Cefovecin
AntibioticsA long-acting injectable third-generation cephalosporin, a bactericidal beta-lactam antibiotic that binds to penicillin-binding proteins, inhibiting cell-wall construction. It binds strongly to plasma proteins, giving a prolonged effect after a single injection, and is used particularly in dogs and cats.
Pharmacological information
A class-level scientific overview for general reference — no doses. The ultimate reference is always the locally approved product leaflet and consultation with a veterinarian.
Mechanism of action
A long-acting injectable third-generation cephalosporin, a bactericidal beta-lactam antibiotic that binds to penicillin-binding proteins, inhibiting cell-wall construction. It binds strongly to plasma proteins, giving a prolonged effect after a single injection, and is used particularly in dogs and cats.
Indications
- Skin and soft-tissue infections caused by susceptible bacteria in dogs and cats
- Urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria
Contraindications & warnings
- Hypersensitivity to penicillins or cephalosporins
- Caution in severe renal impairment
- Not used in very young animals, per its approved labels
Drug interactions
- May compete with other drugs that are highly plasma-protein bound
- Theoretical antagonism with bacteriostatic antibiotics
Prudent use of antibiotics
Third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins are classified as "highest-priority critically important" by the WHO; they are reserved for cases where alternatives fail or where susceptibility testing confirms the need.
Recorded adverse effects
openFDA veterinary reports — the numbers are report counts, not a severity rate.
Cats
Dogs
Sources
- •Adverse effects: the openFDA veterinary database.
- •European Medicines Agency (EMA) — Veterinary medicines
- •Merck Veterinary Manual — Pharmacology
- •World Health Organization — Critically Important Antimicrobials (WHO CIA)
- •Always verify the locally approved leaflet and consult a veterinarian.