What is Cefpodoxime for Dogs?
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Responsible dog owners seek medical care when their dogs show signs of illness. Your vet conducts an examination and possibly runs tests to arrive at an accurate diagnosis of the dog’s condition. The vet may prescribe a medication called Cefpodoxime as a treatment. Most animal healthcare professionals take the time to explain the diagnosis and particulars of the treatment. You may have questions after leaving the clinic. What is Cefpodoxime for dogs? Is it a safe and effective treatment for dogs? Here is everything you need to know about Cefpodoxime.
What is Cefpodoxime for dogs?
Cefpodoxime is the generic name for a cephalosporin antibiotic medication. It is marketed under the brand names Vantin and Simplicef, or Cefpodoxime Proxetil. Seattle Animal Shelter (https://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/AnimalShelter/Cefpodoxime%20Info%20Sheet.pdf) explains that this medication is used in humans and for dogs. This drug is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial skin infections in canines. The most susceptible bacteria strains to Cefpodoxime are Streptococcus canis, E. coli, Pasteurella species, and some Staphylococcus strains.
Is Cefpodoxime approved by the FDA?
The US Food and Drug Administration has tested and reviewed Cefpodoxime for its efficacy and safety for veterinary and human use. Cefpodoxime has undergone stringent testing over periods. Results of clinical trials provided information that suggests it is safe for use in humans and dogs when prescribed for the approved uses, and in some cases, for off-label uses. The agency has approved it as a safe treatment for dogs. This medication may be prescribed off-label and extra-label for treating urinary tract infections in dogs. Since there are risks associated with any prescription medication it is wise to consult with your vet to determine if this is the best medication for your pet.
What other conditions is this medication for?
Cefpodoxime is also prescribed for injuries such as dog bites and other wounds of the skin. Infections that become red, swollen, or discharge pus may require treatment with antibiotics such as Cefpodoxime. This medication is also used to treat pneumonia in dogs caused by fungi, viruses, or bacteria. If your dog has symptoms including rapid breathing, cough, and fever, your vet may prescribe this mediation to treat the condition. It’s effective against some respiratory infections. It’s also used in the treatment of some ear infections in dogs.
Does Cefpodoxime have any side effects?
Pettable reports that for most dogs, side effects are mild, but like any medication or supplement, adverse reactions are always possible. The most common side effects are appetite loss and diarrhea. Some dogs experience other gastrointestinal issues. Vomiting is among the more severe possible side effects, indicating sensitivity to the medication. If your dog experiences vomiting after taking this medicine, inform the vet to have him switched to a different antibiotic. Vomiting indicates sensitivity to the medication. Any medication or supplement brings the risk of allergic reaction. Although most dogs tolerate it well, your dog can have an allergic reaction. Watch for symptoms of this reaction including itching, hives, swelling of the face and eyes, and difficulty breathing. Call your vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Dogs that have allergies to penicillin are more likely to experience adverse reactions to Cefpoxoxime. This medication is not recommended for pregnant and lactating female dogs because its effects on developing puppies are not yet known.
How is Cefpodoxime administered to dogs?
Cefpodoxime is dispensed in a liquid oral suspension or tablet form. Tablets are usually administered once every 24 hours for the time the prescribing animal healthcare professional deems appropriate for clearing the infection. Dosages for dogs are typically between 2.3 mg to 4.5 mg for every pound of the weight of the dog, depending on the nature and severity of the infection. Precautions must be taken when administering medications to dogs to avoid getting bitten by the animal. This medicine may be given with or without food. The presence of food in the stomach does not significantly alter its effectiveness. Some pet owners put the tablets inside a small piece of hot dog to encourage the dog to take it willingly. It’s essential to finish the entire prescription without missing doses, even if your dog starts to feel better. It’s typical for dogs to begin the recovery process after being on antibiotics for a few days, but stopping the medication before the prescribed regimen is completed can lead to a return of the infection. Failure to kill the bacteria the first time can create a stronger strain that is more highly resistant to treatment. If this medication irritates your dog’s stomach, it’s best to give it food to alleviate the discomforts. When using the liquid form of Cefpodoxime, be sure to shake the container. This ensures that all ingredients mix well for an even distribution of the active ingredients. Make sure that you measure out each dosage of liquid medicine precisely as prescribed. Keep this medication out of the reach of children and pets. Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator and properly discard any unused medication in the trash, in a wrapped container that dogs and kids cannot access. Leftover medication may not be saved for later use. Liquid expires after 14 days. Tablets should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
What happens if I miss a dose?
When life gets hectic and your schedule fills, it’s easy to forget a dose of medication. It’s something that most of us have done, but missing too many doses can interfere with your dog’s recovery. If you miss a dose give your dog its medication as soon as you remember. If it’s too close to the next dosage, skip the dose and continue on the regular schedule. If the vet prescribed this medicine once every 24 hours, give the missed dose, then alter the dosing schedule to space the treatments 24 hours apart.
