The label says, word for word:
SIMPLICEF tablets are indicated for the treatment of skin infections (wounds and abscesses) in dogs caused by susceptible strains of Staphylococcus intermedius, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus canis (group G, β hemolytic), Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multocida, and Proteus mirabilis.
Cefpodoxime proxetil is contraindicated in dogs with known allergy to cefpodoxime or to the β-lactam (penicillins and cephalosporins) group of antibiotics.
Not for human use. Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children.
Antimicrobial drugs, including penicillins and cephalosporins, can cause allergic reactions in sensitized individuals. To minimize the possibility of allergic reactions, those handling such antimicrobials, including cefpodoxime, are advised to avoid direct contact of the product with the skin and mucous membranes.
The safety of cefpodoxime proxetil in dogs used for breeding, pregnant dogs, or lactating bitches has not been demonstrated.
As with other cephalosporins, cefpodoxime proxetil may occasionally induce a positive direct Coombs' test.
Every approved medicine has a field study behind it, and the label prints what happened:
A total of 216 dogs of various breeds and ages ranging from 2 months to 15 years were included in the field study safety analysis. Table 3. Abnormal Health Findings in the U.S. Field Study (SIMPLICEF n=118 vs Active Control n=98): Vomiting 2 vs 4; Diarrhea 1 vs 1; Increased water drinking 0 vs 2; Decreased appetite 1 vs 1.
The field-study table reports counts of dogs, not percentages. The label's Animal Safety section adds: "Blood dyscrasia including neutropenias, may be seen following high doses of cephalosporins. Cephalosporin administration should be discontinued in such cases." Manufactured by Sandoz, Kundl, Austria; distributed by Zoetis Inc., Kalamazoo, MI. NADA 141-232, FDA date of approval July 22, 2004 (sponsor at approval: Pharmacia & Upjohn Co.); label revised October 2020; no Client Information Sheet. No FDA safety communication, Dear Veterinarian letter, or recall found on fda.gov.
The emergency page sorts the signs by how long you have, and the symptom checker asks what you are seeing. Reactions to a medicine can also be reported to the FDA yourself: how to report a problem.
These answers come from the approved label on DailyMed, read on 2 October 2026. Where the label does not say, the answer says so, and the vet or the pharmacist is the one to ask.
The approved use is quoted at the top of this page. It is an antibiotic tablet given to dogs for skin infections, meaning wounds and abscesses, caused by the bacteria the label names.
The label gives no day by which the skin should look better. It says the level of the drug in the blood peaked about two hours after a tablet in its study dogs. It also says that treatment of an acute infection, one that has come on suddenly, should not go on for more than 3 to 4 days if there is no response, so tell the vet if nothing has changed by then.
It is a tablet given by mouth once a day, and the label says it may be given with or without food. The label has the course run for 5 to 7 days, or for 2 to 3 days after the signs have gone, up to a maximum of 28 days, and the vet sets the stop date. The label gives the dose by weight, which the vet works out. The tablets are scored, but the label does not say whether they may be split or crushed, so ask the vet or the pharmacist first. It also does not say what to do if the dog vomits after a tablet.
The label does not say what to do about a missed dose. Call the clinic or the pharmacy before you give the next one.
The studies and the warnings are quoted above. The label has no line telling owners when to call the vet. Of the 118 dogs given Simplicef in its field study, two vomited, one had diarrhea and one ate less. If you see any of these, or your dog seems unwell in another way, call the vet. The label says it must not be given to a dog with a known allergy to cefpodoxime or to the penicillin and cephalosporin family of antibiotics. It also warns that these antibiotics can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them, and it advises anyone handling the tablets to avoid direct contact with the skin and with the lining of the mouth, nose and eyes.
Store the tablets at room temperature, between 68° and 77°F. The label has them dispensed in a tight container that keeps out light, and it says to put the cap back on firmly after each opening. Keep them out of the reach of children.
The FDA says the best way to get rid of most unused or expired medicines is a take-back option: a drug take-back location, which can be at a pharmacy or a police station, or a prepaid mail-back envelope. If you cannot use one and the medicine is not on the FDA's flush list, the FDA says to mix it, uncrushed, with something unappealing such as dirt, cat litter or used coffee grounds and to seal the mixture in a plastic bag before throwing it away. Flushing is only for medicines on that list, such as opioids. Do not give leftovers to another pet.
Write the dose, the times and the stop date here, then print this page for the fridge.
Dose and times: _____________________________________________
Stop date: _____________________________________________