Cefpodoxime for Dogs – Benefits, Dosage, and Precautions

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When our small furry friends are sick and itching, we want to help them. Sometimes tender, loving care is enough. Other times, we need to bring out the big guns. In those cases, antibiotics like Cefpodoxime can be the savior of the day. But what are the benefits of Cefpodoxime? What dosage is recommended, and are there any side effects to look out for? Take a read below!  

Bottle of Cefpodoxime pills, Cefpodoxime for Dogs - Benefits, Dosage, and Precautions - I Love Veterinary

What Is Cefpodoxime? 

Cefpodoxime is more commonly known under the brand names Simplicef and Vantin. It is a type of third-generation antibiotic called Cephalosporin. The third generation only means that it is partly synthetic, having been developed from the first types of antibiotics.  

Cefpodoxime is used most commonly for treating bacterial infections in dogs. However, it can also be used just as well for cats, although it is not often the first choice. Cefpodoxime is a broad spectrum of antibiotics.

Being a broad-spectrum antibiotic means that it can affect both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It works by affecting the cell wall of the bacteria. Effectively, the antibiotics make holes in the cell wall. This kills the bacteria, meaning Cefpodoxime is bactericidal. 

(Fun fact: Some antibiotics that are not bactericidal, they are bacteriostatic. This means that they stop the bacteria from reproducing and thereby stops the infection. Also, a very useful antibiotic). 

The bacteria susceptible to Cefpodoxime are: 

  • Staphylococcus species 
  • Pasteurella species 
  • Streptococcus Canis 
  • E. Coli

The above bacteria can cause a wide range of infections. But, most often, Cefpodoxime is administered by the veterinarian to treat the following bacterial conditions:

  • Skin infections 
  • Infected wounds
  • Abscesses 

In some cases, Cefpodoxime can even be used to treat urinary tract infections. 

E. Coli, Cefpodoxime for Dogs - Benefits, Dosage, and Precautions - I Love Veterinary

What Are the Key Benefits of Cefpodoxime? 

Remember to always only administer medicine to your pet when your veterinarian has prescribed it. 

Why is Cefpodoxime your vets’ drug of choice, compared to other products, you might be wondering? Some of the key benefits of this specific type of antibiotics are: 

  • Cefpodoxime can be administered to dogs and cats: It is made for dogs but can be given to cats and off-label. 

(Off-label is a legal and common practice in all types of medicine. It means giving a kind of medication that hasn’t been made specifically for the current condition or patient. But, where scientific evidence suggests the drug is both safe and works well)

  • Long half-life: Cefpodoxime takes a long time to be broken down in the body. This means that for most dogs, 1 pill per day will be enough. 
  • Easy to administer: The tablets are coated, scored, and odorless. This means that most dogs will eat them with ease. 
  • Cefpodoxime can be given with or without food. Unlike a lot of antibiotics, Cefpodoxime can be administered without food. For easy administration. 

Liquid Cefpodoxime, Cefpodoxime for Dogs - Benefits, Dosage, and Precautions - I Love Veterinary

What Is the Recommended Dosage for Cefpodoxime, and How Is It Administered? 

A veterinarian must always oversee antibiotic courses. This to avoid over- and undertreating the infection. It also ensures that your pet gets back on its feet as quickly as possible, of course. But it is also to limit the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can happen when too many antibiotics are used. 

What dosage is needed and the length of treatment depends on a lot of different things. Including: 

  • The type of bacteria.
  • The severity of the infection. 
  • Your pet’s age and general health. 

Luckily, your veterinarian will be able to guide you and your furry friend. 

The standard dosage range per day for dogs is 5-10mg/kg body weight per day.

Length of administering is most often 5-7 days or 2-3 days after cessation of clinical signs. 

Cefpodoxime can be given as a tablet (most common) or an oral suspension (liquid). 

The liquid needs to be shaken thoroughly before given. Otherwise, the medication will be stuck at the bottom of the bottle! 

Both tablets and suspension can be given with or without food. Some animals vomit after receiving their dose. If this happens, try giving it with food next. If vomiting persists, contact your veterinarian. 

You should also be aware of a few things: Cefpodoxime should not be given to animals with a known allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics or cephalosporins, as it will cause an allergic reaction. 

It is also not recommended for pregnant or lactating females as it passes through the milk.

Even though it is uncommon, some drugs may interact with Cefpoxodime. This is why it is important to inform your veterinarian of any medication, supplements, or treatment your pet is already receiving. 

Dog at vet, Cefpodoxime for Dogs - Benefits, Dosage, and Precautions - I Love Veterinary

What Adverse Reactions Can Be Expected With Cefpodoxime?

There are few side effects with Cefpoxodime, that is one of the benefits of it, and the ones that do appear are often mild. The most common side effects for dogs are:

  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Loss of appetite 

Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions are rare but can happen. If side effects become severe or persist for an extended period of time, contact your veterinarian. 

In cats, the most important side effect to be aware of is the total loss of appetite. This is a severe symptom, as it can be a sign of liver damage. Contact your veterinarian immediately if a complete loss of appetite occurs in your cat. 

Summary 

Cefpodoxime is a wonderful course of treatment for a lot of different infections. It has a broad spectrum of effectiveness and relatively few side effects. Giving your furry friend Cefpoxodime under the advice of a veterinarian can help your pet quickly back on its feet. For a long and happy life! 

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AUTHOR

With a veterinary master's degree from the University of Copenhagen in 2023, this accomplished writer's academic journey culminated in a thesis focused on the "Feasibility of using ultrasound of the abdomen for early diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis in neonatal pigs." Additionally, their dissertation delved into the intriguing topic of "Mercury accumulation in Greenlandic sleddogs." Beyond her academic achievements, her passion for animal health seamlessly merges with her love for writing. She excels in harmonizing clinical precision with literary expression, crafting articles that resonate with the heartbeat of her veterinary profession.