Cefpodoxime for Dogs and Cats

Medically Reviewed by Joshua Conrad, PharmD on September 19, 2024
Written by Kathleen Claussen, DVM
5 min read

Cefpodoxime (Cefpoderm, Simplicef) is an antibiotic that’s FDA-approved to treat skin infections like staphylococcus and streptococcus, which cause infections and itching in dogs. Your veterinarian might also prescribe it for other bacterial infections in pets, including pasteurella and E. coli, as well as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and respiratory infections.

Cefpodoxime works better than other antibiotics at treating many types of bacteria, including gram-negative bacteria, which are resistant to other antibiotics. Your veterinarian will likely prescribe it if your pet has an infection that other antibiotics won’t treat. 

Cefpodoxime is available as a prescription from your veterinarian in tablet or liquid form. 

You can give your pet cefpodoxime by mouth as a tablet or liquid, with or without food. It’s usually given once daily (every 24 hours). If your dog or cat has an upset stomach after taking cefpodoxime, give the medicine with a small amount of food or treats. 

Be sure to shake liquid medication well, and measure it correctly using a dosing dropper or syringe. And give liquid cefpodoxime to your pet slowly so they get the correct dose.

Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines to animals. Tell them about any other medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies that you’re giving your dog or cat. Talk to your veterinarian before stopping any pet medicines.

There are several benefits for dogs and cats taking cefpodoxime:

  • It’s a very good antibiotic for treating many types of bacteria.
  • It can work as fast as 2 hours.
  • You give it just once a day.
  • Your pet should have few, if any, side effects.

You and your veterinarian should watch to see if your pet’s infection improves. Call your veterinarian if your pet gets worse or doesn’t get better after taking cefpodoxime. Look for side effects of the medicine, as well, like an upset stomach.

Sometimes, your veterinarian will screen to be sure your pet is taking the right antibiotic for their infection, but still start them on cefpodoxime. When your vet gets the results back, they may need to change your pet to a different antibiotic if they find out cefpodoxime isn’t the best medication.

Your veterinarian will do a full exam and medical workup on your pet before prescribing cefpodoxime. It’s not recommended for animals allergic to antibiotics in the cephalosporin family, or dogs or cats allergic to penicillin. 

In general, cefpodoxime shouldn’t be taken by: 

  • Older animals or animals with kidney disease 
  • Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, gerbils, hamsters, or small mammals

Cefpodoxime also hasn’t been proven safe for animals that are pregnant or lactating.

Side effects are rare in dogs, and usually happen in just 1% to 2% of dogs taking cefpodoxime. They include: 

  • Vomiting
  • Decreased appetite
  • Loose stool or diarrhea
  • Lethargy and inactivity

If your dog has any of these side effects, stop giving them the medicine and contact your veterinarian.

Cats taking cefpodoxime can have severe side effects, including losing their appetite entirely. If your cat stops eating after taking cefpodoxime, call your veterinarian right away. Not eating can cause hepatic lipidosis in your cat, which is a serious liver problem. 

If you think your pet is having a serious side effect, call your veterinary clinic right away. If it is outside of regular office hours, contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center. Note that fees may apply for emergency consultation.

You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.

Using multiple medicines can sometimes change how your pet’s medicines work or increase your pet’s risk of serious side effects. Always tell your veterinarian about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements that your pet takes.

Before giving cefpodoxime to your pet, tell your vet if they take: 

Antacids. When given with cefpodoxime, antacids can drop how much of the cefpodoxime is absorbed by  your pet’s blood. To avoid having to give your pet a higher dose of cefpodoxime, give them antacids 2 hours before or after cefpodoxime.

Histamine-2 (H2) blockers. H2 blockers like Pepcid are used in dogs and cats to treat and prevent stomach upset and ulcers (open sores). When they take them with cefpodoxime, H2 blockers can also decrease how much cefpodoxime your pet absorbs into their blood. To avoid having to give your pet a higher dose of cefpodoxime, give the two medications at least 2 hours apart.

Proton pump inhibitors. Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) or pantoprazole (Protonix), reduce acids in your pet’s stomach. This can make absorbing cefpodoxime in their blood harder, and make it less able to clear an infection. 

Warfarin. Warfarin is a blood thinner commonly used to prevent blood clots from forming. If your pet takes warfarin and cefpodoxime together, they’re at risk of bleeding and should be closely monitored by your veterinarian.

Keep cefpodoxime out of the reach of children. Wash your hands after giving cefpodoxime to your dog or cat. Don’t handle cefpodoxime if you’re allergic to it.

If you accidentally give your pet too much cefpodoxime than prescribed, it probably won’t cause any issues. Watch out for signs of an upset stomach, including diarrhea and vomiting. 

There is a low risk your pet will have severe side effects from an overdose. Too much cefpodoxime can cause serious problems, including swelling of their kidneys or liver, low white blood cells (immune cells), and low platelets (blood clotting cells). If you suspect your pet has any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic right away.

If you forget to give your pet a dose, it’s OK. Just give it as soon as you remember, but don’t double up on a dose.

Store cefpodoxime tablets at room temperature so they’re protected from moisture and light. Refrigerate liquid cefpodoxime for up to 14 days before throwing out any unused medicine.