Ceftiofur HCl
Also known as: Excenel RTU, Spectramast DC, Spectramast LC, Naxcel (Sodium salt variant), Cefenil
> **Note:** This medication is primarily prescribed for livestock (cattle and swine). * **Administration:** Administer exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Complete the entire course of treatment even if the animal appears to have recovered, to prevent antibiotic resistance. * **Food Animal Safety:** Strict adherence to slaughter and milk withdrawal times is legally required to prevent drug residues in the human food supply. Withdrawal times vary depending on the specific product used (e.g., Excenel RTU vs. Spectramast). * **Side Effects:** Monitor for signs of allergic reactions (such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing) and diarrhea. * **Injection Sites:** Be aware that injections may cause temporary pain and tissue discoloration at the injection site.
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
- Susceptible urinary tract infections
- Sepsis/bacteraemia
- Bovine respiratory disease and acute bovine interdigital necrobacillosis
- Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) only
- Acute post-partum metritis
- Neonatal salmonellosis
- Subclinical mastitis at time of dry off
- Clinical mastitis in lactating dairy cattle
- Bacterial respiratory disease
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Pain on IM injection (especially in small animals)
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rashes, fever, eosinophilia, lymphadenopathy, anaphylaxis)
- Gastrointestinal distress / diarrhea
- Granulocytopenia (rare)
- Thrombocytopenia (rare)
- Injection site discoloration
Cautions & contraindications
- Patients with a documented history of hypersensitivity to cephalosporins
- Use with caution in patients hypersensitive to other beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, carbapenems) due to potential cross-reactivity
- > **Warning:** Hypersensitivity reactions can occur. Cross-reactivity with penicillins is possible. * **Tissue Discoloration:** IM or SC injections can cause injection site discoloration, resulting in trim-out of edible tissues at slaughter (persisting up to 11 days in the neck, or >28 days in the rear leg of cattle). * **Withdrawal Times:** Strict adherence to slaughter and milk withdrawal times is legally required and varies significantly by specific product and species. * **Renal Impairment:** Patients in renal failure may require dosage adjustments due to decreased clearance. * **Laboratory Interference:** May cause false-positive urine glucose tests (cupric sulfate method), falsely elevated creatinine (Jaffe reaction), and false-positive direct Coombs' tests.
Drug interactions
- Aminoglycosides / Nephrotoxic Drugs (e.g., amphotericin B): Potential for additive nephrotoxicity. In vitro studies show synergistic antibacterial activity, but they must NOT be mixed together in the same syringe or fluid line.
- Probenecid: Competitively blocks the tubular secretion of most cephalosporins, thereby increasing serum levels and prolonging serum half-lives.
- Aminoglycosides: Synergistic antibacterial effect, but should not be mixed in the same syringe due to chemical incompatibility.
- Amphotericin B: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
- Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide): Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ceftiofur HCl used for in pets?
> **Note:** This medication is primarily prescribed for livestock (cattle and swine). * **Administration:** Administer exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Complete the entire course of treatment even if the animal appears to have recovered, to prevent antibiotic resistance. * **Food Animal Safety:** Strict adherence to slaughter and milk withdrawal times is legally required to prevent drug residues in the human food supply. Withdrawal times vary depending on the specific product used (e.g., Excenel RTU vs. Spectramast). * **Side Effects:** Monitor for signs of allergic reactions (such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing) and diarrhea. * **Injection Sites:** Be aware that injections may cause temporary pain and tissue discoloration at the injection site.
Is Ceftiofur HCl 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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