Batiofur HCL

Indications

• Respiratory diseases in swine
• Respiratory diseases in ruminants
• Respiratory diseases in horses

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing information.

Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing information.

Mechanism of action

Ceftiofur exerts its antibacterial effect by binding to penicillin-binding proteins located beneath the bacterial cell wall. This binding interferes with the action of transpeptidase and other enzymes involved in cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis and death of the bacteria. The thioester bond in ceftiofur is rapidly cleaved to produce desfuroylceftiofur, which is further metabolized to various conjugates, contributing to its prolonged antibacterial activity.

Pharmacodynamics

Ceftiofur demonstrates a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It exhibits a time-dependent killing effect, where the duration of exposure above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is critical for its efficacy. The drug also shows a residual antibacterial effect, sustaining its action even after serum concentrations drop.

Pharmacokinetics

Ceftiofur is administered via intramuscular injection, leading to rapid absorption into the bloodstream. It is extensively metabolized in the body, with desfuroylceftiofur being the primary active metabolite. The elimination half-life varies among species but is generally short, necessitating careful adherence to dosing schedules to maintain effective drug levels. The drug is primarily excreted via urine and feces.

Pregnancy

Ceftiofur should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Limited data are available regarding its safety in pregnant animals.

Breast-feeding

Ceftiofur is excreted in milk; caution should be exercised when administering to lactating animals.

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light. Do not freeze.

Formulations

• Ceftiofur sodium solution for injection

Mechanism of action

Ceftiofur sodium is a third generation broad-spectrum cephalosporin, formulated as an intramuscular injection, which is used to treat respiratory diseases in swine, ruminants and horses. The thioester bond on ceftiofur is rapidly cleaved to give desfuroylceftiofur which is further metabolized to a disulfide dimer and various desfuroylceftiofur-protein and amino acid conjugates. Cephalosporins ... bind to penicillin-binding proteins located beneath the cell wall and thereby interfere with the action of transpeptidase and other cell-wall enzymes. A residual antibacterial effect is also evident with the cephalosporins. /Cephalosporins/