Simplicef is a powerful antibiotic with a broader range of uses than penicillin. Although the drug is not officially recognized as a medicine for use in veterinary practice by the FDA, many veterinarians still prescribe the drug to animals to treat a variety of bacterial infections and other related complications. Because the drug isn't formally identified for veterinary use, many pet owners worry that Simplicef may be harmful for their cats. In actuality, this drug is generally very safe for animal use, although there are some considerations to keep in mind when thinking of administering it to your cat.
Simplicef Overview
Simplicef functions to kill bacteria by preventing them from forming an adequate cell wall. The bacteria cells themselves become weak and susceptible to outside forces and then die off before they are able to replicate. The chemical name of this drug is cefpodoxime proxetil, and Simplicef is a brand name version of the medicine, produced by Pfizer.
Simplicef Treatment in Cats
While Simplicef is commonly used as an antibiotic in canine medicine, it hasn't been tested for use in cats. As a result, while the canine dosage and treatment schedules are relatively certain, veterinarians do not necessarily know how much of the medicine to provide to a cat, or for how long to establish the treatment program.
In dogs, this medicine generally causes mild side effects. In certain cases, animals may be allergic to the medicine or may experience negative effects when Simplicef interacts with other drugs in their systems. Typically, however, side effects are limited to vomiting, occasional and mild diarrhea, and other signs of indigestion. Some animals vomit immediately after ingesting Simplicef, and this is a warning sign that they are sensitive to this medicine.
Whether your cat will experience similar side effects or not isn't well established. Speak with your veterinarian about his experience with Simplicef in feline use, and whether he would recommend it as a treatment for a feline bacterial infection.
If your cat is diagnosed with a bacterial infection of some kind, keep in mind that there is a wide array of antibiotic medicine available for treatment of the condition. In almost all cases, you won't even need to consider treating your pet with Simplicef. You and your veterinarian should be able to find an appropriate antibiotic or other medicine that is approved for feline use instead.
In rare cases, your cat may be sensitive or allergic to certain types of medicines used to treat bacterial infections. Penicillin allergies are relatively common. However, due to the high frequency of bacterial infections in cats, veterinary medicine has focused on creating a number of alternatives for pets that suffer from these allergies. Consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your pet's sensitivity to a particular drug, and ask for recommendations of other antibiotics that may be useful in your cat's case. With his help, you should be able to find a medicine that is safe and effective.