Ceftiofur Crystalline Free Acid
Ceftiofur crystalline free acid (CCFA) is a long-acting, veterinary-specific **third-generation cephalosporin**. It is formulated in a Miglyol (cottonseed oil) base to provide sustained release over several days from a single injection. - **Broad-spectrum activity:** Highly effective against major gram-negative and gram-positive respiratory pathogens. - **Target species:** FDA-approved for use in cattle (Bovine Respiratory Disease and foot rot), swine (Swine Respiratory Disease), and horses (lower respiratory tract infections caused by *Streptococcus equi* ssp. *zooepidemicus*). - **Clinical advantage:** Provides a full course of therapy in a single dose (cattle/swine) or two doses (horses), improving compliance and reducing animal handling stress.
Mechanism: Like other beta-lactam antibiotics, ceftiofur is a **time-dependent, bactericidal** agent. - It binds to **penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs)** → inhibits peptidoglycan cross-linking → disrupts bacterial cell wall synthesis → activates autolysins → cell lysis and death. - After administration, the parent compound is rapidly cleaved into furoic acid and **desfuroylceftiofur** (the primary active metabolite). - Desfuroylceftiofur is equally potent to the parent drug and exhibits a spectrum of activity similar to cefotaxime. High protein binding creates a 'reservoir effect' to maintain active drug levels at the site of infection.
Dosing by species
- BRD treatment (Beef and lactating cattle) · 3 mg per lb (6.6 mg ceftiofur equivalents per kg) body weight (1.5 mL sterile suspension per 100 lb body weight) · SC · Single dose · Single dose · Administer as a single SC injection in the posterior aspect of the ear where it attaches to the head at the base of the ear (BOE).
- BRD treatment (Beef and non-lactating dairy cattle) · 6.6 mg ceftiofur equivalents/kg body weight (1.5 mL sterile suspension per 100 lb body weight) · SC · Single dose · Single dose · Administer as a single SC injection in the middle third of the posterior aspect of the ear.
- BRD control (Beef and non-lactating dairy cattle) · 6.6 mg ceftiofur equivalents (CE)/kg body weight (1.5 mL sterile suspension per 100 lb body weight) · SC · Single dose · Single dose · Administer as a SC injection either in the middle third of the posterior aspect of the ear or at the base of the ear.
- Lower respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus · 6.6 mg/kg IM; repeat in 4 days · IM · repeat in 4 days · 2 doses total · A maximum of 20 mL per injection site may be administered. Shake well before using.
- Swine respiratory disease (SRD) · 2.27 mg ceftiofur equivalents (CE) per lb (5 mg CE/kg) body weight · IM · Single dose · Single dose · Administer in the post-auricular region of the neck. No more than 2 mL should be injected in a single injection site. Pigs heavier than 88 lb (40 kg) will require more than one injection.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Routes of administration
Contraindications
- Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cephalosporins
- Use with caution in patients with documented hypersensitivity to other beta-lactams (penicillins, carbapenems)
- Do not use in pre-ruminating calves to be processed for veal
Adverse effects
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rashes, fever, eosinophilia, anaphylaxis)
- Granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia (rare)
- Diarrhea, soft or loose stools (especially in horses)
- Injection site reactions: swelling, thickening, aseptic cellular infiltrate, discoloration
- Sudden death in cattle if injected into ear arteries
Drug interactions
- Aminoglycosides / Nephrotoxic drugs · Potential additive nephrotoxicity. Do not mix in the same syringe or IV line.
- Probenecid · Competitively blocks the tubular secretion of most cephalosporins, thereby increasing serum levels and serum half-lives.
Monitoring
- Clinical efficacy (resolution of respiratory signs within 3-5 days)
- Injection site reactions (swelling, inflammation)
- Fecal consistency (monitor for diarrhea, especially in horses)
- CBC (if used off-label in small animals)
- Renal function in patients with pre-existing renal compromise
Overdose
Cephalosporin overdoses are unlikely to cause significant systemic toxicity other than **gastrointestinal distress** and potential injection site reactions. > **Regulatory Warning:** Use of dosages in excess of labeled recommendations (e.g., >6.6 mg/kg in cattle or >5 mg/kg in swine) or administration by unapproved routes (e.g., SC in the neck or IM in cattle) will likely cause **violative tissue residues**. Contact FARAD for assistance in determining appropriate extended withdrawal times if an overdose occurs.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.