Cefa-Drops (cefadroxil) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat infections of the skin, urinary tract, respiratory tract, bones, and joints caused by susceptible bacteria. Cefa-Drops require a prescription from your veterinarian.
For: Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
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A much broader range of activity against bacteria than penicillin
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Drops come in a palatable orange-pineapple flavor
How it works:
Cefa-Drops prevent bacteria from forming an adequate and protective cell wall. This results in instability and subsequent death of the bacteria.
Cautions:
Stop giving Cefa-Drops and contact your veterinarian in the event of an allergic reaction. Possible reactions include shortness of breath, hives, swelling, rash, fainting, vomiting, or diarrhea. Cefa-Drops should not be given to pregnant or nursing animals.
More Information:
Brand Name Cefa-Drops (Fort Dodge)
Generic Name Cefadroxil
What is the most important information I should know about Cefa-Drops: Cefa-Drops (a powder for oral suspension) is a prescription medication available in a 15 ml dropper bottle. When 10.4 ml of water is added, each ml contains 50 mg cefadroxil. The usual dose of Cefa-Drops in dogs is 10mg/pound twice a day. The usual dose of Cefa-Drops in cats is 10mg/lb once a day. Give all of the Cefa-Drops prescribed for your pet. Symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.
What is Cefa-Drops: Cefa-Drops is an antibiotic belonging to a class of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics that fight bacteria in the body. Cefa-Drops can be used to treat infections such as skin and urinary tract infections. Cefa-Drops may also be used for purposes other than those listed.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Cefa-Drops to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has ever had an allergic reaction to another penicillin or to a cephalosporin. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney disease, or stomach or intestinal disease. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating. Cefa-Drops contain sucrose which may affect the treatment of diabetic pets.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Cefa-Drops can be given with or without food. Give all of the Cefa-Drops even if your pet appears to be better. Symptoms may improve before the infection is completely treated. Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Discard any unused suspension after 14 days.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember, then try to evenly space the rest of the doses for that day until you can return to a normal schedule. Do not give a double dose unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, seizures, numbness and tingling in the legs, and muscle spasms.
What should I avoid while giving Cefa-Drops to my pet: There are no restrictions on food or activity during treatment with Cefa-Drops unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
What are the possible side effects of Cefa-Drops: Stop giving Cefa-Drops and seek emergency veterinary medical care in the event of an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; rash; or fainting), severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mucus or blood in the stool, or unusual bleeding or bruising. Other less serious side effects such as mild nausea. diarrhea, or yeast infection may be more likely to occur. Continue to give Cefa-Drops and notify your veterinarian if these symptoms occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your petl.
What other drugs will affect Cefa-Drops: Before giving Cefa-Drops, tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given another antibiotic (for the same or a different infection), probenecid, a loop diuretic such as Furosemide, or warfarin. You may not be able to give Cefa-Drops or you may need to have the dosage adjusted. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Cefa-Drops. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Cefa-Drops written for health professionals that you may read.
Directions:
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Cefa-Drops can be used to treat infections such as skin and urinary tract infections. Cefa-Drops may also be used for purposes other than those listed.
•
Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian.
•
When mixed with 10.4 ml of water, each ml contains 50 mg of cefadroxil. After mixing, store in the refrigerator and shake well before using. Discard any unused medication after 14 days.
Tip: Cefa-Drops suspension contains sucrose which may affect the treatment of diabetic pets.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs:
All weights
The usual dose of Cefa-Drops in dogs is 10mg/lb twice a day
Cats:
All weights
The usual dose of Cefa-Drops in cats is 10mg/lb once a day.
Horses:
Storage: Store this product at room temperature. Store the suspension (liquid) in the refrigerator. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
They are close in the sense they are both penicillin type medications. However, cefadroxil belongs to a group of penicillin type medications called cephalosporins. Clavamox, on the other hand is an augmented amoxicillin which means there's another medication, clavulanic acid, that makes this medication more potent than plain amoxicillin by delaying the metabolism of amoxicillin. In reality, your veterinarian will determine which antibiotic to use based on the type of infection and how severe the infection is.
The medicine given to me by my doctor only lasted ten days. I got more, but it has run out after five days. The doctor originally prescribed 3 weeks of treatment. Since the medicine only lasts 14 days in the frig, I'm wondering if 15 days is okay or do I need to get additional medicine for the full 21 days?
Each infection is different. Since your veterinarian knows your cat's condition I would suggest you give the medicine for the full period of time your veterinarian instructed you to.
No. Ringworm is a fungal infection and Cefa-Drops is not effective against fungal infections. I would suggest using Clotrimazole Cream. Apply 2 times a day for 14 days.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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