Rilexine® (Cephalexin) chewable tablets for dogs is a prescription broad-spectrum antibiotic medication belonging to cephalosporin drugs commonly used to treat canine pyoderma.
Other infections can also be treated with medicine, such as bacterial infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.
Other forms of Cephalexin can also be used for dogs; however, Rilexine Tablets are specially formulated for canine use and considered a safe and effective form of Cephalexin for your pet.
Rilexine chewable tablets for dogs by Virbac tablets are usually supplied in different variants of strength, including 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg.
Choosing the right form of antibiotic and administering it in the correct dosage is essential. Overdosing can be toxic for your puppy and can cause health complications.
This blog post will guide you about the safe administration of Rilexine® (Cephalexin) to dogs, its uses, safe dosage, and possible side effects.
We have also included a Cephalexin dose calculator for dogs so that you can easily find the accurate dosage for your pet.
| Medicine Name | Rilexine® |
| Type | Antibiotic |
| Active Ingredient | Cephalexin |
| FDA Approved | Yes |
| Prescription Require | Yes |
| Safe for all dogs | No |
| Available forms | Oral Chewable Tablets:75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg. |
| Storage Requirements | Room temperature + Tightly sealed |
| Other Cephalexin Brands | Keflex®, Vetolexin®, Biocef®, Keftab®, Ceporex®, Cephacare®, Cefaseptin®, Cephorum®, Cefabactin®, Petalexin® ,Therios® |
Rilexine Dosage For Dogs
The ideal and safe Rilexine dosage for dogs is 22mg/kg (10 mg/lb) bid for a maximum of 28 days. For the treatment of certain canine infections, the dosage and duration of the treatment can be increased or decreased with the veterinarian’s advice only.
In some conditions, the dosage of Cephalexin can be increased to (22 to 40 mg/kg) three times a day.
Remember that Rilexine® (Virbac) chewable tablets are prescription medicine and can only be used with the veterinarian’s advice.
Dosage Calculator
Veterinarians often prescribe Cephalexin at a dose of (22 to 40 mg/kg) two to three times a day.
Rilexine Dosage Chart For Dogs by Weight
| Dog kg Weight | lbs Weight | Rilexine 150 mg Tablets For Dogs | Rilexine 300mg Tablets For Dogs | Rilexine 600mg Tablets For Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kg | 7 lbs | 1/2 | 1/4 | * |
| 5 kg | 11 lbs | 1/2 | 1/3 | * |
| 10 kg | 22 lbs | 1+1/2 | 1/2 | * |
| 15 kg | 33 lbs | 2 | 1 | 1/2 |
| 20 kg | 44 lbs | 3 | 1+1/2 | 1/2 |
| 25 kg | 55 lbs | * | 2 | 1 |
| 30 kg | 66 lbs | * | 2 | 1 |
| 35 kg | 77 lbs | * | 2+1/2 | 1+1/4 |
| 40 kg | 88 lbs | * | 3 Tablets | 1+1/2 |
| 45 kg | 99 lbs | * | * | 1+1/2 |
| 50 kg | 110 lbs | * | * | 2 |
Cephalexin Dosage Chart For Dogs
| Dog #kg Weight | #lbs Weight | Cephalexin Dosage For Dogs (22 to 40 mg/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kg | 7 lbs | 66mg-120mg |
| 5 kg | 11 lbs | 110mg-200mg |
| 10 kg | 22 lbs | 220mg-400mg |
| 15 kg | 33 lbs | 330mg-600mg |
| 20 kg | 44 lbs | 440mg-800mg |
| 25 kg | 55 lbs | 550mg-1000mg |
| 30 kg | 66 lbs | 660mg-1200mg |
| 40 kg | 88 lbs | 880mg-1600mg |
| 50 kg | 110 lbs | 1100mg-2000mg |
We recommend going with the lower dose of Cephalexin for your pet. Only increase the amount from the minimum limit after consulting your veterinarian.
Uses of Rilexine in Dogs
Rilexine Chewable Tablets can be used to Treat:
- Pyoderma
- Skin infections
- Respiratory tract infections
- UTI
- Osteomyelitis
- Wound infections
- Pneumonia
- Mastitis
Rilexine Side Effects in dogs
Administrating a safe dose of cephalexin is safe for canines; however, as with any other medicine, cephalexin, too, has some side effects.
Commonly reported cephalexin side effects in dogs are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Allergic Reactions (Fever, rashes, skin itchiness)
- Lack of appetite
- Facial swelling
If you notice any of the above-mentioned side effects, stop giving the next dose and make sure to contact your vet immediately for a checkup.
Rilexine Overdose in Dogs
Overdosing your pet on any medicine can be toxic and can cause severe health issues. Rilexine Overdose in Dogs can develop poisonous reactions and can even be fatal.
Relaxing overdosing symptoms in dogs are:
- Irregular breathing
- Extreme restlessness
- Pale Gums
- Seizures
- Excessive salivation
- Frequent urinating
Which dogs should not take Rilexine® (Cephalexin)?
Canines allergic or hypersensitive to Cephalexin, penicillin or other cephalosporin medicine should not take Rilexine® (Cephalexin).
Pregnant and nursing dogs, puppies aged less than two months and pets suffering from health issues such as seizures, heart issues or liver and kidney issues should not take Cephalexin without vet advice.
Safety Precautions:
- Use the medicine with the vet’s advice and administer a safe dosage.
- Keep all drugs away from the reach of children and pets.
- The medicine can be administered with or without food.
- Make sure to complete the full treatment. Stopping the antibiotic while completing the dose can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.
- Do not overdose. Keep a gap of at least 10 hours when using twice a day and at least 20 hours if using once a day.
- Pregnant, nursing or pet owners allergic or hypersensitive to the antibiotic should avoid giving the medicine. Prefer another member to administer the drug.
- Increase or decrease the amount with the veterinarian’s advice only.
Which drugs can interact with Cephalexin?
Cephalexin may interact with certain medicines, including:
- Cephalosporin drugs (overdosing risk),
- Cholestyramine
- Chloramphenicol
- Amphotericin B
- Aminoglycosides
- Warfarin.
- Estrogens
- Metformin
- Furosemide
- Metoclopramide
- Omeprazole
- Pantoprazole
- Probenecid
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How much time does Cephalexin take to work on dogs?
Usually, Cephalexin starts its effects once absorbed in dogs’ bloodstreams. You may observe your dog’s condition improvements within 24-48 hours.
In some canines, you may see improvements within a week. Full recovery from the health issue will be observed after completing the full dosage course prescribed by your veterinarian.
For more study: Reference
