Prescribing overview
Rilexine has a canine approval; Keflex remains human-labeled.
Key prescribing checks
- Review cephalosporin and penicillin allergy history. The human label describes potentially serious hypersensitivity and relevant cross-sensitivity concerns.
- Assess renal function and concomitant drugs before selecting a regimen; human renal adjustment tables are not animal instructions.
- Choose treatment for a supported bacterial indication, with culture or reassessment when appropriate. Antibiotic use should not be selected solely from a symptom.
- Vomiting, diarrhea or other new illness during a course requires assessment. Species-specific digestive risks and off-label decisions need veterinary references beyond this human label.
Uses by species
Approval and evidence apply to the named product, species, route and indication. An extra-label use requires its own prescribing assessment; a human indication is not an animal approval.
Dogs
US veterinary approval: RilexineSecondary superficial bacterial pyoderma caused by susceptible S. pseudintermedius
Other species/infections require separate extra-label assessment.
Use / indication source ↗Pharmacology & pharmacokinetics
Mechanism and clinical role
Bactericidal cell-wall inhibition; time-dependent antibacterial activity.
Absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination
Canine Rilexine data: approximately 90% oral bioavailability and 9–13% protein binding; food lowers peak concentration with little change in total absorption.
SAFETY REFERENCE · PRODUCT & SPECIES SPECIFIC
Contraindications & cautions
Contraindications identify circumstances where the source says a product should not be used. Precautions call for assessment or monitoring. Interactions identify combinations to review. They are distinct categories; this summary does not replace a full interaction check or the current product label.
Keflex
Human capsule label; not established veterinary prescribing guidance.
Contraindications · when not to use
- Known cephalexin or cephalosporin hypersensitivity.
Precautions & monitoring
- Penicillin cross-hypersensitivity, antibiotic-associated colitis, hemolytic anemia, renal-associated seizure risk and prolonged clotting time are warnings.
Rilexine
US canine cephalexin chewable tablet label.
Contraindications · when not to use
- Known cephalexin or beta-lactam antibiotic allergy.
Precautions & monitoring
- Reproductive safety unestablished. Secure palatable tablets against overdose; cephalosporins can interfere with diagnostic tests and may cause hematological abnormalities.
Safety sources checked: . Selected label information; independent veterinary or veterinary-pharmacy review remains pending. A label for dogs, cats, horses or humans does not establish safety for another species.
Adverse effects
Canine label commonly reports diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia and lethargy. Beta-lactam allergy is a contraindication.
These are selected source-reported effects, not incidence estimates or an exhaustive list. Spontaneous postmarketing reports do not by themselves establish frequency or causality.
Dosing & administration
| Species & indication | Labeled regimen | Eligibility & source |
|---|---|---|
| DogsSecondary superficial S. pseudintermedius pyodermaRilexine 150,300 or 600 mg chewable tablets | 22 mg/kg (10 mg/lb) Oral · Twice daily 28 days | Culture/susceptibility before treatment; adjust after results. This is not a Keflex or feline regimen. Verify full dosing label ↗ |
Keflex human doses are not animal instructions; reproductive safety unestablished for Rilexine.
Extra-label prescribing and food-animal residue requirements are separate from labeled regimens. FDA extra-label-use guidance ↗
Drug & supplement interactions
This is a selected interaction reference, not an automated or comprehensive combination checker. Reconcile prescription drugs, nonprescription products, supplements and recent treatment changes.
Keflex
Human capsule label; not established veterinary prescribing guidance.
- Probenecid coadministration is not recommended; metformin concentrations can increase. Urine glucose testing may be falsely positive.
Monitoring
Reassess lesion response and tolerability; cephalosporins can interfere with selected urine/blood tests.
Client counseling
Palatable tablets can be overeaten; contact veterinarian immediately after excess ingestion.
This section supports the veterinary team's discharge discussion; it does not replace the product’s Client Information Sheet where one is required.
Storage & handling
Secure out of pets' and children's reach.
Brands, formulations & ingredient identity
Active ingredients
cephalexin
Other searchable names: cefalexin · cephalexin monohydrate
Keflex maps to cephalexin, including the monohydrate description in ingredient records. Cefalexin is an alternative spelling of the same drug.
The linked brand label describes oral capsules. Tablets, suspensions and compounded liquids need their own package and concentration checks.
Cephalexin is not cefpodoxime, cefovecin or another cephalosporin. Similar class names do not establish matching coverage, route or administration schedules.
Shared ingredients do not establish interchangeable concentrations, routes, release properties, species labeling or regional availability.
Keflex
- Formulation
- Oral capsules
- Label / product scope
- Human product
Human cephalexin brand; animal prescribing requires veterinary direction.
Product label / source ↗Rilexine
- Formulation
- 150, 300 or 600 mg chewable tablets
- Label / product scope
- Dogs
Veterinary canine pyoderma product.
Product label / source ↗References & review status
Clinical reference updated October 16, 2026. Independent veterinary or veterinary-pharmacy review not yet completed. Evidence gaps remain explicitly identified; this page does not claim equivalence to a comprehensive, professionally reviewed veterinary formulary.
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