Cephalexin Antibiotics for Dogs & Side Affects

Just like us, puppies and dogs are susceptible to bacterial infection.

Dogs suffer from bacterial infections just like their human best friends. In some cases, medication approved by the FDA for human consumption only is more effective in treating the canine's infection. To aid veterinarians in their fight against animal disease, the FDA approved the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994. This act allows veterinarians to prescribe human medication to animals under a classification known as "extra label" use. Cephalexin is one of these extra label drugs.

History

It only takes 30 minutes for the body to deplete penicillin.

Mar Vista Animal Medical Center gives a historical accounting of cephalexin on their website. They explain that although penicillin truly was a wondrous discovery in the battle against bacterial infection, the medication falls short overall in total bacterial eradication in both humans and dogs; only 30 percent of penicillin is absorbed by the body, and half of that is depleted within 30 minutes. Worse, certain strains of bacteria outsmart the drug, destroying it rather than the other way around. Needless to say, penicillin needed some improvement and cephalexin, a cephalosporin class antibiotic, was produced to do just that.

Types

Cephalexin is derived from mold.

Mar Vista Vet further explains cephalosporin antibiotics are derived from bacterium (specifically, Cephalosporium acremonium) just like penicillin and are classified into three groups: first-, second- and third generation. Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin, and provides effective treatment against the bacteria immune to penicillin, as well as anaerobic, or oxygen-intolerant, bacteria. In cases where a dog is infected with a penicillin-resistant bacterium, cephalexin's alternate genetic make-up provides effective relief.

Treatments

Cephalexin is safe for long-term use.

Doctors Foster and Smith indicate that cephalexin is primarily prescribed for dogs to treat skin, urinary tract, bone and respiratory tract infections. Because cephalexin is considered safe for long-term use, it is particularly effective in treating deep skin infections, termed "pyodermas" by Mar Vista Vet, which might require antibiotic treatment for up to six to eight weeks.

Side Effects

Swelling of the mouth is a serious side effect of cephalexin.

All antibiotics come with side effects, and cephalexin is no different. VetInfo4Dogs.com reports dogs being administered cephalexin may experience vomiting and diarrhea, allergic reactions (particularly if the canine is allergic to penicillin) signified by a rash, hives, shortness of breath and/or swelling of the face and mouth and, in severe cases of overdose, abdominal pain, muscle spasms, weakness and seizing. Added to these side effects may be hyperactivity and drooling, according to Doctors Foster and Smith.

Interactions

Cephalexin should not be used in diabetic dogs.

Despite its effectiveness, Doctors Foster and Smith caution that cephalexin does not mix well with certain medications and supplements. They specifically call out "vitamins, supplements, aminoglycosides (gentamicin, neomycin) or amphotericin B, anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as heparin or warfarin), and probenicid" as no-nos in conjunction with cephalexin therapy. Additionally, if the dog is diabetic, cephalexin directly affects blood glucose test results with certain brands of urine test strips and might report false numbers.

References

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994 (AMDUCA)
• PetPlace.com: Cephalexin (Keflex®)
• Mar Vista Animal Medical Center: Cephalexin
• Doctors Foster and Smith Pharmacy: Patient Information Sheet: Cephalosporins
• VetInfo4Dogs.com: The Side Effects of Cephalexin for Dogs

Resources

• PetMD: Anaerobic Bacterial Infections in Dogs