Cefadroxil

Major Uses

Cefadroxil is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat various infections in dogs and cats. Like penicillin, cefadroxil inhibits the production of the cell wall of bacteria, however, it has a much broader spectrum of activity than penicillin-like drugs. Cefadroxil is an oral medication, and some examples of what it may be prescribed to treat include skin and wound infections, bone infections, and bladder and genitourinary infections.

Common Precautions

Side effects with the use of cefadroxil are typically rare and mild. The most common effect seen is gastrointestinal upset, like vomiting or diarrhea. If the drug is given with a small meal, it may help ease this effect. Cefadroxil should be used with caution in animals with epilepsy, those with kidney failure, and also pregnant animals. Possible drug interactions can occur, so the prescribing veterinarian should be aware of all other medications the pet is taking prior to administration of cefadroxil. Other antibiotics may interact with the drug.

Cefadroxil should not be administered to animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug, other cephalosporins, or to penicillins. Signs of an allergic or hypersensitive reaction may include rashes, fever, or anaphylaxis. The pet's veterinarian, or emergency care, should be sought as soon as possible if these, or any other unusual reactions occur.

Storage

Cefadroxil tablets should be stored in tight, childproof, light resistant containers at room temperature. The oral suspension form should be refrigerated for no more than 14 days.

Administration

Cefadroxil is supplied in 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, and 1,000 mg tablets, as well as a 50 mg/mL oral suspension. The typical dose for dogs and cats is 10 - 15 mg/lb (22 - 30 mg/kg) by mouth every 12 hours. Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.

If a dose is missed it should be given as soon as possible. If it as almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule should proceed. Two doses should never be administered at once. The pet's veterinarian should be contacted if there are any questions.