Cephalexin (Capsules)

Product Info

Cephalexin tablets, trade name Rilexine, are a cephalosporin, beta-lactam, broad spectrum antibiotic. Rilexine tablets are distributed by Virbrac Animal Health, Inc.
what the product cures

Cephalexin cures pets with respiratory infections, wound infections, urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin.

Pet Symptoms (with picture) 

 

Respiratory infections, wound infections, urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin are all caused by infectious bacteria entering the body through an opening in the body. The skin is the number one source of protecting the body from bacteria; however, an opened wound allows bacteria to enter. An infected wound will appear red, inflamed, with a seeping white discharge, the pet may also develop a fever. Respiratory infections such as kennel cough or rhinitis are in hauled strands of bacteria. A pet with a respiratory infection may cough, mucus membranes may appear pale in color, discharge from the eyes and nose, and an over-all depression in energy. Urinary tract infections are common in breeding stock as bacteria enter the body during mating. A pet with a urinary infection will urinate often, may vocalize during excretion of urine, and be reluctant to drink. A urinary infection is very painful for a pet and may show abdominal sensitivity, the urine may also appear dark in color. Skin infections, also known as a Pyoderma, are noted as a small, raised lesion. The lesion will cause the skin to crust and hair to be lost around the infected area. The pet may itch excessively at the located infection causing the area to spread.

Pet Ailments

Bacterial infections are difficult to prevent and the key to a healthy pet is early detection. Respiratory infections, bladder infections, wound infections, and skin infections display aliments such as discharge from affected area, fever, inflammation and symptoms specific to the area of infection.

Pets with Ailments

Azodyl (60 Capsules)

Azodyl (60 Capsules)

Relative info on breed most associated with this ailment

Bacterial infections of the skin are most commonly seen in dog breeds such as the bulldog, boxer, and English bulldog. These breeds of dogs are known for their wrinkled skin. Respiratory infections are non-breed specific but are more common in kenneled dogs or those housed in shelters. Urinary infections are commonly seen in Dalmatians, a dog breed identified by its black spotted coat. Urinary infections can be found in a variety of other dogs as well.

QUESTIONS FOR MY VET
1.Dose Cephalexin decrease the effectiveness of any other medications?

1. Cephalexin, as any other antibiotic, should not be taken during time of vaccination. Vaccinations are given to build up the immune response to a virus; antibiotic may decrease this action as they help the immune system do its job.

2. Can I administer this product with my pet’s food?

a. Foods, especially those containing dairy, reduces absorbency rate of this product hence reducing affectivity. Antibiotics can be given with food if pet develops sensitivity to the product.

3. What sort of medical tests will need to be taken before administering Cephalexin?

a. A sensitivity test. A sensitivity test requires a small swab from the affected area to be culturized. This grown colony of bacteria will then be tested against different forms of antibiotics to determine which medication to prescribe. This test is essential in eliminating wasted time and money of medications that are ineffective.

4. How do I know if my pet is having an allergic reaction to the product?

a. Signs of an allergic reaction include; elevated breathing and heart rate, hives, swollen face, ear, or puffy eyes.

5. What can I do if my I note my pet having an allergic reaction?

a.) Contact your veterinarian immediately. Some veterinarians may advise you to use over the counter antihistamines to reduce swelling. In other cases the veterinarian may need to inject said antihistamine.

6. I am allergic to most forms of antibiotics, is it safe for me to handle my pet’s medication?

a.) Yes. Handlers which are allergic to antibiotics are advised to wear safety materials such as gloves while administering the product. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth. After administration wash hands and forearms thoroughly with soap and water.

7. What kind of adverse reactions should I be aware of while my pet is on this medication?

a.) adverse reactions are rare but do happen. Adverse reactions which have been reported include; tachypnea, gas, polydipsia, otitis externa, skin lesions, dermatitis, puritis, lethargy, anorexia, diarrhea, and vomiting.

How it Works:

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic and like other β-lactam antimicrobials, this product works by interrupting the building blocks of a bacteria’s cell wall. The wall of a cell is formed by binding proteins together as a line of protection. Cephalexin binds itself to these proteins making it impossible for a wall to form.

Directions for use

The Federal Drug Administration prohibits this product from being used in any other way than directed upon the label. If you do not understand the directed label entirely, ask your veterinarian or pharmacist to further explain directions.

Dosage and administration: Tablets are available in 150, 300, and 600 mg tablets. Canines: 22mg/kg or 10mg/lb of body weight twice a day for 28 days. Dosage and frequency of administration may change according to performed culture sensitivity testing (test used to grow infectious bacteria). Follow off label directions prescribed by the veterinarian.

Dogs:

• Cephalexin is administered by mouth.
• Open the pet’s mouth by placed thumb and index finger at the hinges of the jaw, gently squeeze.
• Place the pill into the pet’s mouth past the tongue, hold the mouth closed to ensure swallow.

Pets do not enjoy taking pills therefore administration attempts may take practice. This product maybe given within a food or pill pocket to ease the administration of said pill. Pet must take full tablet for full effect. Partially swallowed, spit up, or chewed up pills should be noted.

Ingredients

The Cephalexin capsule contains 250 mg (720 µmol) or 500 mg (1439 µmol) of Cephalexin monohydrate. The capsules also contain inactive ingredients of microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, and sodium lauryl sulfate.

Product Cautions

FDA restricts this product from being used by anyone other than a licensed veterinarian.

The product must not be accessible to children.

This product is meant to be used for dogs only.

Cephalexin has not been tested for use in pregnant or lactating females.

Product label content should be read thoroughly as patients taking additional prescription medications are at risk of counter reactions.

Animals: Dogs with previous allergies to any antibiotic classified within the B-lactam family of drugs may develop an allergic reaction to Cephalexin. Reduce chances of allergic reactions by discussing all patient history before use. Not labeled for use in cats.

Humans: Not intended for human use. Individuals handling this product with known allergies to the B-lactam family of antibiotics should wear protective clothing. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and mucus membranes while handling this product. In case of accidental ingestion contact a Poison Control Center or physician immediately.

PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL HAZARDS:

FIRST AID

If Swallowed: Contact a poison control center immediately as emergency care may be needed. Do not encourage personnel to vomit substance unless directed by poison control center representative.

If in eyes: If product residue affects the eyes, keep affected eye open and flush out with water. Rinse eye for fifteen to twenty minutes. Contact lenses, if in use, should be removed after the initial five minutes and washing of eye be continued. Get in touch with a doctor or poison control center for further advice and action to be taken.

If on skin or clothing: Individuals with known allergies to antibiotics should remove clothing which has come in contact with product. Skin should be washed with liberal volumes of water for fifteen to twenty minutes. Topical or oral forms of antihistamines may be taken if reaction occurs. Approach a doctor or poison control centre for further advice and action to be taken.

Storage & Disposal

Storage: Tablets should be stored at temperatures ranging from 20 -25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees F). Do not store medication among food or drink. The contents should not be transferred to other containers.

Disposal: Empty containers should be disposed of as directed and never re-used. Recycling or garbage disposal is viable as directed upon product label. Consult a medical waste agency for directions to depose of remaining drug and container. Contact 1-800-CLEANUP for additional information.

Brand vs. generic comparison: Cephalexin is manufactured as the name brand but can be sold generically under the same name. The generic form can be used in dogs and off labeled in cats. These products contain the same active ingredient but cost less and can contain more per container. Generic forms of this product however are not issued by veterinarian and storage regulations are variable. Name brand has a higher reliance rate and is veterinarian recommended.