Cattle, cats and dogs.

The 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)

When susceptible organisms are present, the 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.

Hypersensitivity to cefalexin is very rare, however, it should not be administered to animals which are known to be hypersensitive.

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.

Not suitable for intravenous or intrathecal administration.

Care should be taken to avoid accidental self-injection. In the case of accidental self-injection, seek medical advice immediately.

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.

1. Do not handle this product if you know you are sensitised, or if you have been advised not to work with such preparations.

2. Handle this product with great care to avoid exposure, taking all recommended precautions. Wash hands after use.

3. 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.

Use of the product may result in localised tissue reaction.

Allergic reactions across all target species have been reported very rarely in spontaneous reports.

The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:

- very common (more than 1 in 10 animals treated displaying adverse reaction(s))

- common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals treated)

- uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated)

- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals treated)

- very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports).

None.

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’.

Before withdrawal of a dose the vial should be shaken to re-suspend the contents.

This product does not contain an antimicrobial preservative. Use a dry needle and syringe. Swab the septum before removing each dose.

Dogs and cats: The recommended dose is 10 mg/kg once daily for up to 5 days. Any variation should be at the prescribing veterinary surgeons discretion, e.g. in severe or acute conditions. The following is intended as a guide:

The product may be administered by either the subcutaneous or intramuscular route. After administration massage the injection site.

Cattle: The recommended dose for cattle is 7 mg/kg (1ml/25kg) once daily for up to 5 days.

The product should be administered by the intramuscular route.

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.

Cattle - 19 days

Cattle (milk) – Zero hours

Animals for human consumption must not be slaughtered during treatment.