WHAT IS VIRBAC LIXEN?
Virbac Lixen Palatab is a veterinary oral antibiotic tablet manufactured by Virbac Animal Health India Pvt. Ltd. Its active ingredient is Cephalexin IP 600mg — a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with strong activity against gram-positive bacteria responsible for the majority of bacterial skin and soft tissue infections in dogs and cats.
Palatab refers to Virbac's palatable tablet formulation — designed to be accepted voluntarily by dogs without forced administration.
COMPOSITION
| Active Ingredient |
Strength |
Form |
| Cephalexin IP |
600mg |
Palatab (palatable oral tablet) |
HOW CEPHALEXIN WORKS
Cephalexin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins on the bacterial cell surface, preventing the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains that form the structural backbone of the bacterial cell wall. Without an intact cell wall, bacteria cannot survive or replicate.
Cephalexin is bactericidal — it kills bacteria rather than simply inhibiting their growth.
Effective against: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (primary cause of canine pyoderma), Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus canis, E. coli (UTIs), and Proteus mirabilis.
WHEN VETERINARIANS PRESCRIBE LIXEN
Bacterial Pyoderma (Skin Infections)
The most common indication. Pyoderma ranges from superficial folliculitis to deep pyoderma with draining tracts. Lixen is a first-line antibiotic for both forms, typically prescribed for 3–6 weeks.
Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis)
Bacterial secondary infection of hot spots requires systemic antibiotic treatment alongside topical therapy. Cephalexin rapidly controls the bacterial component.
Wound Infections and Bite Wounds
Dog bite wounds and surgical wound infections commonly involve gram-positive cocci. Lixen is routinely prescribed post-bite and post-surgery.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Cephalexin achieves high concentrations in urine, making it effective for UTIs caused by susceptible organisms in dogs and cats.
PALATAB FORMULATION — WHY IT MATTERS
Standard antibiotic tablets are frequently refused by dogs, leading to incomplete courses and treatment failure. Virbac's Palatab technology makes Lixen tablets palatable enough for most dogs to accept voluntarily — improving compliance and ensuring complete antibiotic courses. Incomplete antibiotic courses are a leading cause of antibiotic resistance in pets.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
-
Prescription required — use only under veterinary guidance
- Not recommended in animals with known hypersensitivity to cephalosporins or penicillins
- Use with caution in animals with renal impairment
- Always complete the full prescribed course — never stop early
PRODUCT DETAILS
Brand: Virbac Lixen Palatab
Manufacturer: Virbac Animal Health India Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
Active Ingredient: Cephalexin IP 600mg
Form: Palatable oral tablet (Palatab)
Pack Size: 7 Tablets
Sold By: Pets Lifestyle — India's trusted online pet pharmacy
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS — VIRBAC LIXEN TABLETS
My dog has a skin infection with pustules and crusts. Is Lixen the right antibiotic? ▼
Lixen (Cephalexin) is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for exactly this type of infection — bacterial pyoderma. Pustules, crusts, hair loss, and red skin are classic signs of Staphylococcus infection, and Cephalexin is highly effective against this pathogen. Visit your vet to confirm the diagnosis and get the correct dose and duration.
How long does my dog need to take Lixen for a skin infection? ▼
For superficial skin infections, 3–4 weeks is typical. For deep pyoderma (draining tracts, furunculosis), 6–8 weeks or longer may be needed. This is longer than most owners expect — stopping too early is the most common reason skin infections recur. Always follow your vet's prescribed duration.
My dog refuses to take tablets. Will he accept Lixen Palatab? ▼
Lixen Palatab is specifically designed to be palatable — most dogs accept it voluntarily or with minimal encouragement. You can offer it as a treat or hide it in a small piece of food. The palatab formulation was developed to solve the exact problem of dogs refusing standard antibiotic tablets.
Can Lixen be used for cat bite wounds or dog bite wounds? ▼
Yes. Bite wounds are one of the most common indications for Cephalexin. Animal bites introduce bacteria deep into tissue, and without antibiotic treatment, serious infections develop rapidly. Start treatment as early as possible after a bite wound and see your vet for proper wound cleaning and assessment.
My dog's skin looks better after a week. Can I stop giving Lixen? ▼
No — do not stop early. The skin looking better does not mean the infection is gone. Stopping antibiotics before the prescribed course is complete allows surviving bacteria to recover and become harder to treat. Complete the full course your vet prescribed, even if your dog looks completely normal.
