Ceftiofur Sodium
Ceftiofur sodium is a **veterinary-specific, third-generation cephalosporin** antibiotic. It is widely utilized across multiple species for its broad-spectrum efficacy against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. **Key Clinical Highlights:** * **Primary Indications:** Highly effective for bovine and swine respiratory diseases, foot rot in cattle, and susceptible urinary tract infections (UTIs) and soft tissue infections in dogs and cats. * **Extra-label Use:** Frequently used off-label in exotic species (including reptiles, ratites, and elephants) and for various systemic infections in small animals. * **Safety Profile:** Generally safe, but can cause transient pain upon intramuscular (IM) injection. It carries a risk of hypersensitivity reactions, and caution is advised in patients with known beta-lactam allergies. * **Metabolism:** Rapidly converted in vivo to its active metabolite, desfuroylceftiofur, which maintains potent antibacterial activity.
Mechanism: Ceftiofur is a **time-dependent, bactericidal** antibiotic. Upon administration, ceftiofur is rapidly cleaved โ **furoic acid** and **desfuroylceftiofur** (the primary active metabolite). Desfuroylceftiofur โ binds to **penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs)** located inside the bacterial cell wall โ inhibits the third and final stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis by halting peptidoglycan cross-linking โ weakens the structural integrity of the cell wall โ leads to **cell lysis** and bacterial death.
Dosing by species
- Respiratory disease ยท 1.1 to 2.2 mg/kg ยท IM ยท q24h ยท 3-5 days ยท 1-2 mL reconstituted sterile solution per 100 lbs body weight
- Respiratory disease ยท 1.1 to 2.2 mg/kg ยท IM ยท q24h ยท 3-5 days ยท When used in lactating does, the high end of the dosage is recommended
- UTI ยท 2.2 mg/kg ยท SC ยท q24h ยท 5-14 days
- Systemic, soft tissue infections ยท 2.2 mg/kg q12h or 4.4 mg/kg q24h ยท SC ยท q12h or q24h ยท 5-14 days
- Sepsis, bacteremia ยท 4.4 mg/kg ยท SC ยท q12h ยท 2-5 days
- Bovine respiratory disease, foot rot ยท 1.1 to 2.2 mg/kg ยท IM or SC ยท q24h ยท 3-5 days ยท 1-2 mL reconstituted sterile solution per 100 lbs body weight
- Respiratory infections (S. zooepidemicus) ยท 2.2 to 4.4 mg/kg ยท IM ยท q24h ยท up to 10 days ยท Continue for 48 hours after symptoms disappear. Max 10 mL per injection site.
- General susceptible infections ยท 1-2 mg/kg ยท IV or IM ยท q12-24h
Routes of administration
Contraindications
- Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cephalosporins
- Caution in patients with documented hypersensitivity to other beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cefamycins, carbapenems)
Adverse effects
- Immediate and transient local pain on IM injection
- Discoloration at SC injection sites (may persist >5 days)
- Localized post-injection bacterial infections/abscesses (cattle)
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rashes, fever, eosinophilia, lymphadenopathy, anaphylaxis)
- Acute diarrhea (especially in stressed horses)
- Granulocytopenia
- Thrombocytopenia
Drug interactions
- Aminoglycosides ยท Potential for additive nephrotoxicity; in vitro synergy exists, but drugs should not be mixed in the same syringe/fluid line.
- Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., Amphotericin B) ยท Potential for additive nephrotoxicity.
- Probenecid ยท Competitively blocks the tubular secretion of most cephalosporins, increasing serum levels and serum half-lives.
Monitoring
- Clinical efficacy (resolution of infection signs)
- Weekly CBC in small animals (recommended by some clinicians)
- Intensified renal monitoring in patients with diminished renal function
Overdose
Cephalosporin overdoses are generally well-tolerated and unlikely to cause significant systemic toxicity. * **Clinical Signs:** Primarily limited to gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) or localized injection site reactions. * **Food Animal Considerations:** Overdoses in food-producing animals may result in significantly extended tissue withdrawal times. Contact FARAD for specific guidance on withdrawal interval adjustments.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturerโs current label.