and require urgent medical attention.
Care should be taken to avoid accidental self-injection. In case of accidental self-injection, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.
Adverse Reactions
Cattle, cats and dogs:Use of the product may result in localised tissue reaction.
Very rare (<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports): | Hypersensitivity reaction; Injection site reaction; |
Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a veterinary medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to either the marketing authorisation holder or its local representative or the national competent authority via the national reporting system. See the package leaflet for respective contact details.
Use during pregnancy or lactation
None.
Interactions
Concurrent use of cephalosporins with potentially nephrotoxic substances (e.g. aminoglycosides, polymyxin antibiotics) or diuretic substances (e.g. furosemide) may increase possible nephrotoxic effects. Also see section ‘Special warnings for each target species’.
Amounts to be administered and administration route
Before withdrawal of a dose the vial should be shaken to resuspend the contents.
This veterinary medicinal product does not contain an antimicrobial preservative. Use a dry needle and syringe. Swab the septum before removing each dose.
To ensure a correct dosage, body weight should be determined as accurately as possible.
Cats and dogs: Subcutaneous use or intramuscular use.
The recommended dose is 10 mg/kg once daily for up to 5 days. Any variation should be at the prescribing veterinary surgeon’s discretion, e.g. in severe or acute conditions. After administration massage the injection site.
The following is intended as a guide:
| Weight | Dose Volume |
Cats: up to | 4.5 kg | 0.25 ml |
Dogs: small | 5-9.0 kg | 0.25-0.5 ml |
medium | 9.0-27.0 kg | 0.5-1.5 ml |
large | 27.0-54.0 kg | 1.5-3.0 ml |
Cattle: Intramuscular use.
The recommended dose for cattle is 7 mg/kg (1 ml/25 kg) once daily for up to 5 days.
Overdose
Administration of cefalexin at up to twice the recommended dose in cattle and at up to three times the recommended dose in dogs and cats does not produce any adverse effects.
Withdrawal periods
Cattle:
Meat and offal: 19 days.
Milk: Zero hours.