Cefovecin

Cefovecin: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Cevovecin is a 3rd generation of cephalosporins.
• It binds to penicillin-binding proteins involved in bacterial cell wall synthesis, decreasing cell wall strength and rigidity, and affecting cell division.
• Resistant to some penicillinases produced by Staphylococcus spp. but ineffective against meticillin-resistant staphylococci.
• Works in a time-dependent fashion.

Uses of Cefovecin

• Indicated for the prolonged treatment of skin, soft tissue, and urinary tract infections.
• Also used as part of the management of the severe periodontal disease.
• Good efficacy against Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pasteurella multocida, and Proteus, and anaerobes such as Prevotella, Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, and Clostridium.
• Not active against Pseudomonas spp., Enterococcus spp., or Bordetella bronchiseptica.
• Its high protein binding may prohibit reaching effective serum levels to treat systemic Escherichia coli.

Dose of Cefovecin in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

• 8 mg/kg s.c., equivalent to 1 ml/10 kg of reconstituted drug subcutaneously.
• May be repeated after 14 days up to 3 times.

Side Effects of Cefovecin in Dogs and Cats

• Appears to be relatively safe but has not been assessed in renal disease.
• Reported adverse reactions include mild GI disturbance and transient swelling at the injection site, as well as type I, II, and III hypersensitivity reactions.

Contraindications of Cefovecin in Dogs and Cats

• Do not use in cats and dogs <8 weeks old.
• Avoid use during lactation and in pregnant animals, as safety has not been established.

Some Notes:

• Cefovecin should not be considered if a 14-day course of antimicrobial would not ordinarily be required for the infection being treated.
• Due to its unique pharmacokinetic profile, cefovecin has an extremely long half-life and only requires administration every 14 days.
• Highly bound to plasma proteins, therefore it would be prudent to exhibit caution when using in conjunction with other highly protein-bound drugs such as furosemide and NSAIDs.