Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins; broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
At a glance
Class
Third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic
Storage
Refrigerate at 2–8°C; reconstituted solution stable for 7 days refrigerated
Dosing
Susceptible bacterial infections (skin, soft tissue, UTI)
Duration: 5–14 days
Susceptible bacterial infections
Duration: 5–14 days
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 →Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Adverse effects
Common
Pain at injection site
Mild GI upset
Serious
Anaphylaxis
Blood dyscrasias
CBC if prolonged useRenal function
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.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Ceftiofur?
Ceftiofur is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used in pets. Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins; broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
›What is Ceftiofur used for in pets?
Ceftiofur is used in veterinary medicine for: Susceptible bacterial infections (skin, soft tissue, UTI); Susceptible bacterial infections.
›What is the Ceftiofur dose for dogs?
For dogs, Ceftiofur is typically dosed as follows — Susceptible bacterial infections (skin, soft tissue, UTI): 2.2–4.4 mg/kg SC/IM SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Ceftiofur dose for cats?
For cats, Ceftiofur is typically dosed as follows — Susceptible bacterial infections: 2.2–4.4 mg/kg SC/IM SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Ceftiofur?
Common: Pain at injection site, Mild GI upset. Serious (call your vet immediately): Anaphylaxis, Blood dyscrasias.
›Does Ceftiofur need a prescription?
Yes. Ceftiofur is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Ceftiofur not be used?
Do not use Ceftiofur if: Known hypersensitivity to cephalosporins or penicillins.
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