Selected Antimicrobial Information – Companion Animal
Cephalexin [Companion]
Restriction Status
Unrestricted
Dose
| Species | Usage | Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Cats |
For soft tissue infections | 15-30mg/kg PO q12h for 14-28d (extra-label use) |
| For systemic infections |
35mg/kg PO q6-8h for 14-28d if indicated by culture/susceptibility (extra-label use) | |
| Dogs |
Label dose | 22mg/kg PO q12h for up to 28d |
| For pyoderma | 22-35mg/kg PO q12h | |
| For respiratory tract infections | 20-40mg/kg PO q8h for 7-14d if indicated by culture/susceptibility (extra-label use) | |
| For systemic infections |
25-45mg/kg PO q8h for 14-28d if indicated by culture/susceptibility (extra-label) | |
| For orthopedic infections | 22-30mg/kg PO q6-8h for 28d (extra-label) | |
| For urinary tract infections | 15mg/kg PO q6-8h for 14-28d (extra-label) |
Brand Name(s)
Rilexine®, Keflex®
Background
Cephalexin is a bactericidal, time-dependent first generation cephalosporin (β-lactam) antibiotic with activity primarily against Gram-positive aerobes, and more limited activity against Gram-negative aerobes and anaerobes. Cephalexin is not effective against Enterococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. Distribution throughout the body is wide, including into bone, but cephalexin does not penetrate intracellularly or cross the blood-brain barrier. Excretion is primarily in urine and bile.
Acceptable Uses
- First line empiric treatment of pyoderma associated with susceptible Staphylococcus spp. Culture/susceptibility are recommended if not a first-time infection.
- Treatment of other susceptible soft tissue infections.
- Less preferred treatment for urinary tract infections.
Unacceptable Uses
- N/A
Formulations Available within the OSU Pharmacy
- Cephalexin 250mg capsule
- Cephalexin 500mg capsule
- Cephalexin 50mg/ml oral suspension
Notes
- N/A
