What is simplicef for dogs

Simplicef(®) (cefpodoxime) is a cephalosporin antibiotic often used to treat skin infections, it works by stopping bacteria from building cell walls. Without a properly formed cell wall the bacteria is left unprotected and eventually dies. As an antibiotic it cannot cure viral infections, so avoid giving it to dogs with a case of the sniffles and only use it when a bacterial infection has been diagnosed and you have been given a prescription.

Other names: This medicine is also known as Vantin(®).


 

What’s The Dosage?

 
Note: Do not give Simplicef or any other medicines containing cefpodoxime to your dog unless you have permission from your vet. When using Simplicef or generic cefpodoxime to treat a dog we recommended a dosage of 2.3 – 4.5 mg/lb given by mouth once daily (every 24 hours) for 5 – 7 days or a maximum of 28 days. Treatment should not be stopped until at least 2 – 3 days after your dog’s symptoms have gone away. Stopping treatment early could cause the infection to return. A common dosage of 4 mg/lb is shown on the chart below:

What is simplicef for dogs

  If symptoms don’t improve within 3 – 4 days your pet may not be responding to therapy. In this case it’s best call your vet for advice on what to do next.

Do I need to give the medicine with food?

If you’re using tablets giving the medicine with food can help to increase the absorption of the drug. If you’re using a liquid formulation you can give it both with or without food.

Is It Safe?

  Simplicef should be tolerated well by most dogs, but rarely it can cause an allergic reaction. You should tell a vet if your pet has ever had allergies to this antibiotic or to any other cephalosporins such as cephalexin in the past, or if they have ever reacted badly to penicillin. The dosage may need to be adjusted in those with kidney problems and extra care should be taken when treating those who have a history of seizures.

Pregnancy/nursing: It should be safe for use during pregnancy but it’s better to avoid it when possible just in case. The drug passes through milk and in theory could cause diarrhea in nursing pups.


 

Guidelines For Use

  For safe treatment with this antibiotic we recommend the following guidelines:

  • Never use the drug without a prescription
  • Do not continue treatment for more than 28 days
  • Avoid use in pregnant and nursing dogs if possible

  Apart from following the guidelines above, you should also book a veterinary consult to discuss treatment options and to get a prescription. Always tell the vet if your dog:

  • Does not begin feeling better after the fourth day
  • Has reacted badly to cephalosporins or penicillin in the past
  • Is being given any other medicines or supplements
  • Suffers from kidney disease or seizure disorders

A lower dose may be used when treating animals with severe kidney disease.
 

What Is It Used For?

 
This medicine is an antibiotic which is used to treat bacterial infections only. Most commonly it is given to clear up skin infections caused by the bacteria staphylococcus.
 

Side Effects

  Dogs treated with this antibiotic could experience the following adverse effects:  

Most Common

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite

 
Rare

  • Allergic reactions
  • Blood dyscrasia (when high doses are used)

  If an allergic reaction begins to develop you should seek veterinary attention right away. Allergies to Simplicef can be dangerous and even life-threatening when left untreated.

Sources

Dr. Morgan Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook (sixth edition)

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What is simplicef for dogs

What is simplicef for dogs

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Simplicef tablets are prescribed by veterinarians for the treatment of various infections in dogs caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Some of these infections include but are not limited to skin, urinary tract, bone, and respiratory tract infections. Best of all, this antimicrobial comes in a tablet form, so you can feed it by mouth.

Proudly sourced directly from the manufacturer or their approved distributor. Guaranteed genuine and backed by the manufacturer.

Item Number290016
Common Brand Name(s)Simplicef, Vantin
Generic NameCefpodoxime Proxetil
For Use WithDogs
Administration FormOral
Product FormTablet
Health ConditionSkin Infections, Wounds, Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
Drug TypeAntibiotic

Simplicef tablets are indicated for the treatment of skin infections, wounds and abscesses in dogs caused by specific strains of bacteria.

Side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, increased water-intake and decreased appetite.

Discuss medications and supplements your pet is taking with your vet as interactions are possible with Simplicef. Aminoglycosides (gentamicin, neomycin), amphotericin B, anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as heparin or warfarin), and probenicid may interact with Simplicef. Other interactions may occur.

If your pet is allergic to cephalosporins or penicillins, do not give Simplicef. Simplicef should not be given to pregnant or lactating animals because it passes through the milk. Pets with seizure disorders, epilepsy, or kidney disease should be given Simplicef cautiously and only as directed. Simplicef may cause a false-positive glucose test result with certain brands of urine test strips.

Prescribing Information

Cefpodoxime Proxetil.

Store tablets at controlled room temperatures of 68° - 77°F. Replace cap securely after each opening.

This is a cephalosporin antibiotic that works to treat skin, urinary tract, bone, and respiratory tract infections plus other susceptible infections.

What are the benefits of Simplicef?

  • Works against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
  • Only requires once a day administration.
  • Can be given by mouth at home.

How is this medication given?

Simplicef is usually given once a day but always follow your veterinarians instruction. Try to give with food.

Complete all medication or symptoms may return or worsen.

Only use this medication for the pet it has been prescribed for. Contact your veterinarian if you are unsure of how to give Simplicef correctly.

How does this medication work?

Simplicef works by stopping the bacteriascell wall production which will result in the death of susceptible gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.

What results can I expect?

Simplicef circulates through the body once it is absorbed through the intestinal tract. The blood stream then carries the medication to various organs in the body that are infected. All medication must be completed even though your pet might feel better sooner or symptoms can return or worsen.

What is simplicef for dogs

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My cat Duke generates lots of "sand" and crystals in his bladder that caused blockages downstream. Eventually at 9 yrs old the Vet put in implants that replace the blocked "tubing" from the kidneys to the bladder. The implants get flushed out monthly. Duke is now 11 yrs old. He gets some tough infections in his kidneys and implant areas which normal cat antibiotics could not control. So the Vet suggested trying this and it has worked well. Still need to treat Duke with it for 30 days to really kill the infection.

By BanditsMom on Mar 9, 2022

Ordered Friday, Delivered Sunday! 2 Days after I ordered my dogs ear medication, Chewy.com had vet approval, shipped out, and in my hands!! I can't say enough great things about this company. Tried other pet pharmacy's and they took a week to get meds to me. This is my Go To for everything from now on! You will not be disappointed!! Thanks so much Chewy!!!

By Awesomesauce on Mar 20, 2022

Such a great drug for dogs skin diseases thanks. I can't wait to not have to use it but at least it works faster than others..

My dawg’s skin healing! Yahoo. Great meds. Thank you Chewy!

I purchased this because I was trying to buy items on a wish list for an animal rescue site in NJ, the Montclair animal revue. They care so much about the animals and as most rescues they need specific items when they get whole litter of puppies and kittens. Liz rocks it!!!

I ask if you would divide pills, sine my dog can only take 1/4 dose of this. You advised you dont

This works great for my girl and happy I can order it from Chewy

My dog has and will be on Simplicel for a long time for a chronic illness. He has tolerated it well. Price is cheaper than other medicines.

By ChiTownLady on Jul 24, 2019

The product is an antibiotic. It was used for a bad skin infection for our dog, Annie. The price point is excellent. My Vet recommended the medication. The product worked quickly and effectively. Wow, I saw an improvement in Annie's skin infection in 48 hours. I received the medication within 2 days. I did not order it by FedEx. The reason I ordered the medication from chewy.com is because I saved over $18 -- who doesn't want to save money!

By Luzee29 on May 24, 2019

Got prescription from the vet and delivery was fast.