Cephalexin Alternatives for Cat Sinus Infection

Sinus infections in cats, also called sinusitis or rhinitis, usually occur in younger animals. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, allergies, trauma, cancer and auto-immune diseases are some of the causes of sinus infections in cats. Your veterinarian may choose to use cephalexin to treat your cat, but if your cat cannot tolerate cephalexin, there are other treatments available.

  1. Antibiotics

    • Antibiotics are only required to treat bacterial infections and prevent secondary infections. Your veterinarian will use antibiotics such as amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, trimethoprim/sulfa, fluoroquinolones, tetracycline or chloramphenicol instead of cephalasporins (Cephalexin) if your cat cannot tolerate cephalasporins.

    Humidifier

    • Using a humidifier can greatly help your cat to breathe and may be used in conjunction with other therapies that do not include cephalexin. You can use the same kind of humidifier for cats as you would for humans. Your veterinarian may request that you keep your cat's nostrils clean. You can do this by gently wiping each nostril with a soft washcloth dampened (not dripping) with warm water.

    Anti-inflammatories

    • Anti-inflammatories, usually in the form of corticosteroids, are helpful in reducing inflammation in your cat's nasal passages and other airways. If the sinus infection is caused by auto-immune diseases or allergies, this may help your cat more than cephalexin.

    Nebulizers and Nose Drops

    • Nebulizers and nose drops may be used in conjunction with other treatments that do not include cephalexin. The nose drops may be a saline solution. Nebulizers may have decongestants such as ephedrine sulfate.

    Antifungals

    • If the sinusitis, and subsequent pneumonia, is caused by a fungal infection, antifungals may be used instead of antibiotics. These may include ketoconazole, itraconazole and fluconazole,