Selected Antimicrobial Information – Equine

Ceftiofur [Equine]

Restriction Status

Unrestricted

Dose

Species Usage Dose
Horses
Ceftiofur sodium (Naxcel®)
  • Adults: 2.2-4.4mg/kg IM q24h (not exceeding 10d of treatment)
  • Foals: 10mg/kg IM, IV, or SQ q6-12h (extra-label use)
  • AS CRI: 2.2mg/kg IV once, followed by 12 mcg/kg/min
Ceftiofur crystalline free acid (Excede®) For Streptococcus zooepidemicus: 6.6mg/kg IM at 0 and 96h

Brand Name(s)

Excede®, Naxcel®

Background

Ceftiofur is a bactericidal, time-dependent third generation cephalosporin (β-lactam) antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive aerobes, Gram-negative aerobes including Enterobacteriaceae, and anaerobes including Clostridium spp. and Fusobacterium spp. It is not effective against Enterococcus spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Distribution throughout the body is wide, and includes penetration into joints and synovial fluid. Excretion is primarily in urine.

Acceptable Uses

  • Treatment of respiratory infections caused by β-hemolytic streptococcal infections.
  • Treatment of some abscesses, skin infections, or joint infections.
  • Treatment of urinary tract infections.
  • When used in combination with an aminoglycoside, can treat mixed infections where greater coverage against Gram-negative bacteria is required (sepsis, peritonitis, cholangiohepatitis, septic arthritis).
  • Used in regional limb perfusion or intra-articular injection for treatment of septic arthritis.

Unacceptable Uses

  • N/A

Formulations Available within the OSU Pharmacy

  • Excede 200mg/ml injectable suspension

Notes

  • A maximum of 10mL of Naxcel® or 20mL of Excede® should be given per injection site.

License

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OSU VMC Antimicrobial Use Guidelines Copyright © 2018 by The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.