Cefotetan
Also known as: Cefotan, Apacef, Apatef, Ceftenon, Cepan, Darvilen, Yamatetan
Cefotetan is an injectable antibiotic typically administered by your veterinarian in a hospital setting to treat serious bacterial infections. - **Side Effects:** It is generally very well tolerated. However, watch for signs of stomach upset, diarrhea, or unusual bleeding/bruising. - **Allergies:** Inform your veterinarian immediately if your pet has ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin or other cephalosporin antibiotics. - **Nursing:** Let your veterinarian know if your pet is pregnant or nursing, as the drug can pass into milk and potentially cause mild diarrhea in nursing offspring.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Sepsis
- Susceptible infections
- Soft tissue infections
- Bacteremia, sepsis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Pain at IM injection site
- Thrombophlebitis (IV administration)
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, fever, anaphylaxis)
- Bleeding tendencies (hypoprothrombinemia due to NMTT side chain)
- Gastrointestinal flora alteration (diarrhea, superinfections)
- Rarely: nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia at high doses
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to cephamycins or cephalosporins
- Caution in patients with documented hypersensitivity to penicillins or other beta-lactams (cross-reactivity possible)
- Caution in patients with severe renal dysfunction (dose interval adjustment may be required)
- > **Cross-Reactivity:** Use cautiously in patients with known penicillin allergies due to a 1-15% chance of cross-reactivity. > **Renal Impairment:** Elimination half-lives may be significantly prolonged in patients with severely diminished renal function; dosing intervals may need to be extended. > **Laboratory Interference:** May cause false-positive urine glucose tests (cupric sulfate method) and falsely elevated serum/urine creatinine (Jaffe reaction). Can also cause a false-positive direct Coombs' test.
Drug interactions
- Alcohol: Potential for a disulfiram-like reaction (vomiting, etc.) due to the NMTT side chain.
- Aminoglycosides: Potential additive nephrotoxicity; do not mix together in the same syringe/fluid bag (administer separately). May have synergistic antibacterial activity.
- Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., Amphotericin B): Potential additive nephrotoxicity.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cefotetan used for in pets?
Cefotetan is an injectable antibiotic typically administered by your veterinarian in a hospital setting to treat serious bacterial infections. - **Side Effects:** It is generally very well tolerated. However, watch for signs of stomach upset, diarrhea, or unusual bleeding/bruising. - **Allergies:** Inform your veterinarian immediately if your pet has ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin or other cephalosporin antibiotics. - **Nursing:** Let your veterinarian know if your pet is pregnant or nursing, as the drug can pass into milk and potentially cause mild diarrhea in nursing offspring.
Is Cefotetan safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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