Cefaseptin 75 mg Tablets for Dogs and Cats

Composition

One tablet contains:

Active substance: cefalexin (as cefalexin monohydrate)……………………………………………….75 mg

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

6.1 List of excipients

Lactose monohydrate

Povidone K30

Croscarmellose sodium

Microcrystalline cellulose

Porcine liver powder

Yeast

Crospovidone

Sodium stearyl fumarate

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Pharmaceutical form

Beige oblong tablet.

The tablet can be divided into 2 equal parts.

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Pharmacological properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antibacterials for systemic use, first generation cephalosporins.

ATC vet code: QJ01DB01.

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Cefalexin is a time-dependent bactericidal antibiotic that acts by inhibiting the nucleopeptide synthesis of the bacterial wall. Cephalosporins interfere with the enzymes of transpeptidation making it unable to cross-link the peptidoglycans of the bacterial cell wall. The glycan cross-linking is essential for the cell to build its cell wall. Inhibition of the biosynthesis results to a weakened cell wall, which eventually ruptures to osmotic pressure. The combined action results in cell lysis and filament formation.

Cefalexin is active against a wide range of Gram-positive (e.g. Staphylococcus spp.) and Gram-negative (e.g. Escherichia coli) aerobic bacteria.

The following breakpoints are recommended by the CLSI (VET08, 4th edition, August 2019) in dogs:

In dogs for skin and soft tissue infections:

Bacterial species | Susceptible | Resistant

Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius | ≤ 2 | ≥ 4

Streptococcus spp and E. coli | ≤ 2 | ≥ 8

In dogs for urinary tract infections:

Bacterial species | Susceptible | Resistant

E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis | ≤ 16 | ≥ 32

MIC data for the use of Cefaseptin in dogs with skin and soft tissues infections and with urinary tract infections.

Data were collected between 2011 and 2017.

Bacterial species | Range of MIC (mg/L) | MIC50 (mg/L) | MIC90 (mg/L)

Dermatological infections

Staphylococcus spp.ᵃ | 0.25-512 | 0.993 | 12.435

Staphylococcus aureusᵇ | 1-512 | 2.160 | 153.987

Coagulase negative staphylococcusᶜ | 0.25-64 | 0.989 | 14.123

Staphylococcus pseudintermediusᵇ | 0.5-512 | 0.768 | 5.959

Streptococcus spp.ᵈ | 0.06-0.5 | 0.155 | 0.234

Streptococcus canisᵈ | 0.06-0.5 | 0.146 | 0.226

Streptococcus dysgalactiaeᵈ | 0.25-0.5 | 0.185 | 0.354

Escherichia coli ᵇ | 4-512 | 5.481 | 11.314

Pasteurella multocida ᵇ | 0.12-4 | 1.373 | 1.877

Urinary infections

Proteus mirabilis ᵇ | 8-512 | 6.498 - 12.491 | 12.553 - 207.937

Klebsiella pneumoniae ᵇ | 2-512 | 3.564 | 362.039

E. coli ᵇ | 4-512 | 5.022-5.82 | 7.671-13.929

a: period 2011-2017; b: period 2011-2015; c: period 2016-2017; d: period 2012-2015

MIC data for the use of Cefaseptin in cats with skin and soft tissues infections. In absence of clinical breakpoints for cephalexin against bacterial species isolated from feline skin infections, the ECOFF values are shown. Data were collected between 2011 and 2017.

Bacterial species | Range of MIC (mg/L) | MIC50 (mg/L) | MIC90 (mg/L) | ECOFFsᵉ (µg/mL)

Dermatological infections

Staphylococcus spp.ᵃ | 0.25-512 | 0.993 | 12.435 | ≤ 8

Staphylococcus aureusᵇ | 1-512 | 2.160 | 153.987 | ≤ 8

Coagulase negative staphylococcusᶜ | 0.25-64 | 0.989 | 14.123 | ≤ 2

Staphylococcus pseudintermediusᵇ | 0.5-512 | 0.768 | 5.959 | ≤ 2

Streptococcus spp.ᵈ | 0.06-0.5 | 0.155 | 0.234 | ≤ 0.5

Streptococcus canisᵈ | 0.06-0.5 | 0.146 | 0.226 | ≤ 0.5

Streptococcus dysgalactiaeᵈ | 0.25-0.5 | 0.185 | 0.354 | ≤ 0.5

Escherichia coli ᵇ | 4-512 | 5.481 | 11.314 | ≤ 16

Pasteurella multocida ᵇ | 0.12-4 | 1.373 | 1.877 | ≤ 4

a: period 2011-2017; b: period 2011-2015; c: period 2016-2017; d: period 2012-2015, e:epidfemiological cut-off values

