Cefpodoxime is a 3rd-generation cephalosporin, an antibiotic, used to treat bacterial infections. Since the creation of penicillin, humans, and bacteria are in some sort of an “arms race.” We constantly create new ways to fight bacteria, and bacteria constantly evolve to become resistant to our medications. The first-generation cephalosporins were developed in the 1960s, as our response to the bacterial resistance to penicillin drugs. However, bacteria soon developed new methods of resistance. Therefore, it was necessary to create 2nd and 3rd-generation cephalosporins. Cefpodoxime today is used for the treatment of a wide range of infections in both humans and dogs.
How does Cefpodoxime work?
Cefpodoxime, also known by the brand names Vantin and Simplicef is a powerful antibiotic that works by damaging the cell wall of the bacteria, stopping their growth, and killing them. Bacterial enzymes that break down other antibiotics such as penicillin or cephalexin, don’t have that effect on cefpodoxime. Therefore, it’s safe to say that Cefpodoxime is an extremely resilient and effective antibacterial medication.
However, Cefpodoxime will not work for viral infections such as flu or the common cold. Antimicrobial drugs can’t fight off viral infections, which should be common sense by now. But it is incredibly effective in battling a wide variety of infections caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus canis, E. coli, Staphylococcus and Pasteurella species, etc.
What conditions does Cefpodoxime treat in dogs?
Cefpodoxime treats a number of bacterial infections in dogs including:
- Kennel Cough (upper respiratory tract infections)
- Middle ear infection
- Skin infection
- UTI (urinary tract infection)
Is Cefpodoxime for dogs safe?
Yes, Cefpodoxime for dogs is generally speaking safe. However, just like with any other medication side effects of Cefpodoxime are possible. You shouldn’t give this medication to dogs that suffer from kidney disease, have a history of seizures, or dogs allergic to cephalosporins. In addition to that, if your dog takes any other medications, look out for drug interactions
Also, only give Cefpodoxime to pregnant dogs absolutely necessary. On the other hand, lactating bitches should be fine taking this oral medication. If your dog has a known allergy to such antimicrobials, make sure you ask your doctor of veterinary medicine before giving him the drug.
How to store Cefpodoxime?
Cefpodoxime comes in a form of a tablet or a liquid suspension. Tablets should be stored at room temperature (between 68°F and 77°F) in a tightly sealed container and protected from light. Liquid suspensions need to be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures between 35°F and 45°F. The active ingredient in this medication is sensitive to light and high temperatures, so if you left the medications in your car during a hot summer day, chances are that it has gone bad
Cefpodoxime dosages
As we already said, Cefpodoxime comes in a form of a tablet or a liquid suspension. You should give Cefpodoxime to your dog by mouth with or without food. However, it’s better to give the medicine with food to prevent vomiting. In the case of liquid form, shake them before use and properly measure the right dosage.
The right Cefpodoxime dosages will vary based on your dog’s body weight. The safest thing to do would be to ask your vet what dose of Cefpodoxime Proxetil he recommends. But as a rule of thumb, the standard dosage range per day for dogs is 5-10mg/kg body weight.
What to do if I miss giving the dose to my dog?
You should give the dose of Cexpodoxime based on a regular schedule prescribed by the veterinarian. However, we are all people and we all make mistakes and forget the things we should do. Therefore, if you miss a dose, simply give it to your dog when you remember and continue to give the medication at the next scheduled time. If your dog misses one or more days of antibiotics, don’t give him double the dose the next day.
How long before Cefpodoxime start having effects?
Cefpodoxime will start fighting the bacterial infection right away and your dog should feel better after two days. However, it’s crucial that you continue to give your dog medication for as long as your vet prescribed it. Of course, if you notice any adverse reactions contact your vet right away and ask him if you should stop giving your dog the drug.
Cefpodoxime side effects
Yes, Cefpodoxime, like any other medication, can cause certain side effects in dogs. However, these side effects are very rare. Some of the most common side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Facial swelling
- Hives
While there is scientific evidence on the safety of Cefpodoxime Proxetil, and this drug is widely used in the United States, some pets will experience side effects. That’s why you have to make sure you only give them the drug in the available dosages for their size, and not overdo it.
Some drug interactions are also possible, especially if your dog uses blood thinners or any aminoglycosides. Don’t give your dog this drug if he uses different antibiotics at the same time.
What to do in case of an overdose?
In most cases, an overdose of cefpodoxime will cause vomiting, lethargy diarrhea, etc. However, some cases of overdose can be serious. Therefore, you need to visit the vet immediately or contact an emergency facility if you suspect an overdose.