Cefpodoxime Proxetil (Simplicef®) for Dogs and Cats

Cefpodoxime proxetil, better known as Simplicef® or Vantin®, is an antibiotic for dogs and cats of the cephalosporin class. It is related to the penicillin drugs in how it kills bacteria, but cephalosporins have a much broader range of activity against bacteria than penicillins.

Cefpodoxime proxetil will prevent the bacteria from forming an adequate and protective cell wall. This results in instability and subsequent death of the bacteria.

Cefpodoxime proxetil is effective against bacterial strains such as Staphyloccoccus intermedius, Staphlyococcus aureus, Streptoccus canis, Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multicida and Proteus mirabilis.

Cefpodoxime proxetil is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian. This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.

Uses of Cefpodoxime Proxetil for Dogs and Cats

Cefpodoxime proxetil is used in both dogs and cats to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including skin infections, wound infections, bone infections, pneumonia, and bladder infections.

The drug is not effective against infections caused by parasites (intestinal worms), mites, viruses or fungi. Cefpodoxime proxetil is similar to the veterinary drug cephalexin.

Cefpodoxime Proxetil: Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, Cefpodoxime proxetil can cause side effects in some animals. Cefpodoxime proxetil should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

If a pet is already sensitive to allergy or vomiting from other cephalosporin drugs (such as cephalexin or cefadroxil) or penicillins (amoxicillin, ampicillin), cross-reaction with cefpodoxime proxetil is possible. Cefpodoxime proxetil may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with cefpodoxime proxetil. Such drugs include certain other antibiotics.

Cefpodoxime proxetil should be used with caution in breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs as it’s safety has not been established.

The most common side effect in animals is vomiting shortly after administration. It is usually not a sign of serious disease, but indicates that the pet is sensitive to this drug.

It is not unusual for some animals to develop diarrhea or decreased appetite from orally administered antibiotics such as cefpodoxime proxetil. However, this has not been a common complaint with cefpodoxime proxetil.

Dosing Information of Simplicef® for Dogs and Cats

The usual dose is 2.5 to 5 milligram per pound (5 to 10 milligram/kilogram) of body weight orally every 24 hours for dogs for 1 week or 3 days beyond resolution of clinical signs. The drug can be given with or without food.

In cats, the typical dose is 2.5 milligram per pound (5 milligram/kilogram) every 12 hours OR 5 milligram per pound (10 milligram/kilogram) every 24 hours.

The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse or prevent the development of resistance.

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.