Resistance to cefalexin can be due to one of the following mechanisms of resistance. Firstly, the production of cephalosporinases, that inactivate the antibiotic by hydrolysis of the β-lactam ring, is the most prevalent mechanism among Gram- negative bacteria. This resistance is transmitted by plasmid or chromosomally. Secondly, a decreased affinity of the PBPs (penicillin-binding proteins) for beta- lactam drugs is frequently involved for beta-lactam resistant Gram-positive bacteria. Lastly, efflux pumps, extruding the antibiotic from the bacterial cell, and structural changes in porins, reducing passive diffusion of the drug through the cell wall, may contribute to improve the resistant phenotype of a bacterium.

Well-known cross-resistance (involving the same resistance mechanism) exists between antibiotics belonging to the beta-lactam group due to structural similarities. It occurs with beta-lactamases enzymes, structural changes in porins or variations in efflux pumps. Co-resistance (different resistance mechanisms involved) has been described in E. coli due to a plasmid harbouring various resistance genes. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for resistance to cefalexin.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic particulars

After single oral administration of the recommended dosage of 15 mg of cefalexin per kg of bodyweight to Beagle dogs, plasma concentrations were observed within 30 minutes. The plasma peak was observed at 1.3 hour with a plasma concentration of 18.2 µg/ml.

The bioavailability of the active was over 90 %. Cefalexin was detected until 24 hours after the administration. The first urine specimen was collected within 2 to 12 hours with peak concentrations of cefalexin measured at 430 to 2758 µg/ml within 12 hours.

After repeated oral administration of the same dosage, twice a day for 7 days, plasma peaks occurred 2 hours later with a concentration of 20 µg/ml. Over the treatment period, concentrations were maintained above 1 µg/ml. The mean elimination half-life is 2 hours. Skin levels were around 5.8 to 6.6 µg/g, 2 hours after treatment.

In cats, single oral administration of the recommended dosage of 15 mg of cefalexin per kg of bodyweight resulted in mean plasma peak concentrations of 19.7 to 23.0 μg/ml at approximately 1.3 to 1.6 hours post-dosing. The oral absolute bioavailability was approximately 52%.

The mean volume of distribution corresponded to 0.33L/kg and the mean total body clearance corresponded to 0.14L/h.kg.

The mean harmonic terminal half-life ranged between 2.0 and 5.4 h. The mean area under the plasma-concentration time curve until the last concentration was observed between 92. 4 to 128.9 μg.h/mL.

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Target species

Dogs and cats

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Indications

Cats:

• For the treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous infections (wounds and abscesses) caused by Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Pasteurella spp., susceptible to cefalexin.

Dogs:

• For the treatment of bacterial skin infections (including deep and superficial pyoderma) caused by organisms, including Staphylococcus spp., susceptible to cefalexin.

• For the treatment of urinary-tract infections (including nephritis and cystitis) caused by organisms, including Escherichia coli, susceptible to cefalexin.

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Dosage

Oral use.

15 mg of cefalexin per kg of bodyweight twice daily (equivalent to 30 mg per kg of bodyweight per day) corresponding to one tablet per 5 kg of bodyweight twice daily for a duration of:

Dogs:

Urinary-tract infection: 14 days

Superficial bacterial infection of the skin: At least 15 days

Deep bacterial infection of the skin: At least 28 days

Cats:

Cutaneous and subcutaneous infections (wounds and abscesses): 5 days

To ensure correct dosage, bodyweight should be determined as accurately as possible to avoid underdosing.

The product may be crushed or added to food if necessary.

In severe or acute conditions, except in cases of known renal insufficiency (see section 4.5), the dose may be doubled.

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Contraindications

Do not use in cases of known hypersensitivity to the active substance, to other cephalosporins, to other substances of the β-lactam group or to any of the excipients. Do not use in known cases of resistance to cephalosporins or penicillins.

Do not use in rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and gerbils.

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Adverse reactions

Mild and transient vomiting and/or diarrhoea have been commonly observed in cats in clinical studies.

