Ceftiofur

Ceftiofur

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Chemical structure of Ceftiofur

Ceftiofur is a cephalosporin antibiotic used in veterinary medicine. It is a third-generation cephalosporin that is effective against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Ceftiofur is commonly used to treat respiratory infections in cattle, swine, and horses.

Mechanism of Action

Ceftiofur works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, which are essential for the cross-linking of the peptidoglycan layer. This inhibition leads to the weakening of the cell wall and eventually causes bacterial cell lysis and death.

Pharmacokinetics

Ceftiofur is administered via intramuscular or subcutaneous routes. After administration, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. Ceftiofur is metabolized in the liver to desfuroylceftiofur, which retains antibacterial activity. The drug and its metabolites are primarily excreted in the urine.

Clinical Uses

Ceftiofur is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections in animals, including:

• Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in cattle
• Swine respiratory disease (SRD) in pigs
• Equine respiratory infections in horses

It is also used to treat foot rot and acute metritis in cattle.

Safety and Side Effects

Ceftiofur is generally well-tolerated in animals. However, some animals may experience mild side effects such as swelling at the injection site, diarrhea, or allergic reactions. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and withdrawal times to ensure food safety in animals intended for human consumption.

Resistance

The use of ceftiofur, like other antibiotics, can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance. It is crucial to use ceftiofur judiciously and in accordance with veterinary guidelines to minimize the risk of resistance.

Related Pages

• Cephalosporin
• Antibiotic resistance
• Veterinary medicine