Cefpodoxime

Cefpodoxime is a third-generation cephalosporin administered orally as the prodrug cefpodoxime proxetil. Its established veterinary role is treatment of susceptible bacterial skin infections in dogs. Its spectrum includes selected gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens, and it is also used extra-label for selected infections in cats and for other susceptible infection sites.

Group

Third-generation oral cephalosporin prodrug

Mechanism of Action

Cefpodoxime proxetil is hydrolyzed during absorption to active cefpodoxime. The active drug binds penicillin-binding proteins and inhibits peptidoglycan cross-linking, producing a defective cell wall and bacterial death. Its effect is time dependent. Activity includes susceptible staphylococci and streptococci and selected Escherichia coli, Proteus, Klebsiella and Pasteurella isolates.

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

Treatment of susceptible bacterial skin infections in dogs, including pyoderma, wounds and abscesses.
Extra-label treatment of selected susceptible skin and soft-tissue infections in cats.
Extra-label treatment of selected susceptible bacterial urinary tract infections in dogs and cats.

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.