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POM-V Prescription Required Companion Animal

Petalexin 75 mg Tablets for Dogs and Cats

Active ingredient: Cefalexin

Form

Tablet

Species

Cats Dogs

Manufacturer

Alfamed

VMD MA No.

17902/4101

What it's used for

For the treatment of bacterial skin infections in dogs (including deep and superficial pyodermas) caused by organisms susceptible to Cefalexin. For the tre...

Full indications, dosage and side effects ↓
View official SPC (PDF)

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Paying less for Cefalexin

  1. 1

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  2. 2

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Prescription required

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Clinical information

Petalexin 75 mg Tablets for Dogs and Cats — SPC Details

Source: VMD Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). Last updated 26 Mar 2026.

For the treatment of bacterial skin infections in dogs (including deep and superficial
pyodermas) caused by organisms susceptible to Cefalexin.
For the treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous infections (wounds and
abscesses) in cats caused by organisms susceptible to Cefalexin.
For the treatment of urinary-tract infections in cats and dogs (including nephritis and
cystitis) caused by organisms susceptible to Cefalexin.
15 mg of Cefalexin per kg of bodyweight twice daily (equivalent to 30 mg per kg of
bodyweight per day) for a duration of:
- 5 days in case of cutaneous and subcutaneous infections (wounds and abscesses)
in cats;
- 14 days in case of urinary-tract infection in cats and dogs;
- at least 15 days in case of superficial infectious dermatitis in dogs;
- at least 28 days in case of deep infectious dermatitis in dogs.
To achieve this dosage, administer:
in cats and dogs:
•
bodyweight.
To ensure correct dosage, bodyweight should be determined as accurately as
possible to avoid underdosing.
Due to its palatable formulation, the product is well accepted by cats and dogs but
may be crushed or added to food if necessary.
In severe or acute conditions, the dose may be safely doubled.

Revised: December 2022
AN: 02162/2022
Do not use in animals which are known to be hypersensitive to penicillins and
cephalosporins.
Do not use in rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and gerbils.
Do not use in known cases of hypersensitivity to the active substance, to other
cephalosporins, to other substances of the β-lactam group or to any of the excipients.

Revised: December 2022
AN: 02162/2022
Very rare cases of soft faeces and vomiting may be observed in animals during
treatment.
Hypersensitivity to Cefalexin is rare, however, the product should not be
administered to animals which are known to be hypersensitive to Cefalexin or
penicillin. Refer also to section 4.3.
Allergic cross-reactivity with other
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).
None.

Special precautions for use in animals
As with other antibiotics which are excreted mainly by the kidneys, unnecessary
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 of less than 1 kg of bodyweight or
kittens under 9 weeks of age.
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.
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
epidemiological information.
Official, national and regional antimicrobial policies should be taken into account
when the product is used.
As the tablets are palatable to animals there is a danger of excessive ingestion. The
tablets must therefore be stored out of the reach of animals.
Local treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous infections in cats should be
considered as a complement of the antibiotic treatment.
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 penicillin may lead
to cross sensitivity to cephalosporin and . 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. Take care to avoid prolonged skin contact. Wash hands after use.
3- If you develop symptoms following exposure such as skin rash, you should seek
medical advice and show the doctor this warning. Swelling of the face, lips or eyes or

Revised: December 2022
AN: 02162/2022
difficulty with breathing are more-serious symptoms and require urgent medical
attention.
The association of first-generation cephalosporins with aminoglycoside antibiotics
and some diuretics such as furosemide can enhance nephrotoxicity risks.
The bactericidal activity of cephalosporins is reduced by concomitant administration
of bacteriostatic acting compounds (tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, macrolides and
rifampicin).
Keep the blisters in the outer carton.
Divided tablets should be stored in blister packs.
Not applicable.
5.

This information is sourced from the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). It is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before administering any medication.

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