Can humans take cephalexin 500mg for dogs? Here’s What to Do Next

How long does cephalexin 500mg TAKE TO WORK?

A: Cephalexin antibiotic begins to kill the bacteria causing a skin infection very quickly. However, you may not notice the skin infection improving for 2 to 3 days. Follow the directions on your cephalexin medication bottle—and finish all doses of cephalexin, even after the skin infection looks and feels better.

Cephalexin has been used for gonorrhea.

What Dog Diseases Are Treated With Cephalexin?

Cephalexin is effective against several infections in dogs, including:

  • Urinary tract (UTI)
  • Skin and soft tissue, such as hotspots and pyoderma
  • Bone
  • Respiratory tract
  • Ear (otitis)
  • The drug is considered a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and is effective against several bacteria, including:

  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Streptococcus pneumonia
  • Haemophilus influenza
  • E. coli
  • Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Klebsiella pneumonia
  • Proteus mirabilis
  • Clubs Offering:

    AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.

    Cephalexin is one of several antibiotics (medicines that kill bacteria) used to treat a range of bacterial infections in people, dogs, and other animals. Like other antibiotics, it does not work against viral infections.

    It belongs to the class of antibiotics known as a first-generation cephalosporin. The drug also goes by the name cefalexin. These are the generic names for a drug that is known by the brand names Keflex, Biocef, and Keftab. Cephalexin for dogs is an oral medication and can be given with or without food. Offering the drug with food, however, can reduce the risk of some of the more common side effects.

    Tell your vet if your dog is taking any other kind of drug, including herbal and over-the-counter remedies, or has a medical issue that might rule out cephalexin treatment, including:

  • side effects from other drugs
  • digestive upset
  • kidney disease
  • allergies
  • pregnancy, nursing
  • The World Health Organization includes this drug on its List of Essential Medicines. It is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and it kills these bugs by disrupting the growth of the bacterial cell wall and causing it to rupture.

    According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Cephalexin is a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic It is 7-(D-α-amino-α-phenylacetamido)-3-methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid, monohydrate.

    3 Problems With Antibiotics For Dogs