can i give my cat cephalexin 250 mg

Cats are usually given Cephalexin 250 mg/5 ml for treatment of bacterial infections. You can use Cephalexin for UTI treatment too. Human Cephalexin works in a similar manner. They belong to a class of antibiotics referred to as cephalosporin.

Overview of Cephalexin for Canines and Felines

Cephalexin is an antibiotic used for dogs and cats that is also marketed under the names Keflex®, Keftab®, Biocef®, and Rilexine®. Cephalexin is a member of the cephalosporin drug class and functions similarly to penicillin in terms of bacterial killing. Compared to penicillin, cephalosporins are much more effective against bacteria.
First-generation cephalosporins like cephalexin function by stopping bacteria from building a strong enough cell wall to protect themselves. This results in instability and subsequent death of the bacteria.
Cephalexin is easily absorbed when taken orally, reaching peak serum levels in two hours.
An antibiotic has a range of action; it does not eradicate every kind of bacteria. Gram negative and anaerobic organisms such as common Escherichia, Klebsiella, Proteus mirabilis, Pasteurella multocida, common Streptococci, and most Staphylococci are all susceptible to cephalexin’s action. Generally speaking, it is ineffective against Enterococcus, Bacteroides, Aerobacter, and Mycoplasma species. , methicillin-resistant staphylococci, Pseudomonas, some Proteus bacteria*, Rickettsia spp. ,* fungi, and viruses.
Cephalexin is a medication that requires a prescription and is only available through veterinarians.

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Uses of Cephalexin for Dogs and Cats

Many bacterial infections, such as pyoderma, wound infections, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infections, mastitis, and urinary tract (bladder) infections, are treated with cephalexin in both dogs and cats.
Veterinarians frequently use cephalexin and cefadroxil interchangeably because of their similarities. The drugs have equal effectiveness.
Cephalexin is ineffective against infections brought on by mites, viruses, fungi, or parasites (intestinal worms).

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Brand Names and Other Names of Cephalexin

Other names and formulations include Cefalexin, Cephalexin monohydrate, and Cephalexin monohydrochloride.
Formulations for humans: Ilium® (Troy), Keflex® (Dista), Cephaforte® (Jurox), Celexin, Cepexin, Cephacillin, and Ceporexin, among other generic forms
Veterinary formulations: Petalexin® (Alfamed), Cefabactin® (Le Vet Beheer), Cephorum® (Forum Animal Health), Ceporex® (Intervet), Cephacare® (Animalcare LTD), Cefaseptin® (Vetoquinol), and a number of other generic forms

FAQ

Can cats take cephalexin 250 mg?

In dogs and cats, cephalexin can be useful to help treat infections of the skin, respiratory tract, and urinary tract. The FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) has approved this drug for use in humans and dogs, but it is not officially approved for use in other species.

Is 250 mg of cephalexin a lot?

The usual dose is 250 mg taken every 6 hours, or a dose of 500 mg every 12 hours may be given. If you have a severe infection, your doctor may give you a larger dose. 1–4 grams per day taken in divided doses. The usual dose is 250 mg taken every 6 hours, or a dose of 500 mg every 12 hours may be given.

How long does it take for cephalexin 250 mg to work?

Cephalexin starts to work right away and becomes the most effective one hour after taking it. That being said, it can take up to 48 hours after taking the drug to start seeing your symptoms improve.

Is cephalexin 250 mg good for UTI?

Cephalexin is a type of antibiotic that is frequently used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is one of the top 100 most commonly prescribed medications in the US, and can be very effective for many common bacterial infections.