CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson, Fear Free,
Medication: Cefadroxil
Medication: Cefadroxil
Your cat has been prescribed cefadroxil for the treatment of a bacterial infection. This medication is often used to treat skin infections and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections and respiratory infections.
Key points:
• Antibiotic.
• Dosage: once daily.
• Give with food.
• Should not be handled by people with allergies to penicillins or cephalosporins.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Cefadroxil (sef-ah-drox-ill).
Brand name
- SEMELCEF 1000 mg tablets for cats (UK) Cefa-Tabs® Cefa-Drops®.
Class of medication
- Broad spectrum first generation cephalosporin antimicrobial.
Storage
- Store tablets and unmixed powder at room temperature.
- Oral suspensions must be stored in the refrigerator and are stable for 14 days after mixing. They must be shaken well before use.
Why has my cat been prescribed cefadroxil?
Your veterinarian has prescribed cefadroxil for the treatment of infections caused by one or more of the following bacteria:
- Staphylococcus spp.
- Streptococcus spp.
- Escherichia coli.
- Klebsiella spp.
- Proteus mirabilis.
- Pasteurella multocida.
How is the medication given?
Cefadroxil is given orally (as tablets or as a liquid). It is administered once daily with food. Oral suspensions must be well-shaken prior to withdrawing a dose from the bottle. A strong odor (resembling cat urine) is normal for this drug and not a sign of degradation.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Very rarely, hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions) may occur. If this happens, stop the treatment and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Cefadroxil should not be used in animals that have previously had an allergic reaction to any penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics.
This medication should be used cautiously in animals with kidney disease.
Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea are rare side effects of cefadroxil and should be reported to your veterinary surgeon. Your pet may be able to continue with the drug, if side effects are mild, but it’s best to let your veterinarian know as soon as possible, so that they can decide whether additional medications or different medications are required. If your cat stops eating while on this medication contact your veterinary surgeon for advice.
Cefadroxil should not be used in combination with certain antibiotics. Concurrent use of some antibiotics and diuretic drugs may worsen existing kidney disease. Your veterinarian can advise you further.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Cefadroxil tablets should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. The treatment course usually extends for up to 10 days, or for 48hrs after the resolution of clinical signs.
Severe skin or urinary tract infections may require extended courses of treatment (up to 3 months).
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused cefadroxil safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save cefadroxil for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Cefadroxil should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
This medication in contraindicated for oral use in rabbits, guinea-pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, chinchillas, horses and cattle. Contact your veterinarian for advice if one of these species accidentally consumes this medication.
If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center. Cefadroxil can cause allergic reactions in humans sensitized to penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on cefadroxil?
No specific tests are required while your cat is taking cefadroxil.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on cefadroxil can be found on the package insert and the following websites:
Europe & UK
There are no licensed veterinary products containing Cefadroxil in the UK. Your veterinarian may have prescribed a human product containing cefadroxil for your pet. Unlicensed products may be prescribed via the Prescribing Cascade system when no appropriate licensed veterinary product exists. Your veterinarian will be able to explain this process to you.
- FATRO S.p.A. (Italy/Ireland) SEMELCEF 1000 mg tablets for cats. Website: www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/Licence_VPA10836-006-002_13082019165046.pdf
US
No licensed veterinary products are currently marketed in the US however Cefa-Tabs® and Cefa-Drops® are still approved by the FDA for use in cats. Human licensed cefadroxil products are often used in cats in the US.
- Animal Drugs at FDA.Gov Cefa-Tabs®. Website: /animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/views/#/home/previewsearch/119-688
- Animal Drugs at FDA.Gov Cefa-Drops®. Website: animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/views/#/home/previewsearch/140-684
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.