Cefovecin

What it is used for

• Skin infections due to S. intermedius or S. canis (Group G) (USA Label)
• Skin and soft tissue infections (UK Label)
• Severe infections of the gingival and periodontal tissues (UK Label)
• Urinary Tract Infections (UK Label)
• Skin, soft tissue, urinary tract infections, and severe periodontal disease
• Skin infections (wounds and abscesses) caused by susceptible strains of Pasteurella multocida (USA Label)
• Skin and soft tissue abscesses and wounds (UK Label)
• Urinary Tract Infections (UK Label)
• Skin, soft tissue, urinary tract infections, and severe periodontal disease

How it is given

Possible side effects

• Lethargy and depression
• Anorexia
• Vomiting
• Mild to moderate increases in liver enzymes (ALT, GGT)
• Increases in BUN and moderately elevated serum creatinine (observed in cats)
• Injection site irritation, vocalization, and transient edema
• Hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis (rare but potentially fatal)
• Myelotoxicity creating toxic neutropenia (rare class effect)
• Anemia, thrombocytopenia, and prolonged coagulation times (rare class effect)

Cautions & contraindications

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to cefovecin, other cephalosporins, or penicillins (beta-lactams)
• Small herbivores (e.g., guinea pigs, rabbits) due to risk of fatal dysbiosis
• Dogs or cats less than 4 months of age (USA label) or less than 8 weeks of age (UK label)
• > **Prolonged Duration Warning:** Because cefovecin can persist in the body for up to 65 days, any adverse reactions (such as hypersensitivity or gastrointestinal upset) may require prolonged symptomatic and supportive treatment. * **Renal Impairment:** Cefovecin is primarily eliminated via renal mechanisms. Use with caution in animals with severe renal dysfunction. * **Breeding/Lactation:** Safe use in breeding or lactating animals has not been definitively established, though cephalosporins are generally considered safe. Weigh risks vs. benefits. * **Laboratory Interference:** May cause false-positive urine glucose (copper reduction methods), falsely elevated creatinine (Jaffe reaction at high doses), falsely lowered albumin, and false-positive direct Coombs' tests.

Drug interactions

• Carprofen: May compete for plasma protein binding sites, potentially increasing the free (active) concentrations of either drug.
• Furosemide: May compete for plasma protein binding sites.
• Doxycycline: May compete for plasma protein binding sites.
• Ketoconazole: May compete for plasma protein binding sites.
• NSAIDs, Propofol, Cardiac, Anticonvulsant, and Behavioral medications: Concurrent use of highly protein-bound drugs may compete with cefovecin binding and cause adverse reactions, though actual clinical significance is not fully established.
• NSAIDs: Competition for plasma protein binding, potentially altering free drug concentrations

Frequently asked questions