Lethargy after Cephalexin in dogs

457 reports to the FDA describe lethargy in dogs given Cephalexin. That is 17% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 11% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

457Reports
51%Marked serious
34%Recovered
19%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
92 24%
1–2 days
62 16%
3–7 days
58 15%
1–4 weeks
67 18%
Over a month
99 26%

How the animals did

Recovered
126 28%
Recovered with lasting effects
30 6.6%
Still unwell when reported
131 29%
Died
44 9.6%
Euthanised
44 9.6%
Not known
82 18%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
37
1–3 years
97
4–7 years
150
8–11 years
117
12+ years
54

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Cephalexin cause lethargy in dogs?
457 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 5 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Lethargy with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Cephalexin in dogs · Medicines most reported with lethargy