Cefpodoxime
Cefpodoxime is a beta-lactam antibacterial. Formulation, species and infection site determine its clinical use.
Group
Third-generation oral cephalosporin prodrug
Mechanism of Action
Binds penicillin-binding proteins and disrupts bacterial cell-wall synthesis.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial infections | 5–10 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h | Give with food to improve absorption. |
| Skin infection | 5–10 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h | Up to 28 days; Product regimen: typically 5–7 days or 2–3 days beyond clinical resolution; reassess if no improvement after 3–4 days. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial infections | Reference only | PO | Earlier material did not establish a feline manufacturer dose. The supplement describes explicitly extrapolated regimens, listed separately; these do not establish feline approval or measured oral bioavailability. | |
| Skin and soft-tissue infection | 5 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | Extrapolated regimen; not a manufacturer-established feline dose. |
| Skin and soft-tissue infection | 10 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h | Extrapolated alternative; not a manufacturer-established feline dose. |
Horses
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial infections | 10 mg/kg | PO | Every 6–12 h | The 12-hour interval is described for susceptible Klebsiella, Pasteurella and streptococci; more frequent dosing may be needed for less susceptible organisms. |
| Neonatal foal bacterial infection | 10 mg/kg | PO | Every 6–12 h | Neonatal foals; efficacy and safety data are limited. |
Indications
- Skin and soft-tissue infections; selected urinary infections
Contraindications
- Cephalosporin hypersensitivity; assess prior severe beta-lactam allergy.
Interactions
- Avoid mixing with other drugs in the same vial or syringe unless compatibility is established.
Adverse effects
- Hypersensitivity
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Injection-site reactions with parenteral products
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cefpodoxime 100 mg tablet | Tablet | 100 mg / tablet | PO |
| Cefpodoxime 200 mg tablet | Tablet | 200 mg / tablet | PO |
| Cefpodoxime 10 mg/mL oral liquid | Oral Liquid | 10 mg / mL | PO |
| Cefpodoxime 20 mg/mL oral liquid | Oral Liquid | 20 mg / mL | PO |
| Cefpet 100 mg tablet Strength expressed as cefpodoxime. Manufacturer identity is not inferred from the marketing company listing. | Tablet | 100 mg / tablet | PO |
| Cefpet XL 200 mg tablet Strength expressed as cefpodoxime. Manufacturer identity is not inferred from the marketing company listing. | Tablet | 200 mg / tablet | PO |
| Cefpet DS suspension 100 mg/5 mL Final reconstituted strength; cefpodoxime basis. | Oral Liquid | 100 mg / 5 mL | PO |
Monitoring and Administration
Choose treatment using organism identity, infection site and susceptibility testing. Reassess clinical response and renal function where impaired clearance may increase exposure.
Food-animal authorization and withdrawal periods depend on the exact formulation, species, regimen and jurisdiction; do not transfer foreign approvals or residue intervals to another product.
The oral prodrug is cefpodoxime proxetil, with strength expressed as active cefpodoxime. Antacids and H2 blockers can lower oral exposure; avoid moisture during storage.
Refrigerate reconstituted human oral suspension and discard after 14 days. Dog tablet labels allow administration with or without food; instructions can differ from the human suspension or general absorption advice.