Cefpodoxime Tablets, 200mg

FDA-Approved Antibiotic Tablets for Skin Infections in Dogs

Product Description

Cefpodoxime Proxetil 200mg Tablets are an FDA-approved prescription third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that veterinarians use to treat bacterial infections in dogs and, off-label, in cats. Once absorbed, it gets converted into its active form in the body, where it goes to work breaking down the cell walls of susceptible bacteria. It is FDA-approved for skin infections in dogs including wounds, abscesses, and pyoderma, and is also widely used off-label for urinary tract and respiratory infections. Once-daily dosing makes it one of the more convenient antibiotic options available.

Benefits

• FDA-Approved Canine Antibiotic: FDA-approved for treating skin infections including wounds, abscesses, and superficial and deep pyoderma in dogs.
• Convenient Once-Daily Dosing: A single daily tablet provides effective antibiotic coverage throughout the day, meaningfully improving owner compliance and treatment completion rates.
• Broad Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Coverage: Effective against Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, E. coli, Pasteurella, and other common canine bacteria that drive skin and soft tissue disease.
• High Oral Bioavailability: Reliably absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, providing consistent therapeutic blood levels after each dose.
• Urinary and Respiratory Off-Label Use: Commonly prescribed off-label for bladder infections and respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible organisms in dogs and cats.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients

Cefpodoxime Proxetil 200mg

How to Use

Cefpodoxime Proxetil 200mg Tablets are a prescription-only medication. A valid veterinarian prescription is required to purchase this product.

Please follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for the dosage and administration of this medication for your pet.

Disclaimer: Dosage and administration of this medication must be determined by a licensed veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any prescription medication for your pet.

Tucking it inside a soft pill pocket or wrapping it in a pill wrap treat is one of the easiest ways to make the whole process stress-free.

Shop Pill Pockets for Dogs | Shop Pill Pockets for Cats

Additional Information

Precautions

• Penicillin and Cephalosporin Allergy Contraindication: Do not use in dogs or cats with a known hypersensitivity to cefpodoxime, cephalosporins, or penicillin-class antibiotics.
• Avoid Antacids and Acid Reducers: Antacids, omeprazole, and H2-antagonists such as famotidine and ranitidine can reduce cefpodoxime absorption and should be spaced apart.
• Caution in Kidney and Liver Disease: Pets with compromised kidney function may struggle to clear this medication at a normal rate, increasing the likelihood of side effects during treatment.
• Not for Viral Infections: This medication only works against susceptible bacteria and has no effect on viruses, fungi, or parasites affecting your pet.
• Complete the Full Course: Stopping treatment early allows surviving bacteria to multiply and develop antibiotic resistance, risking relapse or worsening of infection.
• Check for Drug Interactions: Let your veterinarian know if your pet is currently taking probenecid or any other medication before starting cefpodoxime treatment.

Possible Side Effects

• Vomiting and Diarrhea: Digestive upset is the most commonly reported side effect and is generally mild and settles on its own throughout the course of treatment.
• Reduced Appetite: Some dogs and cats may show a temporary dip in appetite during treatment that usually resolves without any need for intervention.
• Characteristic Tablet Odour: A cat urine-like smell from the tablet is a normal chemical property of cephalosporin antibiotics and is not a sign of spoilage.
• Serious Allergic Reactions: Facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or collapse point to a severe reaction requiring immediate emergency veterinary care.

Storage Information

• Room Temperature Storage: Tablets should be kept in a well-sealed container at room temperature, protected from excess heat and humidity at all times.
• Replace Cap Securely After Each Use: Always reseal the container firmly after opening to protect tablets from moisture and light exposure between doses.
• Keep Out of Reach: Always store this medication somewhere secure and out of reach of children and untreated pets.

Note: For generic medications, the product image shown may not reflect the actual item received. Generic medications can vary in size, color, and shape between orders depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, your medication may arrive packaged in a HardyPaw Pharmacy vial.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What bacterial infections does cefpodoxime 200mg treat in dogs and cats?

Ans: Cefpodoxime has FDA approval for skin infections in dogs including wounds, abscesses, and pyoderma, and is also used off-label for urinary tract and respiratory infections in both dogs and cats. Your vet will confirm whether the bacteria causing the infection are likely to respond to cefpodoxime before prescribing it for your pet.

Q2: Why does the cefpodoxime tablet smell like cat urine and should pet owners be concerned?

Ans: That distinctive smell is simply part of the chemical makeup of cephalosporin antibiotics and has nothing to do with the tablet being off or expired. It catches a lot of pet owners off guard the first time, but it is entirely expected. If the tablet looks and feels normal, there is nothing to worry about.

Q3: Why must antacids and acid reducers be given separately from cefpodoxime?

Ans: Antacids and acid-reducing medications change the environment in the stomach in a way that interferes with how well cefpodoxime gets absorbed into the body. When less of the antibiotic gets through, blood levels may not be high enough to tackle the infection properly. Your vet will advise on how to time these medications to avoid any overlap.

Q4: Is cefpodoxime safe for cats with skin infections?

Ans: Cefpodoxime is used in cats for certain skin infections on an off-label basis, and most cats handle it reasonably well when the dose is right. It is not FDA-approved for feline use, so your vet will weigh up whether it is the most appropriate choice for your cat based on the nature and severity of the infection.

Q5: What should I know about completing the full course of cefpodoxime in my pet?

Ans: Finishing the full course matters more than many pet owners realise. Stopping as soon as the pet seems better leaves behind bacteria that may be harder to treat the second time around and increases the risk of resistance developing. Your vet will tell you exactly how long the course needs to run for your pet's specific infection.

Clinical Research

Cephalosporin Antibiotics – Merck Veterinary Manual

Cefpodoxime Use in Dogs – VCA Hospitals

PetMD – Antibiotic Use in Pets