Cephalexin for Dogs & Humans

There are several drugs on the market that are used in both animals and humans. One such drug that is widely used in dogs and humans is Cephalexin. Cephalexin is approved for use in humans by the Food and Drud Administration, and while it is not approved in animals, it can be prescribed by veterinarians as an off-label drug.

  1. Definition

    • Cephalexin is an antibiotic. It is normally used to kill bacteria and prevent it from causing primary infections, or secondary infections associated with a preexisting condition. Cephalexin is not available over the counter, and must be prescribed by a doctor or veterinarian.

    What It Does

    • Cephalexin works by killing harmful bacteria. It does this by preventing the bacteria from building protective cell walls for itself, which weakens and eventually kills the bacteria. Cephalexin is used to treat a wide variety of afflictions, including pneumonia, skin infections, bone infections, general staph infections and bladder issues, as well as for wound aftercare.

    Delivery Methods

    • Cephalexin is available as an oral suspension, 250mg and 500mg tablets, and 250mg and 500mg capsules. The capsules and tablets are used far more often than the liquid suspension, as the liquid has a much shorter shelf life, is more expensive and is not as convenient to store and administer.

    Dosing

    • Cephalexin dosing for dogs is typically 10mg to 15mg per pound of body weight, and is given every eight to 10 hours. Dosing for humans is normally 250mg every six hours, but the dose may be raised to 500mg if the patient's condition warrants extra medication. Duration of treatment is normally seven to 10 days, with some conditions such as cystitis therapy requiring a full two weeks of medication.

    Side Effects

    • Cephalexin is a relatively safe antibiotic, but some side effects are possible. In dogs, Cephalexin's side effects are most often mild diarrhea and vomiting. Humans may exhibit more side effects, which may include dizziness, fever, stomach discomfort, headache, joint discomfort and seizures. Cephalexin may also adversely interact with other drugs that a patient is taking. Patients with a history of liver disease are normally screened before being placed on Cephalexin.