Liver problems after Cephalexin in dogs

237 reports to the FDA describe liver problems in dogs given Cephalexin. That is 8.8% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

237Reports
68%Marked serious
10%Recovered
30%Died or euthanised
14 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
24 13%
1–2 days
22 12%
3–7 days
35 19%
1–4 weeks
43 23%
Over a month
65 34%

How the animals did

Recovered
16 6.8%
Recovered with lasting effects
8 3.4%
Still unwell when reported
116 49%
Died
30 13%
Euthanised
41 17%
Not known
26 11%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
5
1–3 years
38
4–7 years
81
8–11 years
80
12+ years
33

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Cephalexin cause liver problems in dogs?
237 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 14 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).

Liver problems with similar medicines

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