Simplicef is a once-a-day cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat skin infections (wounds and abscesses) caused by susceptible strains of bacteria. Simplicef requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.
For: Dogs
Benefits:
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FDA-approved for treating canine bacterial skin infections
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Simple once-a-day dosing
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Can be given with or without food
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Comes in a film-coated tablet for easy administration
How it works: Simplicef is effective against most gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Cephalosporin antibiotics suppress the growth of micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or protozoa.
Cautions: Contact your veterinarian in the event of an allergic reaction (such as shortness of breath, hives, swelling, rash, fainting, vomiting, diarrhea, muous or blood in the stool, unusual bleeding, or bruising). Do not give Simplicef at the same time as antacids such as Maalox or other stomach acid-reducers, like Tagamet.
More Information:
Brand Name Simplicef (Pfizer Animal Health), Vantin (Pharmacia and Upjohn)
Generic Name Cefpodoxime proxetil
What is the most important information I should know about Simplicef: Simplicef is a prescription medication FDA-approved for use in dogs. Simplicef is available as 100mg elliptical scored tablets and 200mg tablets that can either be elliptical, unscored tablets marked 5229 or capsule-shaped, scored tablets marked 5229. The usual dose of Simplicef in dogs is 2.3-4.5mg/pound, given by mouth, once a day for 5 to 7 days or 2 to 3 days beyond the cessation of clinical signs, up to a maximum of 28 days. Simplicef should be given with food to increase absorption by the body. Give all of the Simplicef that is prescribed for your pet. Symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.
What is Simplicef: Simplicef is an antibiotic belonging to a class of drugs called cephalosporins that fight bacteria in the body. Simplicef can be used to treat many different types of infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia as well as ear, skin, and urinary tract infections. Simplicef may also be used for purposes other than those listed.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Simplicef 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.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Simplicef should be given with food to increase absorption in the body. Keep plenty of water available for your pet to drink. Do not give Simplicef at the same time as giving antacids such as Maalox or other stomach acid reducers such as Tagamet as this may decrease the absorption of Simplicef. Give all of the Simplicef even if your pet appears to be better. Symptoms may improve before the infection is completely treated. Store tablets at room temperature away from moisture or heat.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. 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, and abdominal cramps.
What should I avoid while giving Simplicef to my pet: Do not give Simplicef at the same time as giving antacids such as Maalox or other stomach acid reducers such as Tagamet.
What are the possible side effects of Simplicef: Stop giving Simplicef 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 or diarrhea, mucus or blood in the stool, and 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 Simplicef and notify your veterinarian if these symptoms occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.
What other drugs will affect Simplicef: Before giving Simplicef, 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 need to have the dosage adjusted. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Simplicef. 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 Simplicef written for health professionals that you may read.
Directions:
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Simplicef is an antibiotic belonging to a class of drugs called cephalosporins that fight bacteria in the body.
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Simplicef can be used to treat many different types of infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia as well as ear, skin, and urinary tract infections.
Tip: Simplicef should be given with food to increase absorption by the body.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs:
All weights
Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. The usual dose of Simplicef in dogs is 2.3-4.5mg/pound, given by mouth, once a day for 5 to 7 days or 2 to 3 days beyond the cessation of clinical signs, up to a maximum of 28 days.
have been using simplicef through vet and the price was very high. going through pet meds is so much more affordable. my dog gets rashes at least 3 times a year so it wil be much more affordable to purchase through pet meds then going to see the vet 3 or 4 times a year.
after years of my dog itching at her ears and chewing at her paws, I decided to get another opinion from a different vet. Well as soon as I spoke to this vet he told me we needed to treat the cause and not just the symptoms - I couldn't have agreed more! She is almost finished with her simplicef, as well as 2x a week ear medicine regimen and another medication, ketoconazaole and she looks and feels great! Her ears and paws have never looked better and her coat is so shiny and not flaky! Really glad I got a new set of eyes to look at her.
I recently noticed my 1 1/2 year old sheltie was getting itchy, flaky rashes all over her belly and back. I took her to the vet who prescribed Hydroxyzine 25mg and that definitely helped with her itchies, but the rashes were getting redder and looked sore so I took her back to the vet who prescribed Simplicef 100mg. It is like a miracle drug! After about a week, her rashes were completely gone and she was no longer itching! The pill is small and you only have to give it once daily so I would give it five stars for its ease of use. This worked wonders in conjunction with her allergy medication to clear up her skin infection fast. I just hope it stays that way because the Simplicef is a tad expensive, but well worth it to see my baby back to her happy self!
I've been using Simplicef for my Scottish Terrier, Ali, for at least 4 years now & it has been wonderful! Ali was constantly getting infections on her skin & no matter how many times we would give her antibiotics, it would eventually come back. On our Vet's advise, we started her on Simplicef on weekends only (Pulse Therapy) & it has been extremely effective in keeping her free from all skin problems without any side effects. And getting this medication through 1-800-PetMeds makes it super easy in always having this product for my girl. Thanks 1-800-PetMeds!
we had done everything for our dog and her severe allergies, nothing worked. she was unhappy.she has been on simplicef 100 mg 1/1/2 tablet with food a dy for over 3 years on this drug. her allergies, fallen hair, red bumps, scratching etc stop a few days after she started drug. she is almost 13 healthy, coat is shinny and full, no red bumps, no scratching, nothing. she is happy. this is a miracle drug and very expensive. she is worth it.
If your dog's feces are turning black you need to stop giving the medication now and call your veterinarian immediately. Black stools are a sign that your pet is bleeding internally. This is one of the potential, serious side effects of Simplicef. Please call your veterinarian right away.
Sorry to hear about your pet. It's difficult to know if the pet's illness is causing his loss of appetite (when we're sick we don't want to eat) or is it the medication (which can cause nausea as a side effect). If he continues to refuse food you may want to speak to your veterinarian.
Husband misunderstood dosing instructions, and has given 1/2 the 100 mg tablet twice/daily rather than once/daily. How do we know if this has has harmed our 13 yo sheltie?
It probably is not harmful. Worse case scenario your pet may develop diarrhea as a result. I would suggest using the correct dose and monitor your pet for any unusual symptoms or behaviors. If these occur, contact your veterinarian.
I'm sorry to hear that your dog has an infection serious enough to be treated with an antibiotic. Unfortunately, without knowing the specific type of infection I cannot tell you if it's contagious or not. I would recommend speaking to your veterinarian and asking him/her this question.
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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