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Cefotetan

Prescription
Second-Generation Cephalosporin (Cephamycin)
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Cephamycin antibiotic with enhanced anaerobic coverage compared to other second-gen cephalosporins due to 7-alpha-methoxy group. Excellent activity against Bacteroides fragilis and most Enterobacteriaceae.

At a glance

Class
Second-Generation Cephalosporin (Cephamycin)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Powder at room temperature; reconstituted stable 24h at room temperature or 96h refrigerated

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for mixed aerobic-anaerobic infections (peritonitis, pyometra, aspiration p
Dose
30 mg/kg
Route
IV, SQ
Frequency
q8h
🐈

Cat

Used for intra-abdominal infections and pyometra in cats
Dose
30 mg/kg
Route
IV
Frequency
q8h
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

Storage

Powder at room temperature; reconstituted stable 24h at room temperature or 96h refrigerated

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Coagulation (PT) with prolonged useCBCClinical response
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

Cefotan

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Cefotetan?
Cefotetan is a second-generation cephalosporin (cephamycin) used in pets. Cephamycin antibiotic with enhanced anaerobic coverage compared to other second-gen cephalosporins due to 7-alpha-methoxy group. Excellent activity against Bacteroides fragilis and most Enterobacteriaceae.
What is Cefotetan used for in pets?
Cefotetan is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for mixed aerobic-anaerobic infections (peritonitis, pyometra, aspiration p; Used for intra-abdominal infections and pyometra in cats.
What is the Cefotetan dose for dogs?
For dogs, Cefotetan is typically dosed as follows — Used for mixed aerobic-anaerobic infections (peritonitis, pyometra, aspiration p: 30 mg/kg IV/SQ q8h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Cefotetan dose for cats?
For cats, Cefotetan is typically dosed as follows — Used for intra-abdominal infections and pyometra in cats: 30 mg/kg IV q8h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Cefotetan need a prescription?
Yes. Cefotetan is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Second-Generation Cephalosporin).

Cefaclor
Rx
Bactericidal beta-lactam that inhibits cell wall synthesis. Second-generation spectrum bridges gram-positive (first-gen) and gram-negative (third-gen) coverage. More active against H. influenzae and Moraxella than first-generation cephalosporins.
dogcat
Cefuroxime
Rx
Beta-lactam antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Bactericidal with activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.
dogcat
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