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Cefpodoxime Proxetil

Prescription
Third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic
Last reviewed 18 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis; broader gram-negative spectrum than first-generation cephalosporins

At a glance

Class
Third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Skin and soft tissue infections
Dose
5–10 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
400 mg
Duration: 5-7 days (superficial) to 28 days (deep)
Urinary tract infections
Dose
5–10 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
400 mg
Duration: 10-14 days
🐈

Cat

Skin and urinary infections
Dose
5–10 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
100 mg
Duration: 5-14 days
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 2

Strength
100mg
Available in India
Strength
200mg
Available in India
🧴

Suspension — 1

Strength
50mg/5mL
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Known cephalosporin hypersensitivity
    Cross-reactivity with penicillins possible

Use with caution

  • Renal impairment
    Dose reduction in severe renal failure
  • Neonates
    Limited safety data in very young animals

Adverse effects

Common
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Decreased appetite
Serious
Anaphylaxis (rare)
Pseudomembranous colitis

Monitoring parameters

Clinical responseGI toleranceRenal function in compromised patients
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

International

Simplicef
Zoetis

India

Cepodem
Glenmark
Cefpo
Intas

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Cefpodoxime Proxetil?
Cefpodoxime Proxetil is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used in pets. Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis; broader gram-negative spectrum than first-generation cephalosporins
What is Cefpodoxime Proxetil used for in pets?
Cefpodoxime Proxetil is used in veterinary medicine for: Skin and soft tissue infections; Urinary tract infections; Skin and urinary infections.
What is the Cefpodoxime Proxetil dose for dogs?
For dogs, Cefpodoxime Proxetil is typically dosed as follows — Skin and soft tissue infections: 5–10 mg/kg PO SID; Urinary tract infections: 5–10 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Cefpodoxime Proxetil dose for cats?
For cats, Cefpodoxime Proxetil is typically dosed as follows — Skin and urinary infections: 5–10 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What are the side effects of Cefpodoxime Proxetil?
Common: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Decreased appetite. Serious (call your vet immediately): Anaphylaxis (rare), Pseudomembranous colitis.
Does Cefpodoxime Proxetil need a prescription?
Yes. Cefpodoxime Proxetil is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
When should Cefpodoxime Proxetil not be used?
Do not use Cefpodoxime Proxetil if: Known cephalosporin hypersensitivity.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic).

Ceftiofur
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Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins; broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
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Ceftriaxone
Rx
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBP), providing broad-spectrum bactericidal activity against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms
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