What happens if my dog gets an overdose of Cefpodoxime?
Giving your dog doses too close together can result in overdosing and can cause uncomfortable gastric disturbances. Choose a dosing schedule at the best time for you to get into the routine of administering the medication and do your best to stick to the regular schedule for the best results. More serious complications of cefpodoxime overdoses include damage to the nervous system and kidneys and anemia. If you suspect your dog has received an overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately. You may also call animal poison control 24 hours a day to discuss your situation and receive advice on the next step to take. Most overdoses result in vomiting and less serious reactions, but some dogs have more intense reactions.
How does Cefpodoxime work?
Great Pet Care confirms that Cefpodoxime damages the cell wall of susceptible bacteria. Once it gains access past the cell wall, it efficiently kills the offending bacteria, allowing your pet to recover more quickly from the infection. It resists the breakdown of bacterial enzymes, allowing this medicine to work more efficiently than many other antibiotics. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that treats some bacterial infections better than cephalexin or penicillin.
How long does it take for Cefpodoxime to work?
Cefpodoxime usually begins to work within one to two hours after it is ingested. It begins working in the body to attack the bacteria causing the infection almost immediately. You may not see the results of this internal battle for one to two days. You should notice that your pet’s symptoms lessen after a day or two. This is evidence that it is the best treatment for your dog’s medical condition. If your dog isn’t feeling better within two to three days, consult the prescribing healthcare provider to discuss other possible options. It may take longer for some stubborn infections to clear. Sometimes a different antibiotic is necessary if your dog does not respond within the expected timeframe. Cefpodoxime’s effect work for 24-hours after it’s taken. This means that the benefits end within 24 hours after you stop the medicine. It also means that it can take this long or longer for allergic reactions to abate.
Which dogs should not take Cefpodoxime?
Pregnant or lactating female dogs should not take this medication because of the potential for it to cause harm to develop puppies. dogs with decreased liver or kidney functions may have difficulty processing the medication. Your vet will weigh the risks and benefits of this medication for dogs with compromised health problems. The effects of the medicine may last longer in dogs with liver and kidney issues. Your dog should be closely monitored when taking this medicine for the first few days to ensure that he is tolerating it well. If your dog vomits after taking this medication, is allergic to penicillins, or has had previous sensitivity to this drug, avoid administering this medication to him. Consult with a veterinarian about an alternative treatment. This medication should not be used for dogs with a history of seizures.
Does Cefpodoxime interact adversely with other treatments?
You should always inform your dog’s healthcare provider about any treatments or supplements he is taking. Cefpodoxime can interact adversely with some supplements and drugs. Cefpodoxime may interact with other medications. They can decrease the absorption of this medicine. If your dog takes antacids, you must wait for two hours after dosage to administer Cefpodoxime to avoid interference with the absorption of Cefpodoxime. You should not give your dog Cefpodoxime concurrently with aminoglycoside class antibiotics. You may safely give your pet Cefpodoxime with heartworm and flea treatments without fear of adverse reaction.
How expensive is Cefpodoxime?
The cost of Cefdpodoxime can vary. The cost depends on the brand, dosage, and amount of time for the recommended treatment. Prescriptions for small dogs typically cost between $20 to $30 for a short treatment course. Larger dog breeds with prolonged use may cost $150 to $200, depending on the duration of the treatment. This drug is less expensive in its generic form versus its name brand. Some online vendors from foreign countries may offer this drug at a discounted cost. It’s recommended that you get prescriptions filled from reputable providers to ensure that the medicine is created under strict guidelines and regulations. Some off-brands may not be safe for use in humans and dogs.
Can you get Cefpodoxime without a prescription?
Pet MD reports that Cefpodoxime is a medication that is available by prescription only. You cannot legally purchase Cefpodoxime without a prescription from a licensed animal healthcare provider. An accurate diagnosis is necessary to ensure that it is the proper course of treatment for dogs. Some vets may prescribe this medication off-label. You should not purchase this drug illegally from a provider as it can cause more harm than good if it is the wrong medication for your dog’s condition.
Final thoughts
Cefpodoxime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that effectively treats bacterial infections for dogs and humans. This drug has undergone stringent testing. It’s approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use in dogs and humans. It is safe for treating most dogs, other than those that are pregnant or lactating. You should not give this drug to dogs with a history of seizures, liver, or kidney disease. Like any drug or supplement, your dog can have an allergic or other adverse reaction to this drug, but dangerous complications are rare. This medication is given in pill or liquid form and administered once every 24 hours. You should avoid giving two doses at once to avoid potential health risks from an overdose. You should give your dog this medicine exactly as your vet has prescribed with precise dosages until the course of the treatment is completed. Do not discontinue this medication unless your vet advises you to do so. Stopping treatment before your vet’s recommended timeframe could cause the infection to return with resistance to treatment. Your dog should feel better within a day or two of starting this treatment. If you have any concerns about Cefpodoxime, contact the prescribing vet or your local pharmacist.