Most of these adverse reactions were observed on a single occasion. They were reversible without symptomatic treatment and without discontinuation of cefalexin treatment.

In rare cases hypersensitivity can occur.

In cases of hypersensitivity reactions the treatment should be stopped.

In very rare cases, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea have been observed in some dogs after administration.

The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:

- very common (more than 1 in 10 animals treated displaying adverse reaction(s))

- common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals treated)

- uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated)

- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals treated)

- very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports).

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Warnings

Special precautions for use in animals

The need for systemic antibiotics compared with non-antibiotic alternatives for the treatment of superficial pyoderma should be carefully considered by the responsible veterinarian.

As with other antibiotics which are excreted mainly by the kidneys, systemic accumulation may occur in the body when renal function is impaired. In case of known renal insufficiency, the dose should be reduced and antimicrobials known to be nephrotoxic should not be administered concurrently.

This product should not be used to treat puppies or kittens of less than 1 kg of bodyweight and kittens less than 10 weeks of age.

Use of the product should be based on susceptibility testing of the bacteria isolated from the animal. If this is not possible, therapy should be based on local (regional, farm level) epidemiological information about the susceptibility of the target bacteria.

Use of the product deviating from the instructions given in the SPC may increase the prevalence of bacteria resistant to cefalexin and may decrease the effectiveness of treatment with other cephalosporins and penicillins, due to the potential for cross- resistance.

Official, national and regional antimicrobial policies should be taken into account when the product is used.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for intrinsic (or natural) resistance to cefalexin.

The tablets are flavoured (presence of porcine liver powder). In order to avoid accidental ingestion, store tablets out of reach of the animals.

Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals

Penicillins and cephalosporins may cause hypersensitivity (allergy) following injection, inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. Hypersensitivity to penicillins may lead to cross-reactions to cephalosporin and vice versa. Allergic reactions to these substances may occasionally be serious.

1.Do not handle this product if you know you are sensitised or if you have been advised not to work with such preparations.

2.Handle this product with great care to avoid exposure, taking all recommended precautions. Wash hands after use.

3. If you develop symptoms following exposure such as skin rash, you should seek medical advice and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician. Swelling of the face, lips or eyes or difficulty in breathing are more- serious symptoms and require urgent medical attention.

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Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay

The safety of the veterinary medicinal product has not been established in bitches or queens during pregnancy and lactation.

Laboratory studies have not produced any evidence of teratogenic effects in mice (up to 400 mg cefalexin/kg bw/day) and rats (up to 1200 mg cefalexin/kg bw/day). In mice, maternal effects and foetotoxicity were observed from the lowest dose tested (100 mg cefalexin/kg bw/day). In rats, there is evidence of foetotoxicity at 500 mg cefalexin/kg bw/day and maternal effects from the lowest dose tested (300 mg cefalexin/kg bw/day).

Use only in accordance with the benefit/risk assessment by the responsible veterinarian.

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Interactions

In order to ensure efficacy, the veterinary medicinal product should not be used in combination with bacteriostatic antibiotics (macrolides, sulfonamides and tetracyclines). Concurrent use of first generation cephalosporins with aminoglycoside antibiotics or some diuretics such as furosemide can enhance nephrotoxicity risks. Concomitant use with such active substances should be avoided.

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Overdose

Studies on animals with up to 5 times the recommended twice daily dosage of 15 mg cefalexin/kg have been performed.

Adverse reactions that may occur at the recommended dose (nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea) are expected in the case of overdose. In the event of overdose, treatment should be symptomatic.

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Special warnings

None.

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Withdrawal period

Not applicable.

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Incompatibilities

Not applicable.

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Immediate packaging

PVC/aluminium/OPA – PVC blister

Cardboard box of 1 blister of 10 tablets

Cardboard box of 10 blisters of 10 tablets

Cardboard box of 25 blisters of 10 tablets

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

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Storage

Store in the original package.

Return any part used tablet to the opened blister-pack.

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Shelf life

Shelf-life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 3 years

Shelf life after first opening the immediate packaging: 16 hours.

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Disposal of unused product

Any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from such veterinary medicinal product should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

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Additional information

Vm 08007/5040

9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION

12 January 2016

10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

November 2025

Gavin Hall Approved: 13 November 2025

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Registration holder

Vetoquinol UK Limited

Steadings Barn

Pury Hill Business Park

Nr Alderton

Towcester

Northamptonshire

NN12 7LS

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