Cephavet (Cefalexin) 250mg/5ml

Cephavet general information

What is Cephavet used for?

Cephavet Oral Suspension 250mg/5mL is a broad spectrum antibiotic specifically used to treat a wide range of infections in cats and dogs, caused by a variety of susceptible bacteria.  These include skin and soft tissue infections like infected wounds, abscesses, and lacerations.  Cephavet Oral Suspension 250mg/5mL is also used to treat infections of the respiratory tract and urinary tract; also, infections of the bones and joints.  Cephavet Oral Suspension 250mg/5mL is a dry syrup that makes it easy for your pet to swallow.  Cephavet Oral Suspension 250mg/5mL is only suitable for animals.

How does Cephavet work?

Cephavet Oral Suspension 250mg/5mL contains cephalexin, a semi-synthetic, first generation cephalosporin antibiotic, belonging to a sub group of the beta lactam group of antibiotics (which include penicillins).  Cephalexin in Cephavet Oral Suspension 250mg/5mL inhibits the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall, which is important for the structural integrity of the bacterial cell wall.  Blocking formation of the bacterial cell wall in susceptible bacteria kills the bacteria.  Unlike other beta lactam antibiotics like penicillins, cephalosporins are less susceptible to destruction by beta-lactamase found in some resistant bacteria.  Cephalexin in Cephavet Oral Suspension 250mg/5mL is effective against a wide range of bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes Haemophilus influenzae Klebsiella pneumoniae Moraxella catarrhalis and Proteus mirabilis.  

What does Cephavet contain?

Cephavet Oral Suspension 250mg/5mL contains the active ingredient cephalexin monohydrate, a cephalosporin antibiotic belonging to a sub group of the beta lactam group of antibiotics, which is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections in cats and dogs. 

Treating bacterial infection with Cephavet

Cephavet Oral Suspension 250mg/5mL contain cephalexin, a cephalosporin antibiotic belonging to a sub group of the beta lactam group of antibiotics (which include penicillins).  Cephalexin in Cephavet Oral Suspension 250mg/5mL works by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall in susceptible bacteria, which kills the bacteria.  Cephalexin in Cephavet Oral Suspension 250mg/5mL is effective against bacterial infections in cats and dogs, caused by a wide range of bacteria including skin and soft tissue infections like infected wounds, abscesses, and lacerations; respiratory tract and urinary tract infections; and infections of the bones and joints. 

What are the side effects of Cephavet?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Cephavet Oral Suspension 250mg/5mL include allergic reactions, vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, decreased appetite, weight loss.

When should Cephavet not be used?

You should not give Cephavet Oral Suspension 250mg/5mL to your pet if your pet:

• is allergic to cephalexin or any ingredients in Cephavet
• is pregnant or lactating
• has diarrhoea
• has kidney disease; they may need a reduced dose

How should Cephavet be taken?

You should give your Cephavet Oral Suspension 250mg/5mL to your pet once or twice daily, preferably at the same time each day and with meals.  The dose you give and how often, depends on what your pet is being treated for and your veterinarian’s recommendation, and is based on your pet’s body weight:

The usual dose of Cephavet Oral Suspension for dogs and cats is 22-30 mg/kg (10-13.6 mg/lb). 

• For urinary tract infection the dose should be 15 mg/kg (6.8mg/lb) twice a day: use 0.29mL/kg (0.13mL/lb) body weight
• For skin infections the dose should be 30 mg/kg (13.6 mg/lb) once a day: use 0.59mL/kg (0.27mL/lb) body weight

You should continue to give Cephavet Oral Suspension 250mg/5mL to your pet for as long as recommended by your veterinarian, which is usually for at least 3 days after your pet’s symptoms have improved.  

How long should you give Cephavet?

You should continue to give Cephavet Oral Suspension 250mg/5mL to your pet for as long as recommended by your veterinarian, which is usually for at least 3 days after your pet’s symptoms have improved.

Missed dose of Cephavet

If you miss a dose of Cephavet Oral Suspension give it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to give the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not give a double dose.

How should Cephavet be stored?

You should store your Cephavet Oral Suspension below 25°C in a cool dry place.