Novobiocin Sodium
Novobiocin sodium
Also known as: Albadry Plus · Albamycin · Biodry · Delta Albaplex · crystallinic acid · PA-93 · streptonivicin · U-6591 · novobiocinum natricum · sodium novobiocin
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susceptible infections | 22 mg/kg of each antibiotic and 0.55 mg prednisolone PO q12h | PO | q12h | 48 hours | 🌎 NA |
- Susceptible infections: Using the combination product (with tetracycline and prednisolone)
Cattle
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subclinical mastitis in dry cows | Infuse contents of one syringe into each quarter at the time of drying off; not later than 30 days prior to calving. | Intramammary | Once | — | 🌎 NA |
- Subclinical mastitis in dry cows: Shake well before using.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Novobiocin is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic primarily effective against certain gram-positive cocci.
- Veterinary Use: It is FDA-approved in combination with penicillin G as an intramammary infusion for dry dairy cattle (mastitis). It is also available in combination with tetracycline and prednisolone for oral use in dogs.
- Clinical Pearl: Due to the availability of safer and more effective broad-spectrum antibiotics, systemic use of novobiocin is relatively uncommon in modern small animal practice. Its use is largely restricted to specific combination products.
Mechanism of action
Novobiocin acts in a bactericidal manner through multiple mechanisms:
- Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase → interferes with protein and nucleic acid synthesis.
- Interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis.
- Note: The activity of the drug is significantly enhanced in an alkaline medium.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to novobiocin
Adverse effects
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rashes
- Blood dyscrasias
- Hepatotoxicity (reported in humans)
Precautions
Use with extreme caution in patients with preexisting hepatic or hematopoietic dysfunction. Safety during pregnancy has not been established; use only when clearly indicated.
Drug interactions
Novobiocin may block tubular transport, potentially decreasing the elimination rates and prolonging the half-lives of these drugs.
Monitoring
- Clinical efficacy
- Adverse effects
- Periodic liver function tests (if using long-term systemically)
- CBCs (if using long-term systemically)
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Well absorbed from the GI tract after oral administration. Peak levels occur within 1-4 hours. The presence of food can decrease peak concentrations.
Distribution
Poorly distributed to body fluids (synovial, pleural, and ascitic fluid concentrations are less than plasma). Minimal quantities cross the blood-brain barrier, even with inflamed meninges. Highest concentrations are found in the small intestine and liver. Approximately 90% protein bound. Distributed into milk.
Metabolism
Can be metabolized into a yellow-colored product that may interfere with serum bilirubin determinations.
Elimination
Primarily eliminated in the bile and feces. Approximately 3% is excreted into the urine.
Overdose
Little information is available regarding overdoses. It is suggested that large oral overdoses be handled by emptying the gut following standard protocols; monitor and treat adverse effects symptomatically if necessary.
Available products
Formulations
- Intramammary syringe (combination)
- Oral tablets (combination)
Veterinary
- Albadry Plus® (Novobiocin 400 mg and Penicillin G Procaine 200,000 Units per 10 mL syringe)
- Delta Albaplex® (Novobiocin Sodium 60 mg, Tetracycline HCl 60 mg, Prednisolone 1.5 mg tablets)
- Delta Albaplex® 3X (Novobiocin Sodium 180 mg, Tetracycline HCl 180 mg, Prednisolone 4.5 mg tablets)
Regulatory status
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇪🇺 EU · 🇬🇧 UK · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature in tight containers unless otherwise directed.
Client information
Important: Shake mastitis tubes well before using.
- Do not exceed dosage recommendations or the prescribed length of treatment.
- If your pet experiences severe vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, contact your veterinarian.
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.