What is cefpodoxime for dogs

Cefpodoxime proxetil, better known as Simplicef® or Vantin®, is an antibiotic for dogs and cats of the cephalosporin class. It is related to the penicillin drugs in how it kills bacteria, but cephalosporins have a much broader range of activity against bacteria than penicillins.

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Uses of Cefpodoxime Proxetil for Dogs and Cats
Cefpodoxime Proxetil: Precautions and Side Effects
Dosing Information of Simplicef® for Dogs and Cats

Cefpodoxime proxetil will prevent the bacteria from forming an adequate and protective cell wall. This results in instability and subsequent death of the bacteria.

Cefpodoxime proxetil is effective against bacterial strains such as Staphyloccoccus intermedius, Staphlyococcus aureus, Streptoccus canis, Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multicida and Proteus mirabilis.

Cefpodoxime proxetil is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian. This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.

Uses of Cefpodoxime Proxetil for Dogs and Cats

Cefpodoxime proxetil is used in both dogs and cats to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including skin infections, wound infections, bone infections, pneumonia, and bladder infections.

The drug is not effective against infections caused by parasites (intestinal worms), mites, viruses or fungi. Cefpodoxime proxetil is similar to the veterinary drug cephalexin.

Cefpodoxime Proxetil: Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, Cefpodoxime proxetil can cause side effects in some animals. Cefpodoxime proxetil should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

If a pet is already sensitive to allergy or vomiting from other cephalosporin drugs (such as cephalexin or cefadroxil) or penicillins (amoxicillin, ampicillin), cross-reaction with cefpodoxime proxetil is possible. Cefpodoxime proxetil may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with cefpodoxime proxetil. Such drugs include certain other antibiotics.

Cefpodoxime proxetil should be used with caution in breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs as it’s safety has not been established.

The most common side effect in animals is vomiting shortly after administration. It is usually not a sign of serious disease, but indicates that the pet is sensitive to this drug.

It is not unusual for some animals to develop diarrhea or decreased appetite from orally administered antibiotics such as cefpodoxime proxetil. However, this has not been a common complaint with cefpodoxime proxetil.

Dosing Information of Simplicef® for Dogs and Cats

The usual dose is 2.5 to 5 milligram per pound (5 to 10 milligram/kilogram) of body weight orally every 24 hours for dogs for 1 week or 3 days beyond resolution of clinical signs. The drug can be given with or without food.

In cats, the typical dose is 2.5 milligram per pound (5 milligram/kilogram) every 12 hours OR 5 milligram per pound (10 milligram/kilogram) every 24 hours.

The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse or prevent the development of resistance.

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.

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Cefpodoxime Proxetil is a prescription medication for dogs to treat bacterial infections of the skin including wounds and abscesses, as well as bladder and respiratory infections. Plus, since this medication comes in an uncoated tablet form, it can be easily disguised in your dog’s favorite food. Customers may receive this drug under the names Simplicef, Vantin.

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Item Number	295626
Generic Name	Cefpodoxime Proxetil
Common Brand Name(s)	Simplicef, Vantin
For Use With	Dogs
Administration Form	Oral
Product Form	Tablet
Health Condition	Wounds, Respiratory Infections, Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), Skin Infections
Drug Type	Antibiotic

Cefpodoxime Proxetil Tablets are indicated for the treatment of skin infections (wounds and abscesses) in dogs.

Stop administering and seek emergency veterinary medical care in the event of an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; rash; or fainting), severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, mucus or blood in the stool, and unusual bleeding or bruising. Other, less serious side effects such as mild nausea, diarrhea, or yeast infection may be more likely to occur.

Do not give medication at the same time as giving antacids such as Maalox or other stomach acid reducers such as Tagamet.

As with other cephalosporins, cefpodoxime proxetil may occasionally induce a positive direct Coombs’ test.

Prescribing Information

Cefpodoxime Proxetil.

Give this medication by mouth according to a veterinarian's instructions as they will be able to determine the dose and frequency best suitable for your dog.

Store at controlled room temperatures between 68° - 77°F. Replace cap securely after each opening.

Cefpodoxime proxetil is an oral cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, such as wounds and abscesses as well as bladder and respiratory infections in dogs.

What are the benefits of Cefpodoxime Proxetil Tablets?

Treats bacterial skin, bladder and respiratory infections in dogs .
Simple oral once-daily dosing.
Comes in a film-coated tablet for easy administration.

How is this medication given?

Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. The usual dose of cefpodoxime proxetil in dogs is 2.3-4.5mg/pound, given by mouth, once a day for 5 to 7 days up to a maximum of 28 days.

How does this medication work?

It is a cephalosporin antibiotic that treats bacterial infections by suppressing the growth of micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or protozoa.

Learn More About Cefpodoxime From Our Team of Experts

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By Peanut on May 27, 2022

This is the only antibiotic that has worked with Peanut’s allergy related skin issues. I’m thankful that I can order it & receive it quickly from Chewy. They keep the price down ..

By DogMom on Apr 24, 2022

Amazing antibiotics that the brands are ridiculously expensive and when your dog needs it it's so nice to know that Chewy has a generic version that is Affordable

By LateShip on Dec 22, 2021

Obviously being antibiotics, I needed these faster than the week it took for them to ship this out. It stated ship within 24-48 hrs before I ordered.

The medication came incredibly quick and generics do the same job as brand names. It came in a small oval pill which I gave with treats and my border collie was none the wiser (most of the time). Once wet though, the orange coating will come off so make sure it's eaten right away and your dog doesn't play with it/spit it out.

By PumpkinsGrandma on Dec 2, 2021

Medication needed for secondary infection from allergies, costs half of what we pay at vets.

By Peented on Aug 18, 2021

This medication was great for a stubborn rash Wonderdog had, seemed to be bacterial. But these pills were twice the size of the same script I got at vets.

By Katnpup on Nov 25, 2021

Great product, great service, quick delivery. Love chewy!

By Petmeds on Aug 31, 2021

The price is great, unfortunately it took over a week to get it to me. Not ideal when you need to give your pet an antibiotic.

Was originally told medication would arrive on a Wednesday as of Friday still no medication. Every day late my dog suffers another day.

By Apelili on Apr 20, 2021

Unfortunately, this medication was not effective in my pups illness. I can only say the price was significantly more affordable than that of other pharmacies.